The “little nest” of Kenmare is part of the famed Ring of Kerry, making it a prime stop for a spot of lunch and a pint. But before you go on your merry way, check out the area’s Bronze Age stone circle, one of the largest in southwest Ireland. The peaceful glens and streams of Gleninchaquin make a wonderful backdrop for a picnic, which you can work off on a walk along the Kenmare section of the Beara Way.

Slip into Tralee pub on any unassuming evening and you'll likely be treated to a lively session of traditional music: fiddlers and guitarists and bearded laddies sipping on pints and jamming on festive old tunes. Ladies go easy on the brew, though - you'll want to remain in your loveliest, fairest state for the annual Rose of Tralee festival, which crowns one fair lass as the winner. Her duties? Represent Ireland to the world. No pressure.

Perched on the hem of the Atlantic in Ireland's southwest, charming Dingle looks out over Dingle Bay to the Blasket Islands. Chock full of friendly pubs where live traditional music plays, the Irish-speaking area fills to the brim with tourists on weekends and through summer. Another regular visitor to Dingle's Gulf Stream-warmed waters is Fungi, the dolphin, the town's unofficial mascot. Popular tourist attractions include the beaches, Mount Brandon and Ballydavid and Ballyferriter villages.

A scenic stretch of land surrounded by rugged coastline.

You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family. No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques.

Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina. Along its wide avenues are historic sites ranging from an antebellum mansion to the former home of a slave who bought her freedom, plus museums, galleries, music venues, theatres and shops. Columbia's three rivers, lake, canal, national park and several city parks offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Child-friendly destinations include a zoo and the largest children's museum in the south.

Sultry Savannah's combination of colonial architecture and southern charm have long made it a popular weekend destination. In more recent years, fans of the Savannah-based book and movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", have flocked here to see the Bonaventure Cemetery, the Mercer House and other associated landmarks. History buffs are drawn to Wormsloe, one of the only examples of a true plantation in the area, and the city's many museums and old mansions. Although Savannah is not thought of as an outdoor adventure destination, visitors can find hiking, cycling and swimming at the nearby Skidaway Island State Park. Savannah is known for its five-star restaurants, elegant historic inns and upmarket hotels.

Located near the National Capital Region of Delhi, this upcoming district houses numerous multinational companies and as a result, has plenty of tourist-friendly malls, hotels and restaurants. The area's top attraction is the Sheetla Mata temple, a popular pilgrimage site named for the Indian goddess who could dispel small pox; a festival is held there in March and July. For a more rural setting, visit nearby Sohna, which is surrounded by ancient ruins and known for its hot springs.