Rio-bound without the airfare.

Everyone I know who hasn't been to Brazil wants to go. And everyone I know who has been, wants to go back.

The vibe is seriously sensual. The people are gorgeous. And Rio is more beautiful than any city has a right to be.

To me, one of the best things about Brazil is that you can recreate that tropical high whenever you want - with music. From the Bossa Nova of the 1960s to today's Favela Funk, Brazilian music is the best in the world.

In Buenos Aires' Don't miss the San Telmo Antiques Fair.

If you're planning a trip to Buenos Aires, make sure you'll be there on a Sunday so you can visit the Antiques Fair in San Telmo (Feria de San Telmo). To get there, walk down Defensa from Plaza de Mayo. On Sundays, it's closed to traffic.

There are antique shops on both sides of the street, as well as tango dancers, musicians, and street performers. Artists and crafts vendors sell their wares on the side streets. And there's street food in case you get peckish.

San Carlos de Bariloche and Argentina's Patagonia.

If you haven't been to Argentina yet, chances are it's on your short list. The charms of Buenos Aires are one of travel's worst-kept secrets.

But Argentina is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So even those who are just planning to pop down for a city visit should add Patagonia and the Lakes district to their itinerary.

San Carlos de Bariloche, a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires, makes an easy gateway. The town, which looks like a Swiss village, is underwhelming - you'll see all there is to see in a couple of hours. But the location on Lake Nahuel Huapi is beautiful.