Koh Samui, Thailand

One of the world's most famous thai islands, Koh Samui perfectly combines  wonderful sunny beaches and family resorts with discos, strip-clubs and street bars.
You can find anything you want and every year there are more things to see and more place to visit (and, unfortunately, more hotels and buildings under construction).
One day take a boat trip to Koh Tao or Koh Panghan, both awesome for snorkeling and scuba diving, or to Angthong Marine Park, if you prefer kayaking, climbing and walking in the forest.
Chaweng Beach is the main district but don't slight Lamai and Bo Phut (and the golden Buddha).

Where to stai in Koh Samui: Centara Resort (Chaweng beach) is probably my favorite place to stay, but it is quite expensive. Another good hotel is the Imperial Samui, but is located in south Chaweng and you'll always need a taxi to reach restaurants, shops and night life.

Where to eat in Koh Samui: "Rice" restaurant is probably the best restaurant of the island.
If you like Italian Cuisine, reserve a table at "Vecchia Napoli" and you'll never regret it.

Monterey, CA, U.S.A.

First of all, you MUST take the "17 miles drive" route. Difficult to describe, but you'll really love this place, moreover if you are a Golfer, because you'll certainly stop at "Pebble Beach golf course".
"Monterey Bay Aquarium" is one of the nation's top family attractions in all the U.S. and it worth the $30.
Out of the Aquarium, take a walk at the "Cannery Row", once the center for an industrial sardine-packing operation and now a strip with gift shop, restaurants, bars and hotels, and finally dine at Fisherman's Wharf, a wooden pier crammed with crafts and gift shops, restaurants and sea lions.

Where to stay in Monterey: Best Western Park Crest Inn is a good value for money but you'll need the car if you book there.
Holiday Inn Express Cannery Row is right next to the Aquarium but it will cost you more than the Best Western.

Where to dine in Monterey: Choose your favorite restaurant at the pier or take a look at the Cannery Row. If you like Italian Cuisine, "Paradise Trattoria" at Cannery Row is very good.