The trail of smoke and cologne that seemed to follow me everywhere in Las Vegas dissipated as I entered the stands to the Tournament of Kings, located in Excalibur Hotel & Casino. The bright lights and electronic environment vanished almost instantly, replaced by dim lighting that complemented the indoor medieval scene perfectly.

The world's largest stone Buddha is enticing and magical, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that I will never forget. Like many who visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, we drove the two hours from the city of Chengdu, China. It is a scenic drive through rural towns and fields, which our private guide enhanced with his knowledge of the surrounding countryside.

Mykonos. The word slides off my tongue, chunky and yet smooth, like a hokey pokey ice cream. The exotic name describes the Greek island perfectly: a paradise in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Accessible only by boat and plane, Mykonos is truly the hidden gem of the Mediterranean.