South Africa: Maldives, Thailand & Seychelles

Experience the many facets of Phuket, from its gorgeous beaches, to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning Buddhist temples. Wat Chalong with its lovely pagoda, and Wat Phra Thong, revered for its huge golden Buddha statue, are must-sees. Explore the breathtaking Phang Nga National Park, made famous by the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. If it is shopping you seek, bright silks, teak carvings and trinkets will satisfy many a shopping list.

Sri Lanka’s capital offers a wildly contrasting mix of beautiful mansions, gardens and boutiques and wonderfully frenetic roads and street markets. Explore the museums and temples or head to Galle Face Green for a cricket match. If the pace of the city becomes too much, enjoy high tea overlooking the Indian Ocean. Check off your entire gift list with a visit to the Pettah bazaar district for everything imaginable. Just make room in your luggage, or find a new suitcase at the bazaar.

Malé, the capital of the island nation of Maldives, is known for its colorful buildings and being one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Visit the Malé Friday Mosque, built in 1658, to experience its ornate architecture. Scuba dive among the many atolls that surround the capital. Stop at the many restaurants and shops along Majeedhee Magu. The harbor houses a fish and produce market where visitors can taste the daily catch or try the local fruit.

Malé, the capital of the island nation of Maldives, is known for its colorful buildings and being one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Visit the Malé Friday Mosque, built in 1658, to experience its ornate architecture. Scuba dive among the many atolls that surround the capital. Stop at the many restaurants and shops along Majeedhee Magu. The harbor houses a fish and produce market where visitors can taste the daily catch or try the local fruit.

La Digue, though the Seychelles' third-most inhabited island, feels like a paradise untouched by time. Much of the island is undeveloped and guests and locals alike often bicycle between points of interest – and there are many of those. Quiet bays, spectacularly beautiful beaches, large granite rocks rising from azure waters and a hilly jungle interior await your exploration. Paradise seekers and sun worshippers need to look no further than this small island in the Indian Ocean.

Take a sabbatical in the Seychelles capital of Victoria. Located on Mahé Island in the Indian Ocean, it’s famous for its exports of vanilla and coconut oil. Take a stroll through the Seychelle National Botanical Gardens full of flora, fauna and fruit bats. Stop by the Selwyn-Clarke Market for some street shopping. Try some local Ladob, a dish that can be served either sweet or savory. Then settle in for some sun at Beau Vallon Beach or visit the Navasakthi Vinayagar hindu temple.

Immerse yourself in Madasgascar’s largest and most popular destination, Nosy Be. This “Big Island” off the northwest coast is famous for its natural splendor and Ylang Ylang trees that make up a major part of the local economy. Spend the day hanging out with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve. Indulge in local cuisine like the diverse and delectable variations of Laoka. Then brave the highest peak on the island at Mont Lokobe or relax on the beaches of Befotaka Bay.

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.