EDGE Fire Island

While some people consider Bodrum to be "the Hamptons of Turkey," for me, flying into Bodrum was a bit like finding Brigadoon. From the window of the plane, I watched as a series of misty blue islands rose almost chimerically out of the silvery gray sea.

As the economic and cultural heart of Turkey, Istanbul is the world’s tenth most popular destination. A center of arts and fashion, culture and history, with a median age of 23, Istanbul is also a university town with more than 150,000 students.

A certain kind of traveler’s bucket list may include in-flight indiscretions and wayward glances, but the mile-high club that I’ve been dreaming about involves a flatbed seat and real silverware.

Located in the ancient region of Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a topographical wonderland with a spectacular, lunar-like landscape marked by 6th-century monasteries and churches, cave dwellings, and stone mansions, all connected by tunnels.

New York City is eternally in the throes of reinventing itself. While some things remain steadfast, the city thrives on surprising longtime residents and visitors alike with unexpected discoveries.

The "route des Grands Crus" is the "Champs-Elysees" of Burgundy, home to some of France’s most famous vineyards. Located approximately 20 miles from Dijon, the Cote de Nuits wine region is 90 minutes by train from Paris - perfect for a weekend getaway.

LGBT visitors from across the country and the world gathered in Anaheim for Gay Days Disney. And although they may have expected the rides and mouse ears, many were surprised at the wide array of shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Nancy is the city that rivaled Paris as a center of art and architecture at the end of the 19th century. First built in the 11th century, Nancy was the one-time capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, which helped it attract many artists.

Air France’s A380, the world’s largest civil aircraft, made its inaugural flight between Paris and New York in November of 2009. In the ensuing two years, this double-decker, four-engine super jumbo aircraft has become favored by aeronautic aficionados.

Experienced travelers may wonder, in a city as sophisticated as Beijing, is a guide really necessary? It depends. Unless you speak Chinese, language is a real challenge.