<strong>Madrid: </strong>Spain's underrated capital, with Plaza Mayor pictured, offers a buzzy food scene and fabulous shopping at lower prices than many European capitals.
Madrid: Spain's underrated capital, with Plaza Mayor pictured, offers a buzzy food scene and fabulous shopping at lower prices than many European capitals.
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<strong>New York City: </strong>Celebrations and exhibits citywide are marking the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop this summer.
New York City: Celebrations and exhibits citywide are marking the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop this summer.
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<strong>Cape Town: </strong>Stunning Cape Town, South Africa, offers wonderful value compared to higher-priced and crowded destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Cape Town: Stunning Cape Town, South Africa, offers wonderful value compared to higher-priced and crowded destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
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<strong>Italy's Piedmont region: </strong>The region "has it all -- luxury accommodations, ancient castles, Michelin-rated dining and stunning vistas," plus vineyard visits, says one travel advisor.
Italy's Piedmont region: The region "has it all -- luxury accommodations, ancient castles, Michelin-rated dining and stunning vistas," plus vineyard visits, says one travel advisor.
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<strong>Los Angeles:</strong> Tinseltown is marking the centennial of its iconic Hollywood sign, erected in 1923 as a billboard for the upscale Hollywoodland real estate development.
Los Angeles: Tinseltown is marking the centennial of its iconic Hollywood sign, erected in 1923 as a billboard for the upscale Hollywoodland real estate development.
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<strong>Peru: </strong>The dollar is strong and political protests have died down in Peru, where Machu Picchu is a top tourism draw.
Peru: The dollar is strong and political protests have died down in Peru, where Machu Picchu is a top tourism draw.
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<strong>Santa Fe: </strong>New Mexico's capital, the oldest capital city in the US, was founded in 1610. Arts and culture thrive here and it's a top culinary destination.
Santa Fe: New Mexico's capital, the oldest capital city in the US, was founded in 1610. Arts and culture thrive here and it's a top culinary destination.
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<strong>Vienna</strong>: Austria's capital is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Belvedere as a venue for art. The Belvedere Museum is spread over three locations, including the baroque Upper Belvedere palace, pictured.
Vienna: Austria's capital is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Belvedere as a venue for art. The Belvedere Museum is spread over three locations, including the baroque Upper Belvedere palace, pictured.
Lukas Schaller/Belvedere
<strong>Buenos Aires:</strong> The world capital of tango, Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers great value for low-season visitors during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.
Buenos Aires: The world capital of tango, Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers great value for low-season visitors during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.
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<strong>Malta: </strong>This Mediterranean island country with a rich and layered history is spread over three main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino (pictured).
Malta: This Mediterranean island country with a rich and layered history is spread over three main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino (pictured).
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<strong>Thailand: </strong>Ko Nang Yuan island is a spectacular diving site. Flights to Thailand are expensive but the country offers great value once you get there.
Thailand: Ko Nang Yuan island is a spectacular diving site. Flights to Thailand are expensive but the country offers great value once you get there.
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<strong>Albania: </strong>Albania (with Krujë pictured) is a Mediterranean gem that's likely to be less crowded this summer than Greece and Croatia.
Albania: Albania (with Krujë pictured) is a Mediterranean gem that's likely to be less crowded this summer than Greece and Croatia.
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