Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

Ever seen a movie or TV show that takes place in Austria? Then you’ve probably seen Ellmau. Charming villages, idyllic scenery and an 18th-century parish church make Ellmau a popular filming location for directors who want a setting that’s quintessentially Austrian. For regular folks, Ellmau’s draw is its proximity to the Wilder Kaiser mountains, where the hiking trails and ski slopes are equally spectacular.

About 50 miles northeast of Trento, Corvara in Badia is the principle town of Alta Badia, a ski resort area at the top end of the Val Badia Valley in Bolzano-Bozen. Home to many alpine skiing World Cup events, the gorgeous mountain region also has many lovely towns and beautiful sights not on the normal beaten tourist path, such as the Sante Croce pilgrimage church and the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor (Little Ladin Museum), honoring the unique Dolomite culture of the local Ladin people.

This resort area on the southern part of Gran Canaria has a laid-back, upscale vibe. You’ll find crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, a network of canals (which gave the town the nickname “Little Venice”), and a number of restaurants and bars along the pretty beach.