AUSTRALIA

With a burgeoning creative class, top-notch wining and dining, and a pace of life that feels distinctly more leisurely than high-profile siblings Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide has evolved into a must-visit destination. The biggest buzz is going on in the city's Central Business District, which has become the hub for artists, designers and restaurateurs. Not everything changes though: The town's reputation as a genteel, leafy haven is still justified, and Adelaideans' love of sport—particularly Australian Rules football and cricket—continues unabated. Citizens of Adelaide are devoted to fine wine and great food, and they're particularly proud of the world-class vintages being produced in the famous Barossa Valley wine region.

The world’s largest coral reef is staggeringly beautiful. Above the water are hundreds of coral cays and white-sand islands, while the reef systems below water are home to a mosaic of marine creatures. The great reef stretches for 2,300 kilometers (more than 1,400 miles). The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for a huge variety of plants and animals. Dive, snorkel or swim among the colorful coral and marine life. Look for the array of wildlife on the islands’ beaches and in the rain forests. At night, gaze up at the stars that shine crystal-clear in the southern sky.