Kuwait

Photo: shafimon/Shutterstock

Ancient and contested, Kuwait is a tiny country on the northeastern side of the Arabian peninsula, with an estimated 10 percent of the world's oil reserves — and therefore rolling in petro-dollars.

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The Kuwait Towers in Kuwait city, which look a little bit like onion bulbs on skewers, are the most famous landmarks of the state, though Liberation Tower is arguably a lot more photogenic.

Beyond architectural photo ops, you can relax on Green Island — water is everywhere, though note that so too are conservative Islamic views — or head to Khiran Resort for watersports, check out the Dhow Harbour, wander the Grand Mosque of Kuwait, or attend a pearl-diving competition. And, of course, there's plenty of extravagant shopping and dining opportunities, too. Just be sure to hire a driver to get you around.