A world-class city, Paris is for many the global capital of style and sophistication—an unmissable destination. A few must-do activities in the City of Light include paying a visit to the Mona Lisa at the Louvre art gallery, climbing the Eiffel Tower for stunning views of the city skyline, and exploring cultural riches at the Palace of Versailles. Check out hip Montmartre for Parisian food, fashion, and flair. Don't miss a tour of the Opera Garnier, too.

Looking for family-friendly options? Paris offers many. Disneyland, every child’s dream destination, is here, as well as other theme parks and leisure parks, not to mention multiple zoos and aquariums. There are lots of creative ways to tour the city, too, as Paris embraces public transport and pedestrian options: You can travel on everything from bus to bike to scooter to Tuktuk to pedicab to Segway.

Travelers love Tokyo, one of the busiest, most buzzing cities in the world, with an eclectic culture all its own. There’s a reason why this city is at the top of so many people’s travel bucket lists. From Buddhist temples over a thousand years old to ultramodern neon-lit skyscrapers, this is a place where revered tradition meets the cutting edge.

A few spots worth adding to your Tokyo travel itinerary include the Tsukiji Fish Market, a tour with a view of majestic Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, and the lush Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A visit to peaceful Senso-ji offers a moment of reflection. Foodies must take in a local sushi bar or try a kaiseki dinner experience.

LA is one of America’s most iconic cities—synonymous with Hollywood glamor and the California sun, and the decadence, drama, and optimism of the West Coast. Home to major film and TV studios, world-class theme parks, shows, and sporting events, this place is truly sprinkled with stardust. Rent a car and head to famous LA destinations like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip.

Los Angeles has incredible natural landscapes on its doorstep. You can hike through the Angeles National Forest, do some stargazing at Griffith Observatory, bike The Strand, take a surf lesson with Kapowui, and plan a spectacular walk through Huntington Botanical Gardens. No matter when you decide to visit, the Southern California weather is known to be pleasant year-round.

With fantastic beaches, grand old buildings, and incredible food, Sicily is a quintessentially Italian experience. Wander the picturesque streets of Palermo’s old town, marvel at the baroque architecture of beautiful Noto, indulge in some of the best arancini and cannoli you’ll ever taste in Syracuse, or enjoy a relaxing break in the sun and rub shoulders with VIPs in Taormina.

Adventure seekers will love planning an expedition up Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. History buffs will enjoy exploring the many Greek and Roman ruins dotted across the island.

London is calling, and it’s time for you to answer. They say if you’re tired of this city, you’re tired of life—and with nearly 2,000 years of history and culture to soak up in the capital of the United Kingdom, you’re certainly spoiled for choice. Explore historic highlights like mighty Big Ben, the awe-inspiring Tower Bridge, storied Westminster Abbey, stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, and royal Buckingham Palace.

Soak up modern, cutting-edge London through its arts, culture, and food scene. Head to Soho or hip Shoreditch to sample gourmet dining, buzzing nightlife, live music, and everything from unforgettable West End shows to new theater and live comedy. Home to many cultures from all over the world, London is a wonderful melting pot of history, culture, and cuisine, with something new to discover in every neighborhood.

Built atop seven hills that slope into the Tagus River, Lisbon is a magnet for families and solo explorers who love the city’s rich cultural heritage, relaxed pace of life, and fantastic cuisine. As the capital of a nation of explorers, the cultural life of Lisbon is steeped in influences from all around the world, from Brazilian food to Angolan music.

Explore the iconic district of Belém, take a surf lesson on the beaches of Caparica, and treat yourself to a traditional cable car ride up the city’s famously steep hills before dancing the night away in the bars and clubs of the lively Bairro Alto district.

From the natural hot springs of the Blue Lagoon to world-class music performances in the Harpan concert hall, Reykjavik is a wonderfully compact city where culture, fun, and adventure intertwine. The capital of Iceland is the gateway to the fabled land of fire and ice, where ancient glaciers, frozen waterfalls, and bubbling geysers have coexisted for millennia.

The otherworldly experience of the Northern Lights draws travelers from the world over and is a true bucket list item. To have the best chance of enjoying the magnificent spectacle of this natural light display, book your trip between September and March, when the nights are at their longest.

If spotting wild animals is high on your bucket list, Tanzania is there to answer your call. The country is home to 22 national parks where animal-loving travelers can spot native species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. From July to September, experience the thrill of the great wildebeest migration as gigantic herds make their way across the vast expanses of the Serengeti.

Prefer to turn up the adventure dial? Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain in the world. After that, enjoy a relaxing break on the pristine beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

For a once-in-a-lifetime city break in a place where urban living meets the great outdoors, it’s time to tick Vancouver off your bucket list this year. This bustling seaport is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse cities and has lots to offer fans of city living and the natural world alike. Mountains surround this coastal region, and the breathtaking scenery has played host to the filming of many popular movies. Notable destinations include the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Museum of Anthropology, the Seawall in Stanley Park, and artsy Granville Island.

Opportunities to soak up the great outdoors abound in Vancouver. Check out the leafy VanDusen Botanical Garden, take a ride on the Aquabus, and visit Queen Elizabeth Park. Vancouver is also known for its remarkable coastline—check out Lighthouse Park and Horseshoe Bay, and plan to embark on a hugely entertaining boat tour.

The resort town of Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant spot halfway down Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Travelers from far and wide are drawn to its beautiful beaches, warm waters, and fantastic weather all year round. From scuba diving to zipline adventures in the jungle to boat excursions to hidden beaches, the thrilling fun and striking views rarely stop.

As soon as the sun sets, the old town springs into life with Cirque du Soleil-inspired shows, street-food stalls selling delicious seafood tacos and other local specialties, and throngs of bars where you can taste some of the best local tequilas.