San Diego, California's southernmost city, blends sun, sea and surf with a cool, easy vibe. Bordering Mexico and home to 1.3M+ people, it's made of distinct neighborhoods like Mission Beach, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown. Settled by Native Americans 12,000 years ago, later under Spanish and Mexican rule, it's long called "America's finest city."

Honolulu is Hawaii's only true metropolis: seat of government, commerce, shipping, entertainment, and constant debate. From a small harbor settlement by Mamala Bay, it grew around Nuuanu Stream and King Kamehameha I's 1804 compound, then spread after piped water arrived in the early 1900s. Today the City and County of Honolulu stretches from Pearl Harbor to Waikiki and into the hills, with sights in Waikiki, Downtown, Chinatown, and beyond.

Honolulu is Hawaii's only true metropolis: seat of government, commerce, shipping, entertainment, and constant debate. From a small harbor settlement by Mamala Bay, it grew around Nuuanu Stream and King Kamehameha I's 1804 compound, then spread after piped water arrived in the early 1900s. Today the City and County of Honolulu stretches from Pearl Harbor to Waikiki and into the hills, with sights in Waikiki, Downtown, Chinatown, and beyond.

Kona on Hawaii's west coast has a north-south contrast: the north has sandy beaches and barren lava slopes, while the south is greener and feels more like old Hawaii. Its main resort, Kailua-Kona, is the island's most developed area, though low-rise buildings keep much of the shoreline open. Ali'i Drive is lined with shops, hotels, and flowers. Nearby are Mount Hualalai, Hulihee Palace, Ahuena Heiau, Kealakekua Bay, and the Kona coffee-growing region.

Nuku Hiva, the second-largest island in French Polynesia's Marquesas after Tahiti, is still largely undiscovered by tourism. It offers dramatic mountains, eight harbors, one of the world's highest waterfalls, deep clear waters, lush forests, and archaeological sites like tikis and pae pae. Though French is official, Marquesan/Tahitian is more widely spoken, and younger locals also speak English. Herman Melville's stays here inspired Typee and Omoo.

Fakarava is an oblong Tuamotu atoll, the second largest, 450 km NE of Tahiti and 120 km SE of Rangiroa. Its eastern edge has a 40 km reef-and-motu chain. It is known for drift diving at Garuae Pass near Rotoava and Tamakohua Pass in the south. Tetamanu by the southern pass was the old capital and has the archipelago's first church (1874). Declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2006, it has no overwater bungalows. Bellingshausen "discovered" it in 1820; missionaries arrived later.

Rangiroa is French Polynesia's largest atoll. Over 400 motu enclose a vast lagoon, giving it the name "wide/long sky" or "immense sky." Avatoru and Tiputa sit by the main passes, where drift diving and snorkeling on incoming tides attract visitors to sharks and manta rays. Income comes mainly from government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming. Its calm turquoise lagoon, guesthouses, schools, and award-winning white and rosé wine also draw year-round visitors.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Moorea is a rugged, triangular high island in French Polynesia, often likened to a heart or bat. Its eight peaks rise to 1,207 m. A reef surrounds a narrow lagoon (a RAMSAR wetland) with few motu and sharks and rays. About one-eighth Tahiti's size, it has a relaxed feel, a road around the island, and 18,000 residents, many commuting to Tahiti by ferry. Visitors arrive via Temae airport or ships into north-coast bays, including Cook's Bay.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

A jewel of French Polynesia, Motu Tapu is the kind of dreamy tropical escape that seems made for postcard views, powder-soft sands and brilliant turquoise waters. Fringed by coral reefs and swaying palms, it offers a serene taste of island paradise, with opportunities to swim, snorkel and simply unwind amid the beauty and tranquillity of the South Pacific.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

American Samoa's volcanic islands lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Pago Pago on Tutuila has a fjordlike harbor formed by a collapsed volcano. Visited by Europeans in 1722 and missionaries in 1831, the islands became a U.S. possession in 1900 and have been administered by the Interior since 1951. About 50,000 residents are U.S. citizens except for national voting. Pago Pago/Fagatogo offers harbor views, the Fono Building, and Naval Guns Hill. Pier is walkable; taxis are available.

Samoa, the first independent Polynesian state, is seen as the cradle of the nation. Its name is said to mean "earth and centre." Apia, on Upolu's north coast, grew from a village of 300 in c.1800 to nearly 40,000 today, yet still keeps Samoan traditions: fale houses, lavalavas, mumu dresses, and lively markets. Its aquamarine lagoons and palms are famous, and Lefaga was used in the 1953 film Return to Paradise. It is also among the last places to see each day's sunset.

Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Noumea, the colourful capital of New Caledonia, overlooks the reefs of Noumea Lagoon and blends French and Kanak culture. Stroll the waterfront, relax on beaches, and use it as a base for island trips: Amedee Island, with its historic lighthouse and 247-step climb, turtles, clownfish, diving and glass-bottom boats; and Ilot Maitre, with shallow turquoise waters and stilted bungalows. Try local seafood and bougna, a slow-cooked coconut-and-banana-leaf dish.

