Originally an English trading post on the Kennebec River, Augusta has since grown to be the capital of Maine, and is focused on preserving and celebrating the state’s history. Visit the magnificent Maine State House or Old Fort Western, the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States. The city is also the home of the Pine Tree State Arboretum, a 224-acre park and botanic garden, with six miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, open for free, all year round.

New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam-packed with attractions, and scenic roads make driving between them a delight. Trundle along Conway's Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway, head upwards on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loon Mountain Skyride, plunge down in Polar Caves Park and Flume Gorge, and reach top speeds at Attitash ski resort and summer playground. Offering a wealth of outdoors wonders both in winter and summer, the White Mountains are a thrill for all seasons.

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.

Clermont is a small city in Florida, west of Orlando. Clermont, which is known as the “gem of the hills,” is surrounded by gently sloping hills in an otherwise flat state. The historic downtown has not changes much in 50 years. Clermont is also home to one of the first constructed landmarks in Florida: the Citrus Tower. When you are settled into Clermont, plan a visit the Citrus Tower. It was built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in the area and serves as a monument to Florida’s citrus industry. It stands 226 feet high and has a glass-enclosed observation deck at the top. You can also visit the Showcase of Citrus to pick your own oranges or take an eco-tour in a giant swamp buggy and enjoy a glimpse into Florida’s past. The entire family will enjoy a perfect day in the citrus groves. When visiting Clermont, be sure to visit Revolution: The Off-Road Experience. It is a unique off-road motor and sports venue perfect for families staying in holiday rentals in the area. You can ride ATVs and dune buggies, water ski, or go bass fishing. In Clermont, you can hike, bike, go boating, or drop your line in a lake and wait for the fish to bite. Play a round of golf on one of the many world-class golf courses in the area. Lakeridge Winery is Florida’s largest premium winery and offers winery tours and wine tastings seven days a week. A visit to the President’s Hall of Fame, with wax figures and White House memorabilia, is a perfect afternoon trip. A short drive away from Clermont, is Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and the bustling city of Orlando.

This island, with its fast and fickle tides, was a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Today, visitors arrive by choice, seeking to explore the 11th-century abbey, dine in fine restaurants and take in the impressive evening illuminations. Only a narrow causeway built in 1880 links the island to the mainland, although a bridge is due to be completed in 2012.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

The northern French town of Bayeux is best known for the eponymous tapestry that depicts the 11th-century Norman Conquest. You can see it, of course, on display at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. The cloth’s original home was the Bayeux Cathedral, which still towers over the area, looking a bit like a Gothic wedding cake. Inside you’ll find beautifully detailed murals and haunting crypts. Bayeux makes an excellent jumping off point to tour nearby historic WWII sites.