The caves of Ponza are steeped in mystical mythology—legend has it that Ponza was Homer’s inspiration for the sorceress Circe’s island in The Odyssey. The whole island has a magical feel to it, from the grottoes to the botanical gardens to the underground labyrinth of Roman tunnels. Schedule a boat tour so that you can explore the entire island by sea—a truly spectacular experience.

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.

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.

Mount Desert (pronounced “dessert”) Island is the largest isle in Maine and the second largest on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Though it boasts a small residential community, Mount Desert claims more than two million visitors each year; all of whom are enamored with its quaint feel, stunning beaches, and access to saltwater and freshwater lakes. Popular water activities include kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, though many prefer to take in amazing sunrises and scenic vistas while exploring one of the island’s 25 trails.

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.

Part of the Flint/Tri-Cities area in Michigan, Saginaw is a small city with unique attractions, including a French-style castle, originally built as a post office and now home to the the local historical society. The city also has its own island park sitting in the middle of Saginaw River, a popular destination for picnics and fireworks. The Japanese Cultural Center, built in conjunction with Saginaw's sister city, Tokushima, features an tea house where authentic tea ceremonies are performed.