The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.

The city of Hampton, Virginia, leads the country in the pursuit of aeronautics and space exploration. The home to Langley Air Force Base and NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton has helped put a man on the moon and a lander on Mars. Visit the Virginia Air & Space Center and learn about the scientific contributions made by these two organizations. The Center features over a hundred interactive exhibits, a 3-D IMAX theater and thirty historic aircraft, including the Apollo 12 Command Module.

"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.

Sylt, an island in northernmost German, has beaches on the North Sea. See the island’s thatched roof houses by bike or horseback. You can also visit the Sylt Aquarium. Sylt has several golf courses.