Many such destinations are worth visiting for other reasons too: as well as being pleasant places to go on holiday, Iceland, Hawaii and the Greek island of Santorini all demonstrate, for example, the influence of vulcanism on island formation.

ECONOMIST: Good sport

According to a 2004 survey taken after all three movies had been released, 6% of New Zealand visitors (some 150, 000 people) said the franchise was one of their main reasons for visiting the country.

BBC: Does an Oscar really win tourism?

While visiting Peru in February 2008 I wanted to find out the reasons behind his 2006 victory and how his current regime is progressing.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Peru: two terms of Garcia

They may have won their first Atlantic Division title in 19 years by beating the visiting Washington Wizards, 120-99, on Tuesday, but the Knicks had two reasons for caution: The diminishing health of their big men and the fact that their ultimate goal remains far off.

WSJ: Knicks Run Streak to 13

So you've chosen to rent an apartment for all the great reasons above, but perhaps you don't speak the language in the country you're visiting.

CNN: Amazing apartment rentals -- and some budget options, too