1. Marseille, France (instead of Paris)

France's oldest (and second largest) city has a fraction of the population of Paris, but what it lacks in headcount it more than makes up for in luxe hotels, hip music venues, and Mediterranean beaches. Walk along the Old Port to sample one of the city's best bars and cafes, then take in the unparalleled ocean views at Basilique de Notre-Dame de la Garde. And don't you dare leave without eating a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse, the city's signature dish.

2. Guadalajara, Mexico (instead of Mexico City)

Located on the western side of the country, Guadalajara has restaurants and art galleries comparable to those of Mexico City and maintains strong ties to its history and heritage. One of the city’s most famous cultural contributions is Mariachi music. Catch a performance at places like El Parián de Tlaquepaque—the musical serenades here have made the restaurant one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Tequila is Guadalajara’s other claim to fame, so make sure to sample a little before leaving town.

3. Rotterdam, Netherlands (instead of Amsterdam)

The second largest city in the Netherlands should be at the top of every architecture lover’s bucket list, with outstanding examples of ultra-modern designs and the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the country. The city also boasts an impressive number of world-renowned art museums, including Kunsthal and Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. And because you’re in the Netherlands, you can expect to find windmills and miles of bicycle trails all around.

4. Memphis, Tennessee (instead of Nashville)

Not to be overshadowed by Tennessee’s capital city, Memphis has something to offer every type of traveler. It’s the home of blues music and soul, Beale Street and Graceland, and a variety of landmarks instrumental to the civil rights movement. After paying a visit to Elvis Presley’s estate, head to other musical institutions like the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Sun Studio, where Elvis and Johnny Cash recorded over the years. Set aside an afternoon to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn about the fight for equality in the United States. And make sure to enjoy a plate of dry-rubbed ribs while you’re in town.

5. Arequipa, Peru (instead of Lima)

While most tourists flock to Peru to visit Lima and Machu Picchu, those in the know make sure to add on a detour to Arequipa in the southern part of the country. Framed by three volcanos and filled with buildings carved from white stone, the city is arguably the most beautiful in Peru—and its abundance of hip restaurants and museums certainly doesn’t hurt. Arequipa also happens to be the home base for exploring Cañón del Colca, a natural wonder twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.