Paradise Island is known for powder soft beaches and crystal clear, turquoise water, great for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can try their luck at the Atlantis Casino and dine “around the world” at celebrity chef restaurants. Spend the day at Aquaventure Water Park or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay. Take a scenic stroll through Marina Village or shop for souvenirs at Bahamas Craft Centre and Craft Cottage. Or just soak up the Caribbean sun on a beautiful beach.

There are no two identical Bahamas holidays. With options as diverse as its 700 islands, the Bahamas may seem schizophrenic: is it a family destination, a place for lovers to sneak away, a gambling mecca, a cruise-afficianado’s chief port of call or a shopper’s world market? The answer is, yes. It’s that, too.

The tranquil pink and white sands of Eleuthera beaches are the perfect remedy for any weary traveller. The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is an educational experience in beautiful disguise. No visit to Eleuthera is complete without a peek at the unique “glass window,” where the dark blue Atlantic bumps right up to the aquamarine Caribbean Sea. Hire a guide to show you the splendor of the island’s many mystical caves.

Known for its crystal blue waters, spacious beach, and active island lifestyle, Wrightsville Beach is ideal for world-class watersports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. The walkable beach town is the perfect place for leisure travellers to indulge in resort amenities, spa outings, and boutique shopping. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh sea-to-table and farm-to-table fare. There’s never a shortage of things to do year-round on the island. Elevate your beach experience.

Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city and the most accessible coastal area in the state. The pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk winds along the Cape Fear River, connecting many of the city’s shops, cafés, and nightlife with waterfront hotels, parks and the Port City Marina. Annual festivals, such as Riverfest, Wilmington Beer Week and the world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival, attract crowds year-round. Three nearby island beaches offer even more dining, attractions and water sports.

It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).

Quepos, a small town in Puntarenas province, is located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast and is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world for big game sport fishing. However, Quepos also offers vacationers a wealth of other activities to do as well. The nearby plaza has many fine restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops, most within a short walking distance of your beachfront vacation rental. Book an exhilarating canopy tour, go horseback riding, kayaking and rafting. Learn to surf or watch the surfers ride the waves; you’ll wonder at their athleticism.

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.

Palm trees cast their shadows on Arraial d'Ajuda's beaches, where laid-back afternoons give way to beach parties when the sun sets over the jungle. Hammocks are the perfect vantage point for taking in the sounds of sea breezes, gentle waves, and Caribbean tunes.

Whether your curiosity is piqued by the International Olympic Committee’s selection for the 2016 Games, or you’re heeding the call of the famous twin beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio offers more than you can imagine, and offers it at all hours. With breathtaking views from Corcovado Mountain and breathtaking deals in the city’s endless malls and markets, Rio de Janeiro is a holiday paradise, whatever it is you travel for.

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.