Palm Beach has long lured America's big name social elite, from the Kennedys to the Pulitzers to the Trumps. If you don't have the Jaguar, catch a Palm Tram around the city. Opulent extravagance is the order of the day. But if you can take your eyes off the glittering procession of socialites and the prices at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Spa and in Worth Avenue stores, there are plenty of other sights to be seen. Don't miss Henry Morrison Flagler Museum or the hopping nightlife on Clematis Street.

With sunny skies, nearly perfect year-round weather and a range of outdoor and cultural attractions, West Palm Beach presents the ideal setting for a weekend escape. Enjoy a game of golf at a number of pristine local courses or hit the beach for a day of tanning and catching up on your reading. See African chimps and endangered species like the Southern White rhinoceros wander free in a natural habitat at the Lion Country Safari. You could spend an entire day on Peanut Island, a popular tourist attraction that houses a bunker built for President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War. The island includes the bunker, a museum and plenty of picnic areas, plus cycling and walking paths. The ferry to the island cruises past the opulent mansions of the city's wealthy residents. For those who prefer indoor activities, the Norton Museum boasts an exceptional collection of American, Chinese and European art. Famous performers appear at "The Harriet" and at the Kravis Center. Of course there's always shopping, the city's other favourite pastime. From designer boutiques to big-name department stores, West Palm has it all.

Sharing its warm, lapping waters with its Gold Coast neighbors Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Pompano Beach lives up to the promise in its name; miles of beach along the temperate Gulf Stream await the sun-thirsty traveler. Overhead Goodyear's Spirit of Innovation blimp patrols the blue skies. The surrounding area is home to enough links courses to keep an intrepid golfer very busy for weeks. Miami and Gold Coast attractions, sports and entertainment are all within easy access.

This canal-laced city is a far cry from its rowdy, party image of the past. Today, following renovation and renewal, upmarket stores and restaurants have replaced fast-food stands and T-shirt shops. But the city's biggest draws are its stretch of gorgeous beaches, great swimming, nearly year-round sunshine and close-to-ideal climate. For great shopping, dining and nightlife, you can't go wrong at Las Olas Riverfront, a waterfront entertainment centre with top-notch clothing and jewellery shops, bars and free entertainment. The city has a host of family-friendly options, such as Everglades Holiday Park and the Museum of Discovery and Science. With the network of canals and waterways, boats are part of the Lauderdale lifestyle, and tourists can get in on the act by hiring a boat or hailing a water taxi. There's a lot to do here, but make sure and spend some quiet time just soaking up the sun or strolling along the beach at dusk.

Relax beachside or stroll the boardwalk in the beautiful oceanside community of Hollywood. Ride a charming trolley from the beach to downtown, where you can soak in the areas rich culture, tour one of several museums, or browse through the local shops. There's always something going on on the boardwalk. Listen to live music, taste fresh seafood, or celebrate one of several seasonal festivals. After hours, Hollywood is known for its vibrant nightlife.

Located on the southeast tip of Florida, Sunny Isles Beach is set on a barrier island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is the perfect relaxing escape and includes two miles of fine sand. Visit the landmark fishing pier or enjoy the area's abundant outdoor activities, such as snorkeling.

For a town that was no more than a fishing camp and a few farms fifty years ago, Port Saint Lucie has grown to be a lovely holiday spot. Port Saint Lucie is the location of the spring training camp for the New York Mets. Visit Tradition Field and see how the team is shaping up for the coming season. Then, if you love to golf, head over to the PGA Village, a 51-hole complex with a learning centre and historical centre. To the east of Port Saint Lucie is the Atlantic Ocean, so you'll want to schedule at least one day for the beach. Port Saint Lucie is also located just north of the Saint Lucie River, so you can explore the beauty of the river region on the St. Lucie River Princess. You'll cruise in comfort and be taken by the breathtaking scenery of natural Florida. The cruise is shaded from the sun and narrated for your education and entertainment. Cruises start in the afternoon, so you can spend a leisurely morning first. You can also explore nature on foot by hiking in the Savannas Preserve State Park. The park also offers canoe trips and guided explorations. No trip to Port Saint Lucie would be complete without a visit to Lily's Cafe. It serves great food at great prices. If you're lucky, Lily herself might be your waitress. If you're feeling more exotic, El Cubanito serves Cuban cuisine in a family atmosphere. Other restaurants include seafood, Indian cuisine, and American cuisine.

Boasting almost exclusively Mediterranean Revivalist buildings and urban planning following the City Beautiful movement, Coral Gables is an elegantly laid out, pedestrian-friendly city boasting tropical foliage, charming boutiques and architectural grandeur. Historic landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel and Merrick House provide a document of the history of the City Beautiful, while the crystalline Venetian Pool provides relaxation in a setting of exquisite beauty.

Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, the city of Vicksburg was the setting of a bloody 47 day siege during the Civil War. The site of this epic battle is now Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving original fortifications and the U.S.S. Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that once prowled the waters of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg is also the place where Coca-Cola was first bottled, a fact that is happily immortalized at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.

Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archaeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighbourhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.

You’ll wonder why you don’t live in Portland after you’ve visited this laid-back and friendly city. With a reputation for manicured parks, eclectic nightlife, fine micro-breweries and distilleries, and nature that cuts right into the city, Portland’s a Pacific Northwest must-visit. Don’t miss the famous Japanese Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind outside of Japan.

Brazil's capital was constructed between 1956 and 1960 on tropical savannah. It's a gem of modernist urban planning with stunning, world-renowned architecture sights. Cosmopolitan Brasilia celebrates a slew of festivals and is home to the National Museum and National Library of the Republic.

Soak up the sun on the well-maintained beaches of Agadir, southern Morocco's most-visited city. Palm-lined boulevards and beachfront bars add a decidedly Western-resort feel, amplified by the large number of Europeans who flock here in the winter months. It’s all about laid-back relaxation in Agadir, so ride a camel, rent a beach buggy, check out the Suq al-Had market or take the 20-minute walk up to the ruins of the Agadir Kasbah for expansive city views if you’re taking a break from the beach.

The promise of sun, sea, and sangria continues to draw visitors to Palmanova, though the resort town offers more than just revelry. Sports facilities and scenic surrounds provide plenty of active options throughout the year, while the waterfront promenade boasts modern cafés, hotels, and bars.