Potsdam, the capital of Germany’s Brandenburg state, lies just southwest of Berlin and is best known for its grand palaces, landscaped gardens, and role as a seat of Prussian royalty.

Osaka is a city that thrives on contrasts with centuries-old castles sit just blocks from neon-lit arcades and high-speed trains. Once known as “Japan’s kitchen” during the Edo period, Osaka played a key role in rice trading and food distribution across the country. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of Osaka Castle, originally built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and take in panoramic city views from the top floor of its museum.

A religious center since the 4th century, it has numerous churches and religious sites. It is the fourth largest city in France, located in southern France near the border with Andorra.

The smallest of the Bay Islands, this is a diver's paradise. Quaint town of East Harbor offers a variety of restaurants and bars. Go hiking and explore this charming island.

ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).