At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favourite of models and celebrities.

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.

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.

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.

Hugging the shoreline between West Palm Beach to the north and Fort Lauderdale to the south, Boca Raton enjoys all the charm and affluence that Florida has to offer. Its welcoming small town charm and picturesque Mediterranean Revival architecture enchant visitors and residents alike, while 1500 acres of parks and miles of hiking paths promise plenty of pleasant greenery. Swimmers, snorkelers and sun seekers enjoy its four miles of tropical Florida beaches.

Key Largo's spectacular Sandspur and Caloosa Beaches are a part of protected area Bahia Honda. This divine duo of sandy beaches, with their coconut palms and year-round warm waters, offer marvellous swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in their calm waters. Sandspur is especially popular with families.

Six islands in the Florida Keys comprise the village of Islamorada, known for its prime sport fishing. Rent a boat or participate in a guided tour to fish, snorkel, or swim with marine life. Fresh seafood is the hallmark of the Islamorada dining scene. Visit a tropical-themed bar to soak in the full Florida Keys experience with a frozen umbrella drink. For a dose of culture, take in fine art and music while strolling through the Morada Way Art and Cultural District.

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.

Stretching 126 miles south towards Cuba, the stunning Keys are a perfect escape. Highlights along the way include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the irrepressible Key West. Come face to face with an amazing array of fish while snorkelling, diving or fishing in the warm turquoise waters. Creeks, coral and costumed shows are other lures along the way. Highway 1 is a spectacular ribbon tying together the islands and atolls of this paradise between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.

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.

Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our "best nightlife" list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it "nightlife."

Enclosed by ramparts, Taroudant is the epitome of a Moroccan market town. Engage in friendly bargaining at a souk in one of the two main squares, then revive your spirit with a soak at an authentic hammam steam bath. Take a day trip to the refreshing Tioute Oasis, birdwatch at Souss Massa National Park, or enjoy an evening of Berber folk music under the stars.

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.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

A small resort town on Majorca's northern coast, Port de Pollenca feature pine-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and buzzing restaurants. With the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and wild Formentor Peninsula within easy reach, the town is a haven for families, sunseekers, and adventurers alike.