“Favorite Places” Chet Nowka. London London is a world unto itself. The eclectic neighborhoods...

“Favorite Places”Chet Nowka

London

• London is a world unto itself. The eclectic neighborhoods — which house a blend of historical landmarks and modern-day attractions — can keep you occupied for days. Visit the Tower of London and the British Museum or explore Portobello Road and Borough Market

• 51.5072° N, 0.1275° W

Paris

• Year after year, the magnetic City of Lights draws travelers looking to cross the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame off their bucket list. But what visitors really fall in love with are Paris' quaint cafes, vibrant markets, trendy shopping districts and unmistakenable je ne sais quoi charm.

• 48.8567° N, 2.3508° E

Barcelona

• Though known for its fútbol team, Barcelona boasts much more than athletic talent. The city is a feast for the eyes: Visitors walk past medieval architecture in the Barri Gòtic and Gaudi's innovative creations at Parc Güell. Meanwhile, Las Ramblas buzzes at all hours.

• 41.3833° N, 2.1833° E

Maui

• Maui — one of the most beloved of all the Hawaiian Islands — lives up to its superlatives with exotic beaches (like Kaihalulu), palatial resorts (like the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea) and lush terrain (as seen in the Iao Valley State Park)

• 20.8000° N, 156.3333° W

New York City

• New York City hosts infinite urban adventures: Wander through Central Park, tour the exhibits at the Met, catch a Broadway show or peruse SoHo's stylish boutiques. And at night, admire Manhattan's glittering skyscrapers from the top of the Empire State Building.

• 40.7127° N, 74.0059° W

San Francisco

• Gourmet restaurants, funky boutiques and laid-back vibes are just some of San Fran's charms. A ride on the cable cars and a visit to Alcatraz are musts. And, of course, don't forget to visit the city's crowning architectural achievement — the Golden Gate Bridge.

• 37.7833° N, 122.4167° W

Puerto Rico

• Meander along cobbled streets and admire historic sites like El Morro in Old San Juan. Prefer miles of sand? Consider the bioluminescent bays of Culebra and Vieques. For a vibrant night scene, visit the Isla Verde or Santurce neighborhoods of San Juan

• 18.4500° N, 66.1000° W

Sydney

• This metropolis offers more than just a dizzying array of landmarks (e.g., the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge). Sydney boasts a warm, sunny climate ideal for enjoying the city's beaches. The sands at Coogee and Bondi draw locals and tourists alike.

• 33° 52' 59" S / 151° 13' 0" E

Rio de Janeiro

• Rio jockeys with Buenos Aires and São Paulo as South America's hottest destination — and not just for its warm weather. The famous Christ the Redeemer statue presides over Copacabana Beach. And you'll be hard-pressed to find a more lively event than Rio's Carnival

• 22.9083° S, 43.1964° W

Bora Bora

• It's hard not to be enchanted by this paradisiacal destination: Lush jungles extend into sky high volcanoes and sands stretch into upscale resorts. Carve out some time for hiking Mount Otemanu, observing aquatic life at the Bora Bora Lagoonarium and relaxing on the beach.

• 16.4944° S, 151.7364° W

U.S. Virgin Island

• A visit to the USVI will feel like an international vacation (Carnival and reggae music) with a taste of home (U.S. dollars and no language barrier). But you won't find beaches like this on the mainland. For the best rates and weather, visit in late spring.

• 18.3500° N, 64.9333° W

Vancouver

• Vancouver may not be as grand as Toronto or as historic as Montreal, but it's no mystery why this Canadian city caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee. The city bursts with parks, galleries and outdoor activities

Edinburgh

• This Scottish city impresses visitors with its historic sites and scenery. Visit Edinburgh Castle or Holyroodhouse Palace for a glimpse of the royal lifestyle, and don't miss the sweeping views from Arthur's Seat. At the end of the day, head to the pub for a pint.

• 55.9531° N, 3.1889° W

Zurich

• From swimming in Lake Zurich in the summer to skiing the Alps in the winter, Zurich attracts visitors year-round. Delectable pastry shops abound, as do museums, churches and shops in Bahnofstrasse. At night, check out the bars in edgy Zurich West.

Montreal

• Travelers adore Montreal's quaint cafes, bustling marketplaces and Old World architecture. Devote some time to visiting St. Joseph's Oratory and exploring Vieux-Montréal. Or, stretch your legs along the paths in Mont-Royal Park

Maldives

• The simple mention of the Maldives conjures images of blue waters and soft sands. This  collection of more than a thousand islands boasts palatial resorts and pristine beaches. Visitors say the islands' allures are difficult to comprehend unless you see them for yourself

• 3.2000° N, 73.2200° E

Cape Town

• It may have taken the World Cup to garner attention, but now that Cape Town has the spotlight, there's no letting go. Kick-start your day by climbing Table Mountain. Afterward, sunbathe along Clifton Beach's khaki-colored sands or tour the vineyards of the Constantia Valley.

• 33.9253° S, 18.4239° E

Prague

• Prague has transitioned from a backpacker secret to a flourishing Eastern European capital. The narrow streets lead to iconic landmarks such as the Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. Save some time for enjoying local pilsners on a bar crawl

• 50.0833° N, 14.4167° E

Crete

• Crete's diverse landscape is speckled with ancient ruins, fragrant olive groves and gorgeous beaches. Visitors can spend their days doing anything from shopping in Agios Nikolaos to hiking the Samaria Gorge before noshing on fresh fish at one of the island's lively tavernas

• 35.2100° N, 24.9100° E

Washington D.C.

• One of the most visited cities in the U.S., our nation's capital houses a trove of iconic monuments. The White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Museums, exploring the National Mall can fill several days. And the best part is: Everything's free to visit.

Budapest

• Budapest is a sure standout for any trip to central Europe. The city caters to a wide range of traveler types and budgets with its variety of hotels and restaurants. And Budapest will keep you occupied with its thermal baths and world-class museums.

Bahamas

• The Bahamas is made up of so many islands that it's hard to mash them all into one recommendation. But that's also part of their appeal. Airfare and hotel rates are reasonable throughout the year, but you'll get the best deals if you visit in the summer or early fall

Yellowstone

• More than 3,000 square miles of nature's finest canyons, geysers and rocky cliffs are an easy sell for outdoors enthusiasts. Geothermic wonders like the Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake are not to be missed at this national park

Jerusalem

• Many travelers seek out Jerusalem for its ancient ties to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Pack your visit to the city with stops at religious and historic sites, such as the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Hong Kong

• Hong Kong is worth visting for its one-of-a-kind cultural fusion. Only here will you find a Disney theme park rubbing elbows with ancient temples. Peruse a street market, ride the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui pier or check out the views from atop Victoria Peak