Laid-back Ella draws travellers to Sri Lanka's highlands with its mountain forests, tea plantations, and relatively cool climate. The wildlife-rich region is also home to caves, cascades, and secluded temples—plus the Ella Gap, which offers lofty views between a cleft in two hills.

Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.

Containing a staggering wealth of historic sites, Turkey's inexpensive Aegean makes a marvellous introduction to both ancient and modern Turkey. Buses make easy connections between sites. Picturesque Bodrum boasts hopping nightlife, a crusader castle and the tomb of King Mausolus. The rest of the coast has Roman ruins and Byzantine remains aplenty, including Troy's walls, as well as the monument-strewn WWI battlefields of Gallipoli, the resort town of Kusadasi, fabulous surfing beaches and modern Izmir.

Glamourous Santorini is deliciously different. Geographical newness is in part to thank. The island’s popular black volcanic Perissa and Kamari beaches are big draws, as is its arguably most famous Red Beach near Akrotiri (which is the place to go for archaeology buffs). Santorini curves round a giant lagoon in the Cyclades islands, offering stunning views from sky-high towns, eclectic cuisine, lovely galleries, thriving nightlife and excellent wines.

While its footprint in the Aegean Sea may be small, Paros has more than enough beauty to take up a big spot on travellers’ must-see lists. Most stay in the island’s biggest town (although biggest is a relative term), Naoussa — where they can explore the labyrinth-style streets, explore shops filled with local goods, dine in the seaside cafes serving up fresh-caught octopus, and soak up all the Greek islands scenery they’ve lusted after on social media.