AZERBAIJAN
Azerbai-who??? This former Soviet republic may be off the typical traveler’s itinerary, but you’re not the typical traveler and Azerbaijan is off the charts for remarkable panoramas with futuristic skylines and dramatic deserts straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. It’s the real “East Meets West” deal, bordering Russia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, and the Caspian Sea and mixing modernity with deeply held cultural traditions. Just about every climate in the world can be found here. You won’t believe your eyes when you journey to snow-capped mountains and volcanoes and then find yourself in soft, sandy deserts or subtropical woodlands. An early spring and mild winter, with plenty of sunny days in-between, make Azerbaijian the center of luxury beach tourism in the region, especially along the Absheron Peninsula. Come for sun and stay for more.