ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, stands apart from its island neighbors with its blend of neoclassical architecture, Orthodox and Catholic traditions, and year-round local life. Ermoupoli, the main town, was once a thriving 19th-century port and still displays its legacy through grand mansions, marble-paved squares, and the imposing Apollo Theater which was designed by an Italian architect and often referred to as a miniature La Scala.

Baja California Sur is state located in Northwestern Mexico, on the Baja California peninsula. The capital is La Paz. The area is lightly populated. Tourism is the economic mainstay of this region, centered around the beach resort area, Los Cabos. Sport fishing is a major attraction, as well as having some of the best beaches Baja has to offer.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, sits at the foot of the Ala-Too Mountains and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its wide tree-lined streets, Soviet-era architecture, and public squares.

Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people.