Actually more white than silver, lovely Silver Sands Beach is just south of Malindi town, and home to several luxury hotels. Snorkelling, diving, surfing and deep sea fishing (for marlin, shark and sailfish) are popular here. Further south lies Watamu Beach, part of Kenya's Watamu Marine National Park.

Want to make your co-workers insanely jealous? Just casually drop "I’m holiday making in the Maldives this year" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Or better yet, go there without mentioning it to anyone—then send them a "Wish you were here!" postcard.

Kodaikanal has an endangered animal called the grizzled giant squirrel. To us, that alone is reason to book a trip ("grizzled giant squirrel" might be the best animal name ever). Perched on the woodsy southern crest of the Palani Hills, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, this popular lakeside resort town is a magnet for nature lovers. Wander the peaceful slopes, keeping an eye out for birds, exotic flowers and, of course, grizzled giant squirrels.

The U.A.E.'s northernmost Emirate offers a wealth of diversions between its miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, majestic Hajjar Mountains and magnificent desert sand dunes. Catch a camel race, try your hand at the shooting range or soar with a microlight aircraft at Jazirah Aviation Club. Taxis and car hire are available, and it's an easy 40-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Don't miss Ras Al Khaimah Museum, the 120-store Manar Mall or the area's amazing belly dancers.

This resort town, with its great beaches, has a bit of a Spring Break atmosphere (the parties start in the late afternoon and go all night). If dancing in a bikini is not your thing, though, no worries—you can explore a mediaeval monastery or enjoy cruises on the lovely blue water. Families will want to visit Water World, the biggest theme waterpark in Europe.

If there’s a "beach economy," Buzios is its Wall Street. Its more than 20 beaches, world-class galleries, clubs and boutiques draw an elite set of travellers. Surfers love Geriba Beach, snorkelers enjoy Ferruda, hip Ossos Beach offers upscale beachside cafes and laid-back Ilhabela Beach offers a more down-to-earth Buzios experience.

German-inspired architecture adds a quirky Alpine twist to this resort, where high-altitude pine forests offer a wonderfully cool escape from the lowland heat. Add emerald-green peaks as a backdrop, and Campos do Jordao becomes a tropical mountain stunner.