Claimed as the largest Buddhist temple complex in southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si – the Temple of Paradise – is marked by the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda and a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. A newer temple to the Goddess was built in 2001-2002.

The Mosque of the Divinity outside of Dakar fuses modernism and traditional Islamic architecture. Its two towers serve as ideal lookout points over the vast ocean waters surrounding Senegal. Despite its appeal to tourists, the mosque also remains a revered pilgrimage site. For an even more impressive panorama, explore the cliffs near the mosque.

No trip to Cairns would be complete without a day spent exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs, nearly 900 islands and coral cays, and home to an unparalleled array of marine life, Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on Earth. Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, or nature lover, there are plenty of reasons to include this natural world wonder in your Australia travel itinerary.

Cheong Fatt Tze, the Blue Mansion, was one of the wealthiest merchants of the 19th century, and Penang Straits Settlement imported artisans from China to build this opulent 38-room mansion. With its five courtyards, carved woodwork, Gothic louvered windows and cast iron, the mansion is a fascinating fusion of East and West culture. The building was restored at a cost of 7.6 million ringgit, and it is crammed with sculptures, antique furniture and tapestries, while now being a unique boutique hotel. However, it is also open for non-residents during guided tours, so book one ahead.