Sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and a mountain backdrop, Port Louis blends Mauritius modernity and tradition. The Caudan Waterfront entices shoppers with fashion, local crafts and live entertainment. Domaine les Pailles, with its 18th-century ox-driven sugar mill and colonial architecture, houses a new casino. Seek out the capital city's vast Bazaar, built in 1828, for spices, souvenirs and a lunch of fried noodles. For great views, hike the pedestrians-only road up Signal Mountain.

Mauritius is arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination, a tropical paradise with tons to do. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. But most visitors gravitate toward resort areas such as Mont Choisy, quiet Trou-aux-Biches and the more bustling Flic en Flac, popular with scuba divers. Rivière Noire is ideal for those looking for great deep-sea fishing.

Miles of powder-white beaches hug the coast at Belle Mare, where championship golf courses, posh resorts, a family-friendly water park and abundant aquatic sports ensure activity-filled days. Deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin and mako shark is especially popular in this eastern Mauritius enclave. Belle Mare also serves as a convenient base camp for a trek to 1,575-foot Lion Mountain, where sweeping views reward those who make the challenging hike to its peak.

Located about five hours from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a community not to be missed. The area offers a variety of cooking classes, beautiful views, markets, resorts and restaurants. In addition, visitors can get a feel for true northern Thai culture during their visit.