Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.

Canton is well-known to American football fans. Touted as the birthplace of American pro football, Canton celebrates its sporting history with the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival, featuring a hot air balloon fest, barbeque, parades and a football game. Off the field, the city is also home to a burgeoning local arts scene as well as acclaimed landmarks including the William McKinley National Monument and the National First Ladies Library.

Billing itself as "The Factory Tour Capital of the World," York, Pennsylvania, is the home of thirteen different factories open to the general public. Find out how everything from potato chips to motorcycles are made! The York Barbell Factory includes the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame, where visitors can see such sights as a license plate torn in half using only bare hands.

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.

High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its colour, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.

The Mediterranean town of Argeles-sur-Mer is proud of its Catalonian roots, and the Catalan influence has left its mark on everything from architecture to local cuisine. The lively harbour, long sandy beach, and tree-lined walkways are even more idyllic against a backdrop of the Pyrenees.

Welcome to Germany's largest island, with a myriad of terrains to delight outdoor explorers, from sandy coastlines to dramatic chalk cliffs. It's been a seaside resort since 1818 and is one of Germany's top vacation spots. There's something for everyone, from the two national parks to a former royal residence and a castle to the beach, of course - head to Binz if sunbathing is your primary objective.