TUNISIA

Sun, sea and sand are what draw most people to Tunisia: Its long Mediterranean coast is lined with beaches and resorts. Venturing into the interior, you'll find the country has more to offer: Islamic architecture in medieval walled cities, Roman ruins, unusual underground dwellings, dramatic sand dunes and lush palm-tree-filled oases. Tunisia's more popular destinations have long since been discovered, evidenced by the large number of package-tour groups spilling out of hotels, restaurants and historic sites. The beaten path even applies to certain parts of the desert, where caravans of four-wheel-drive vehicles kick up minisandstorms in their wake. If an authentic Sahara experience, in relative solitude and comfort, is what you've always longed for, then we recommend a multiday trek -- the local camel outfitter can make all the arrangements.