In 1492, when Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed island he later named Hispaniola, he proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven.” I have to agree. Home to the highest mountain range in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic—which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti—offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Columbus’ journal is full of descriptions of how beautiful the island paradise was. But he wasn’t looking for verdant valleys or turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches. He was on a mission to find gold.

A T-Shirt in Belize proclaims on its front: “Where in the Hell is Belize?” On the back is written: “If you are good and say your prayers when you die you will go to Belize.”

Affordability is just one reason why Panama is being called the world’s premier retirement destination. Its proximity to the U.S. allows for regular visits...its Caribbean and Pacific waters are warm enough for swimming year round...the special benefits package for foreign pensionados can’t be bettered.

Leaning forward, my knees hugged the heavy, five-liter petrol tank. Downshifting the gears and feathering the front brakes, I felt the engine rev high as I worked my way down the mountain. The road, which wraps around the Thai/Myanmar border near Doi Laem and Nong Tao, was recently built and carved into the edge of the mountain, with a 500-foot drop off its side. An earlier rain had brought patches of slick, red clay spilling over the surface. They say that this road offers the best scenery in northern Thailand, but the road comes with a warning: “Experienced riders only. Do not ride alone or in wet season.”

A vacation filled with adventure travel will send you home with once-in-a-lifetime experiences under your belt, fascinating tales for your friends, and-believe it or not-more relaxed than your annual visit to the Florida Keyes.

An exotic change of scenery, a relaxing pace of life, new friendships-does the idea of living overseas sound enticing? If so, then what's holding you back?

"Good morning sir," says a booming voice outside my door. "Time to get up." I rub my eyes, pull aside the mosquito net, and slide off the comfy mattress.

With citywide preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in full swing, the Chinese capital is blooming. It was with a sense of pride that I gazed out the window during my taxi ride from Beijing International Airport through the brief stretch of rural terrain and onward into the urban sprawl to see these majestic monolithic creations with their grand entrances and dazzling décor.

Punta del Este is one of South America’s premier seaside resorts, and its beautiful beaches, dazzling casinos, world-class restaurants, and upscale shops have lured tourists for almost a century. And perhaps best of all, it’s located in Uruguay, one of Latin America’s First World countries: a country with one of the continent’s highest standards of living, lowest levels of corruption, and best infrastructures.