The prophet Mohammed's birthplace is Islam's spiritual center and is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. The pillars of Islam state that all Muslims with the means must undertake Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime. Those who visit the holy city are rewarded not just by proximity to landmarks and religious sites crucial to the religion, such as the Masjid Al Haram (Holy Mosque), the Mountain of Light, the Black Stone and the Well of Zamzam, but with the forgiveness of all their sins.

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.

Dom Perignon, Cristal, Veuve Clicquot... The very names evoke images of decadence and luxury, from star-studded parties in sunny destinations to candlelit evenings in 5-star surrounds. Champagne-Ardenne breaks out the bubbly by the millions of cases every year, drawing thirsty travelers the world over to taste its unparalleled sparkling wines and explore the chalky caves in which the Champagne matures. The surrounding countryside is rife with deep forests, rolling limestone and bright waterways.