Northland, at the top of New Zealand's North Island, is where the Tasman Sea and Pacific meet at Cape Reinga. It has farms, forests, beaches, and open spaces. The east coast is more populated, especially around the Bay of Islands and Whangarei; the west coast is rugged, less settled, and includes Waipoua Forest with ancient kauri trees. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi in 1840. Cape Reinga is spiritually important to Māori, and many iwi have deep ancestral roots in the region.

Auckland blends beachside recreation with the energy of a diverse, multicultural city on New Zealand's North Island. The "City of Sails" offers harbour walks, fresh sea air, and views of the Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and Viaduct Harbour. Visit Auckland Art Gallery in Albert Park for New Zealand's largest art collection, including Māori and Pacific works. Take day trips to Waiheke, Tiritiri Matangi, and Rangitoto, or climb Mount Eden for sweeping city-and-bay views.

Auckland blends beachside recreation with the energy of a diverse, multicultural city on New Zealand's North Island. The "City of Sails" offers harbour walks, fresh sea air, and views of the Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and Viaduct Harbour. Visit Auckland Art Gallery in Albert Park for New Zealand's largest art collection, including Māori and Pacific works. Take day trips to Waiheke, Tiritiri Matangi, and Rangitoto, or climb Mount Eden for sweeping city-and-bay views.

Tauranga is New Zealand's sunny capital, with wide beaches, surf, and views over the natural harbour from Mount Maunganui. The Bay of Plenty offers volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and rich Māori culture. Around Te Puke, kiwi, citrus, and avocados thrive. Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve has bubbling mud pools and steam, while Lake Rotoiti offers hot pools, kayaking, and glow-worm caves. The region also features Hobbiton/Middle-earth filming sites and offshore White Island, an active volcano.

Christchurch, New Zealand's "Garden City," blends quiet leafy streets, English charm and a strong sense of renewal after the 2011 earthquakes. Now a vibrant cultural hub, it offers street art, new bars and restaurants, museums and rebuild tours, plus a classic punt on the Avon through the botanical gardens. Surrounded by volcanoes, the Canterbury Plains and easy access to the Southern Alps, Hanmer Springs and Akaroa, it's a city of resilience and welcome.

Dunedin, on New Zealand's wild southeast coast, is a scenic, cultured city with strong Scottish roots and Gothic revival architecture. Founded by Scots in 1848, the "Edinburgh of the South" features the university clocktower, cathedral, Octagon, Burns statue, and ornate railway station. It's a gateway to the Otago Peninsula, with cliffs, beaches, yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and seals. Quirks include Baldwin Street races, museums on Chinese and Māori heritage, and Speight's Brewery.

Bluff, New Zealand's southernmost town, is also one of its most European. Formerly Campbelltown until 1917, it was renamed for the 265m hill above it. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ended their 1954 Royal Tour here. Bluff is famed for its oysters, celebrated each May, and it's the gateway to Stewart Island: take the ferry for a day trip, or stay for the Bluff Maritime Museum and nearby walking tracks, great for birdwatchers.

Sydney is Australia's showpiece city: a sparkling harbour, iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, golden beaches, world-class food, Indigenous culture, and lively beach life. Enjoy harbour views by boat, climb the Harbour Bridge, relax at Bondi Beach, surf, swim in ocean pools, or walk Bondi to Coogee. Beyond the city, fly to the Blue Mountains for the Three Sisters, or visit wildlife sanctuaries for kangaroos and koalas.

Sydney is Australia's showpiece city: a sparkling harbour, iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, golden beaches, world-class food, Indigenous culture, and lively beach life. Enjoy harbour views by boat, climb the Harbour Bridge, relax at Bondi Beach, surf, swim in ocean pools, or walk Bondi to Coogee. Beyond the city, fly to the Blue Mountains for the Three Sisters, or visit wildlife sanctuaries for kangaroos and koalas.

Mount Wellington is a constant backdrop to Hobart, Australia's second-oldest city and capital of Tasmania. Once a British penal colony, it's now a relaxed, creative place with museums, galleries, waterfront dining, and the huge Saturday Salamanca Market. Climb Mount Wellington for sweeping views, visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries, sample local wines, ales from Australia's oldest brewery, and award-winning whiskies.

Mount Wellington is a constant backdrop to Hobart, Australia's second-oldest city and capital of Tasmania. Once a British penal colony, it's now a relaxed, creative place with museums, galleries, waterfront dining, and the huge Saturday Salamanca Market. Climb Mount Wellington for sweeping views, visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries, sample local wines, ales from Australia's oldest brewery, and award-winning whiskies.

Melbourne is Australia's refined, contemporary cultural capital: liveable, multicultural, and full of art, museums, fine dining, and street art. Famous for its coffee culture, laneways, rooftop bars, and global cuisine, it pairs outdoor living with award-winning food and nearby wines. It's also a sporting powerhouse, home to the 100,000-seat MCG and major events like the Melbourne Cup, Formula One, and the Australian Open.