We've all heard of popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, like the view from Victoria Peak (pictured) or Hong Kong Disneyland, but you don't always hear about the things you find away from the city streets that paint an authentic portrait of the region's culture. Don't get me wrong, everyone should see iconic Hong Kong, but I have better surprises in store. If you know where to look, there are lots of places away from the crush of the skyscrapers where you can learn about the city's unique position in the world. Frommers.com
CNN | The most beautiful places in France to explore →
It's clearly not the indifferent attitudes of some in the French service industry towards their visitors. Nor is it the frankly disturbing insistence by French swimming pools that men must wear tiny Speedo-style bathing trunks before entering the water. Instead, it's the food, the art, the architecture and French way of life. CNN Travel
CNN | Swim here now: Hong Kong's best pools →
Shopping or dim sum, sure, but swimming pools? Turns out, along with all its other superlatives, Hong Kong is loaded with picturesque pools. Including the world's highest pool, a natural infinity pond on a mountainside and an array of public water parks, these are the city's coolest places to cool off. CNN Travel