Faroe Islands, Denmark
The visitors can't fly direct from New York; on a typical Continental flight, travelers change planes twice on the way over (once in Germany and then again in Copenhagen) and just once (Copenhagen) on the way back. This trip will cost you $3,400.

Located midway between Iceland and Norway and technically a self-governing region of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are an 18-island archipelago. Although tourism accounts for a significant portion of the economy, the main industry is fishing. The climate here is mild, tempered by the Gulf Stream, and the dramatic shore is lined with volcanic basalt cliffs. Bird watching enthusiasts will be particularly at home with over 300 species of birds to observe.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
From New York, flights to the Ecuadorean city of Quito on Avianca Aerovias cost about $500. There are only 2 Ecuadorian airlines, TAME and Aerogal, fly direct to the Galapagos from Quito and Guayaquil, they can cost up to $390. Getting there by cruise is possible too, but cruises can be expensive - over $4,000 on Abercrombie and Kent. In the Galapagos if you're traveling independently, you would have to hire a trained naturalist guide.

The Galapagos Islands are abundant with species not found elsewhere; the chance to observe giant tortoises or snorkel with sea cucumbers is reason enough for most.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Lan Peru flies directly to Cuzco from Miami for about $1,000, and the journey takes about nine hours. Then travelers take a train to Machu Picchu, which can cost between $70 and $500, depending on the level of luxury required. Some 4 day guided hikes are available from Cuzco to Machu Picchu as well, starting at $300 (it's a distance of 43 miles). Aguas Calientes is the town just outside the ruins, and you may take a bus or a 45-minute climb that will take you to the ruins themselves, where tickets cost about $20.

Nestled in the jagged Andes mountain range, the Machu Picchu ruins were only discovered in 1911. Once housed about 1,200 people, the ruins of the former settlement, thought to have been a royal estate or place of religious significance. Nowadays, native Peruvians selling hand-made crafts like scarves and hats crowd the ruins' entrance.