Carolina Beach’s old-fashioned seaside fun is centered on the vintage boardwalk dotted with pizza, doughnut and ice cream stands. Nearby, summer amusements abound, including miniature golf, batting cages, rides and an arcade. Enjoy live music venues, tiki bars and fresh seafood served with views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can surf or paddleboard, hike the white sand trails of Carolina Beach State Park or just take in the sea, sun and sights.

Golf, sunbathing and fishing entice resort-minded holiday-makers to North Myrtle Beach, which hugs the South Carolina coast at the northern end of its famous Grand Strand strip. In the home of "the shag" the infectious 1930s dance that still swings through the local clubs, a family-friendly vibe prevails. Explore a nature trail filled with migratory birds, go for thrills at one of the local amusement parks or take in live theatre. The mild subtropical climate means that outdoor activities are an option year-round.

Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly beach destination—which means in addition to great beaches, there’s plenty to do when the kids are sick of making sand castles. Amusement parks, water sports and golf courses are nearby. And family-friendly dining and hotels abound.

Despite having provided the backdrop to several Hollywood films, Mansfield manages to keep its all-American small town vibe. Its charming Main Street and Historic Carrousel District boast unique shops, galleries and an antique hand-carved carousel. The landmark Ohio State Reformatory has been the setting to several films, including The Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One. Mansfield's action-packed racing scene thrives at Mansfield Motorsports Park and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

North Conway, part of New Hampshire's scenic Mount Washington Valley, has been dubbed the offspring of a quintessential New England village and a Gap outlet. Historic buildings, quaint antique shops, bookstores and bakeries coexist peacefully with big name outlet stores like J. Jill, Nike and Dansk. For seasoned shoppers, it represents the best of worlds, part old-country charm, part new-world bargains. Plagued for years by busy routes and traffic jams, the new North-South road has made it somewhat easier to get around and enjoy all the area has to offer. In addition to shopping, visitors will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and rock climbing in the majestic White Mountains. In fact, North Conway is home to the renowned International Mountain Climbing School, which attracts climbers from around the world. Accommodations range from cozy inns and historic bed and breakfasts, to full-service resorts, ensuring a comfortable haven for all tastes and budgets.

Jamaica is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. You'll experience this diversity in its strong crafts tradition, performing arts and distinctive dining options, like ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit. Take your holiday to new heights at famed cliff jumping spot, Negril Cliffs. Jamaica offers long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine and chances to play in the surf, ride horses and swim with dolphins. Jump in!

It's still one of the most British cities in North America, but there's more to Victoria than tearooms, antique shops and galleries (though there are plenty of those). Driven by the younger generation, the city has sprouted a collection of cool shops, authentic coffee bars and unique restaurants. It also has more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the picturesque location (and avoid an afternoon of antique shopping).

The colorful Norwegian city of Bergen is also a gateway to majestic fjords. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf will give you a sense of the local culture – take some time to snap photos of the Hanseatic commercial buildings, which look like scenery from a film set. Don’t breathe too deeply when you visit the outdoor fish market, a reminder of the city’s role in early fish trade. Ferry across a fjord to Lysøen, where the former villa of 19th-century composer Ole Bull will captivate you with fairytale charm.