Snuggle into a glass igloo at Hotel Kakslauttanen. The fully appointed geometric domes let the view in (the sky is completely flecked with stars at night) but keep the cold out. Hitch up a dogsled during the day (kakslauttanen.fi).

Cruise around Halong Bay in a vintage-style wooden boat on the milky turquoise sea. Take in limestone karst islands and floating fishing villages. Excursions include kayaking and hiking for 360-degree panoramas (indochinasails.com

).

Head south for the Caribbean waters near Utila Island to swim with sharks (without a cage). You'll be hit with a rush of adrenaline, but never fear: whale sharks -- the world's largest fish -- are gentle giants (utiladivecenter.com).

Soar by hot-air balloon over otherworldly rock formations, called fairy chimneys, in Cappadocia. Some of these bizarre stones are even carved out and inhabited. Stay in a cave hotel for the full experience (kapadokyaballoons.com

).

Feel the fury of an intense Pacific thunderstorm from the cozy confines of the Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island. "Storm watching" is considered a season here -- it's from November to February (wickinn.com).