South Africa - 10.45 South African rand to the dollar

Cape Town is Africa’s answer to San Francisco: Nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay, it claims an equally stunning natural setting, a similarly temperate climate and the continent’s most progressive cultural scene. Attractions include Long Street’s Pan African Market, a fabulous souvenir emporium. Or, visit the Old Biscuit Mill in the arty Woodstock district, which boasts the city’s best shopping plus a wide selection of organic foods on Saturdays.

If you’re brave enough to drive on the left, take a road trip south to Cape Point, which offers a fabulous, windy walk to a lookout point with views of both the Atlantic and Indian oceans; east and west of the city are the wine lands, South Africa’s Napa.