#1 : Argentina: Best Wine Tasting

At the foot of the Andes, Mendoza, the capital of Argentina's main wine-producing region, boasts tree-lined streets and large central plazas. Outdoor activities, like winter skiing, hiking and horseback riding, abound. But the best reason to visit is the annual Vendimia, the wine harvest festival that culminates there each spring and features folk festivals, a blessing of the grapes and wine tastings. Rent a bike and strike out to the local vineyards solo; expect to cover four a day.
From New York: $790 on Taca International Airlines

#2 : Dominican Republic: Best Beaches

This little Caribbean island is getting a lot of attention lately, both for its eternally white-sand beaches as well as a profusion of new luxury resorts. Boykin Curry, a Manhattan financier, is in the process of founding a utopian community for "creatives" here. For the rest of us, old school all-inclusives like Casa de Campo, in the island's La Romana section, vie with newer outposts like Sivory, a small luxury hotel on the eastern edge of the island.
From New York: $340 on Jet Blue

#3 : Ethiopia: Best Adventure Safari

While the rest of Africa has been well trampled by khaki-clad wildlife-seekers for years, Ethiopia has only recently begun to attract high-end adventurers. This year, with tour operators like Abercrombie & Kent and Jenman Safaris offering Ethiopia itineraries, visiting is easier than ever. Attractions include bird watching in the Rift Valley Lakes, spotting crocodiles near the Kenyan border and trekking in the Simien Mountains National Park.
From New York: $1,245 on British Airways

#4 : Honduras: Best Snorkeling

With Southeast Asia's largest waterfall, a bounty of well-preserved temples and monuments and the Mekong River running throughout, Laos just begs to be photographed. Stay in Luang Prabang, the country's well-preserved former capital, at the intersection of the Mekong and Khan rivers. La Résidence Phou Vao, an Orient-Express resort, has views over the surrounding mountains and rivers, plus its own lush gardens and infinity pool.
From New York: $1,645 on Thai Airways

#5 : Laos: Best Sightseeing

With Southeast Asia's largest waterfall, a bounty of well-preserved temples and monuments and the Mekong River running throughout, Laos just begs to be photographed. Stay in Luang Prabang, the country's well-preserved former capital, at the intersection of the Mekong and Khan rivers. La Résidence Phou Vao, an Orient-Express resort, has views over the surrounding mountains and rivers, plus its own lush gardens and infinity pool.
From New York: $1,645 on Thai Airways

#6 : Namibia: Best Family Trip

Thanks to Brad, Angelina and Shiloh, this peaceful, economically stable African nation is enjoying a surge in tourism. The Sossusvlei dunes of the Namib desert--fodder for endless National Geographic pictorials--can now be toured via hot air balloon, and the kids will love sandboarding down the dunes at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the tourist centers facing the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, traditional safari tours are available as well.
From New York: $1,500 on Emirates and British Airways

#7 : North Island, Seychelles: Best Splurge

The airfare alone is almost double anything else on our list, and villa room rates start at $2,035 per person. But a few nights on this secluded granitic island in the Seychelles, which boasts just 11 handcrafted villas with two bedrooms and open-air living spaces, may just be worth it. The daily menu is based around guest preferences and the catch of the day. Sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and spa services are all available.

From New York: $2,100 on Air France

#8 : Oman: Best Bargain

Despite sporadic violence, European tourism to Sri Lanka never really dropped off, and now Americans are coming back. And with its Buddhist temples, pristine beaches, emerald hills and rushing waterfalls, it's no wonder this tear-shaped island off India's southern tip has recently come into vogue as a honeymoon destination. Plan your trip around the hotels in the Taprobane collection, five tiny luxury properties scattered throughout the island's Southern half. Save private Taprobane Island, with its five-bedroom neo-Palladian mansion, for last.

From New York: $1,260 on Lufthansa and Emirates

#9 : Panama: Best Eco-Tourism

At Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, built along the mile-long coral reef off the country's coast, the nine cabins were built of local, sustainable materials like clay, bamboo and wild cane and incorporate renewable energy in the form of solar panels and bio-digesters, which clean waste water. And at Canopy Tower Ecolodge and Nature Observatory, guests stay in rooms at tree-top level, bird watching above the Soberanía National Park.

From New York: $560 on United and COPA Panama

#10 : Sri Lanka: Best Honeymoon

Despite sporadic violence, European tourism to Sri Lanka never really dropped off, and now Americans are coming back. And with its Buddhist temples, pristine beaches, emerald hills and rushing waterfalls, it's no wonder this tear-shaped island off India's southern tip has recently come into vogue as a honeymoon destination. Plan your trip around the hotels in the Taprobane collection, five tiny luxury properties scattered throughout the island's Southern half. Save private Taprobane Island, with its five-bedroom neo-Palladian mansion, for last.

From New York: $1,260 on Lufthansa and Emirates