With spectacular ruins and beaches, this Central American country is essentially our Latin neighbor's twin.

Where to go: Kick off your trip at the remote Lamanai Outpost Lodge for a guided tour of Mayan ruins. Then log some beach time on Ambergris Caye at the boho-chic Matachica Resort & Spa.

When to go: The sweet spot is late April through May.

How to get there: For Lamanai, fly into Belize City, and the lodge will pick you up. From there, transfer from Belize City to Ambergris by air or ferry.

Whether you want to shop, dance, or never take off your flip-flops, this archipelago has you covered.

Where to go: For bustling marketplaces, start in Cebu City on Cebu Island at the Montebello Villa Hotel. Then island-hop to Boracay and check into Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa.

When to go: Avoid typhoon season (June through November) and the crowds at Easter.

How to get there: Arrive at Cebu’s main airport. To get to Boracay, take an hour flight to Caticlan, where the resort will pick you up.

Even though there are no Italian gondoliers, the Danish capital is crossed by picturesque waterways.

Where to go: Drop anchor at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, then cruise around town with DFDS Canal Tours. On dry land, grab a couple of the city's free bikes to explore avant-garde architecture, art, and restaurants like world-famous Noma.

When to go: Summertime for warm weather, long days, and festivals.

How to get there: If you travel via Iceland Air, you can stop over in Iceland at no extra charge.

The capital of the Czech Republic gets a gold star in the romance department.

Where to go: Watch the sun set over this fairy-tale city from Charles Bridge before nestling into a district of cobblestone at The Augustine Hotel. Save a day for can't-misses like Prague Castle and the historic Prague Astronomical Clock.

When to go: Spring and fall have the mildest weather, but winter has better rates and twinkling Christmas markets.

How to get there: Fly direct from New York, or snag a cheap flight to Europe, and then continue on a discounter like EasyJet or SmartWings.

Sip vino in South Africa's neat rows of fruiting vines, quaint wineries, and verdant hills.

Where to go: Stay at the luxurious Babylonstoren, a manor-house hotel with magnificent cuisine. Arrange a private guided day trip with Cape Wine and Leisure Tours for a taste of the good life -- and plenty of wine -- in a region that actually bests California’s in one respect: A nearby sun-drenched beach called Strand.

When to go: Travel during harvest season, February to April.

How to get there: Jet into Cape Town International Airport, then rent a ride for the scenery-filled 45-minute drive.

Find the stuff honeymoons are made of: charming cottages, exquisite beaches, and turquoise waters.

Where to go: There are lots of isles to choose from, but we recommend Bequia. It's lush yet beachy, developed yet retains enough local traditions. Stay at Firefly Bequia, wallow on the sand until midday, then head to the bar at the Frangipani Hotel to watch the boats sail in and out of the harbor.

When to go: Anytime's a good time: The island is below the hurricane belt. December through April, however, is the driest period.

How to get there: Fly into Barbados (there are nonstops from many major cities), then connect on SVG Air.