Rex and Les Bains Douches are both great on the nightclub front....Batofar has pretty good afterparties, and as for early on and meeting people, just pregame by the banks of the Seine. Always a good amount of cool people hanging out there.

gotta get to "arraial do cabo" in the state of Rio. check out my review on it for details. unreal.

Depends on your scene. Pricey cocktails casual and Fendi shades are the mo at 230 fifth while skinny jeans and vintage tees are the unofficial outfit at the Delancey on the lower east side. The Brass Monkey at the edge of the meat packing district is perfect for beer lovers; hit the Hotel Gansevoort's rooftop if you're into a chic scene with celebrity sightings. For exclusivity, you can't beat the roofdeck at the Gramercy Park Hotel, but it'll cost you... hotel guests only.

London.Make it your home base and then travel all around the U.K. and Europe on cheap airlines..London is by far one of the coolest cities in the world. And if you're smart, you can watch your cashflow so you don't blow your load on the first night... unless that's the goal.

One of the best spots for authentic markets and shops (wine, cheese, chocolate, pastry, anything) is the Rue de Montorgueil in the 2nd Arrondissement. It's right near the Museum of Contemporary Art and also has plenty of cafés to stop by for a break and a coffee.