Quito for some may just be a quick stop on their way to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Make no mistake however, this capital city is worth spending a few days in. Whether you want to check out the crafts and markets at La Ronda, visit the Ecuador, or see the gorgeous church of Basilica del Voto Nacional, you'll be glad you took the time to see this cityscape before your Galápagos trip.

When you're in this part of the world, be sure to take a ferry from Chumphon towards the East Thai islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. These islands together all have a little something different to offer so it's worth checking out all three. You can expect to go snorkeling, paddle boarding, suntanning, diving, and plenty of eating and drinking when you're here. Enjoy!

The northern region of Vietnam boasts the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and the amazing archipelago at Ha Long Bay. Take in the sights in the capital, walk through the Old Quarter and experience Hoán Kiêm Lake while riding a scooter through the city. Then book yourself a boat to take you for a night out on Ha Long Bay with stunning viewpoints and explore Sung Sot Cave while you’re at it.

The southern region of Vietnam has a massive bustling city in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and an area lush with jungle vegetation, known as the Mekong Delta. Here you can get two massively different experiences, but just as much adventure. If you desire to go to the beach and live in paradise for a few days, then Nha Trang is just for you!

There is more to Helsinki than it's gorgeous emerald-domed cathedral. This Scandinavia capital is replete with a ton of fantastic cafes that give great views of the capital countryside. The fortress of Suomenlinna is also just a ferry ride away and its solitude and quietness stands in great contrast to the city sounds just across the water.

This Scandinavian capital has loads of fascinating sights to see. Start at the Oslo Opera House and also check out Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace, and Frogner Park. Make sure you don't miss the Kon-Tiki, Fram, and Viking Ship Museums on the Bygdøyfergene Peninsula as well.

Johannesburg is the largest city in the world not situated on a body of water. Gold is what brought people here first, but now it's the Jacaranda trees, proximity to Kruger National Park, Montecasino, Sandton, Sun City, The Panorama Driving Route, The Apartheid and Hector Pieterson Museums, the Soweto Towers, and Blyde River Canyon. Take a few days to explore this city's offerings.

Just a short train ride away from Lisbon, the city of Sintra is a must see. It's best known as the site for the National Palace of Pena, the colorful Romanticist Castle and one of the Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Other places to see in Sintra include Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and Quinta da Regaleira (a lavish garden estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site).

There are plenty of places to see the Great Wall of China, each one particularly different than the others. This is a look at what to expect from Great Wall sites such as Mutianyu, Jiankou, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, Gebeikou, Juyongguan, Huangyaguan, Badaling, with a more in-depth look at the section at Jinshangling.

The Western Cape of South Africa (specifically around Cape Town) is ideal for road trips. Here you can find many historical sites like Robben Island, nature sanctuaries like Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Gardens, sports venues/teams like Ajax Cape Town FC (football) and DHL Stormers (rugby), as well as shark diving and whale watching in nearby Gansbaai and Hermanus.

The old Chinese capital of Xi'an is a charming city with a vast history. It's home to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors. Even more so, here you can hike one of China's 5 great mountains, Mt. Huashan. Within the city itself, visits to the Bell and Drum Towers, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, as well as the Xi'an city walls, are must dos.

Estonia's capital of Tallinn is a vastly underrated city not only in the Baltics, but in all of Europe. As technologically advanced as the city is, it boasts a wonderful Old Town. Other attractions include Kadriorg Palace, the artsy district of Noblessner, Victory Square and Column Monument, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and great bars like Fersen and cafes like Røst.

The port city of Gothenburg lies on Sweden's western coast, just south of Norway, and north of Denmark. As a great alternative to Stockholm, Gothenburg boasts much natural green space (Seminarieparken, Slottsskogen, Palm House/Horticultural Gardens) with excellent attractions (Liseberg, Haga), and great city views (Skansen Kronan, Röda Sten Konsthall, Stenpiren).

The city of Kraków in Poland is arguably one of the best in the entire country. What is most stunning in this city is perhaps it’s gorgeous architecture. Located along the Vistula River, you can experience sweeping views of the Wawel Royal Castle and Father Bernatek's Bridge. Other attractions include St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Joseph’s Church, Kościuszko Mound, Florianska Street, and Szeroka Square to name a few. Day trips can also be taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Hiroshima is such an underrated city in Japan. Despite it's tragic past, the city has become a symbol for Peace. While you're here, check out the Hiroshima Castle, the A-Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Park, and make your way to Miyajima Island for some hiking and sweeping views of the entire city.

The cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand, several hours north of Bangkok, are a great change of pace from the country capital. In these cities you can discover great temples like Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and the White Temple, see a Muay Thai fight, and even take cooking classes in traditional Thai cuisine.

As the only city located on two continents (Europe and Asia), you could say Istanbul is double the fun. The attractions of this city are endless: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata bridge and tower, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and the Maiden's Tower are a great way to get started to discovering the identity of this amazing city.

Lisbon may be considered one of the most romantic cities in Portugal (let alone the world), but did you know you can also surf here too? In the town itself, check out the Tower of Belém, Castelo de S. Jorge, Carmo Convent, and Elevador da Bica. For a great bar with sweeping views of the city, head on over to PARK!