Travel writing & field guides.

Quick answer: Choose Rio for beaches, mountains and Carnival; choose Buenos Aires for European elegance, steak and tango. Rio is tropical drama; BA is cultured cool.

Quick answer: Choose Croatia for the coast and islands; choose Slovenia for alpine lakes, green nature and value. Croatia is the beach trip; Slovenia is the nature gem.

Quick answer: Choose Croatia for islands, established tourism and famous towns; choose Montenegro for dramatic bays, value and fewer crowds. Croatia is polished; Montenegro is the rising star.

Quick answer: Choose Crete for size, variety and food; choose Rhodes for medieval history and easy beach resorts. Crete is the epic; Rhodes is the charming all-rounder.

Quick answer: Choose Bali for culture, things to do and value; choose the Maldives for pure overwater luxury and seclusion. Bali is varied and active; the Maldives is switch-off paradise.

Quick answer: Choose Ibiza for world-famous clubbing and electronic music; choose Mykonos for chic beach clubs and Greek-island glamour. Both are summer party icons — Ibiza is bigger nightlife, Mykonos is beach-chic.

Quick answer: Choose the Philippines for stunning beaches, islands and English ease; choose Indonesia for cultural variety, Bali and volcanoes. Both are vast, affordable island nations.

Quick answer: Choose Hanoi for old-world charm, culture and northern scenery; choose Ho Chi Minh City for energy, modern buzz and southern food. Hanoi is traditional; Saigon is dynamic.

Quick answer: Choose Kyoto for temples, tradition and serene beauty; choose Osaka for street food, nightlife and a fun, friendly energy. Kyoto is culture; Osaka is the kitchen of Japan.

Quick answer: Choose Rome for ancient grandeur and big-city life; choose Venice for romance and the one-of-a-kind canals. Rome is history; Venice is magic.