Lively nightclubs pulsing with Caribbean beats drive the nightlife scene of Cabarate, a breathtaking beach town. Not even the stubbornly two-left-footed can keep their toes from tapping when the sun goes down on Cabarete, which brims with culture and energy. Beachfront bars cum discotheques are the perfect spot to shake what your Mami gave you.

Well-priced, all-inclusive beach resorts are the norm around Puerto Plata. Take a cable car to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres, enjoy a concert at an amphitheater facing the Atlantic Ocean, visit the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress. Explore the nearby falls of Damajagua, snorkel off the beautiful island of Cayo Arena or play a round of golf in spectacular surroundings. Then discover the neighbouring towns of Cabarete, a kite-boarding hub, and Sosúa, a picturesque beach spot.

The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?

Located on the northeastern coast of the Samana Peninsula, Las Terrenas offers miles of protected inshore waters and beautiful, undeveloped white-sand-beaches, lined with tall palm trees and pastel-colored fishing boats. Trade winds and the warm temperature of the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean bring this part of the island year-round balmy weather. With a year-round average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures vary only 18 degrees between summer and winter.

Situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, Seven Mile Beach actually now measures only 5.5 miles. But its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands still lure visitors from around the world. Beach bars, such as the Royal Palms, provide drinks and a lively atmosphere, and restaurants abound. Swim with friendly stingrays at Stingray City, shop Seven Mile Shops, snorkel and scuba in the enticing waters around Cemetery Reef. Visit nearby Cayman capital George Town and the fascinating Cayman Turtle Farm.

Just 50 miles from Mexico City, balmy Cuernavaca, Morelos, has been adopted as a place of rest and recreation by many visitors, from Aztec emperors and conquerors to princes, artists and a large number of retirees.

The Cape Verdean island of Sal is all about the beach, baby. White sand stretches along glassy turquoise waters—perfect for a lazy day of sunning or some heart-pumping watersports. Snorkelers and divers will find plenty of tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins to look at. On dry land, kids (and grownups!) will marvel at the Terra Boa mirage, an optical illusion that conjures a peaceful-looking lake in the middle of a large, flat plain.

Think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, fabulous seafood restaurants, and great hotels overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay… Monterey is a great place for a romantic getaway. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters.

> From the rare truffles of the Drôme to the vineyards of Beaujolais, > the Rhone- Alps reveal the treasures of French cuisine. Gastronomic pleasures are complemented by the lush countryside, filled with fields of lavender. UNESCO- designated Lyon has 1st-century Roman ruins and the 19th-century Basilica of Fourvière. Forts and castles dot the landscape around Grenoble. Work off excess calories on the slopes of Chamonix and Megève. Visit during autumn to take advantage of the grape harvest and many festivals.

Amsterdam is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must—if only so you can say you’ve been there. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have, and the Van Gogh Museum boasts a sensational collection of works.

Lucerne is an ancient town with strikingly modern sensibilities. One of Europe’s oldest covered bridges serves as its centrepiece, and fresco-adorned historic houses line the streets, but it’s also home to the cutting-edge KKL, a concert hall and art gallery. Take the cableways up the Pilatus, Stanserhorn or Rigi mountains for breathtaking views, or see Lake Lucerne on a steamship cruise.

A magnet for skiers and hikers, these dramatic peaks – including the iconic Matterhorn – range from 3,000 to 15,000 feet and spread across three-fifths of the country. Abundant glaciers, scenic valleys and gorgeous alpine lakes add to the region's visual appeal. The Glacier Express train travels the 7.5-hour route through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing through fairy-tale villages and over 291 bridges along the way.