The most visited national park in the USA, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses some 800 square miles of protected forest along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At the heart of it all is Gatlinburg, an ideal base from which to explore the park's hundreds of hiking trails, go river rafting, fishing, horse riding or wildlife watching, or embark on numerous other outdoor adventures. After climbing mountains, take a lift 342 feet to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning views of the Smokies and the surrounding area. Children will love the amusement centre next to the Needle, which is full of entertaining rides and games. For more family fun visit the captivating creatures of Ripley's Aquarium. Touch a Ray Ban and ogle a lagoon full of sharks. Dolly Parton fans won't want to miss Dollywood, located in nearby Pigeon Forge. This large amusement park features rides and attractions inspired by the popular country singer's love of music, the Smoky Mountains and good old-fashioned southern hospitality.

Sevierville Tennessee is located on the eastern edge of the state, the town sits in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, about ten miles north of the park. There are plenty of outdoor activities such as horseback riding and the Forbidden Caverns for the kids. Additionally, this quaint and quiet town's claim to fame is as the birthplace of Dolly Parton as well as being home to outlet malls and restaurants out on the highway.   

Greenville, South Carolina, is a welcoming place to shop, dine, see historic homes and watch minor-league sports. The city is also home to significant art collections and a vibrant performing-arts scene. Families can enjoy child-friendly activities such as searching for nine bronze mice scattered around the city, visiting the Greenville Zoo, relaxing in the many outdoor spaces and enjoying numerous annual festivals. State parks and Revolutionary and Civil War sites are a short drive away.

Don your most comfortable shoes for Killarney, where town trails offer history lessons and country walks traverse Ireland's first national park: 26,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone mountains and low-lying lakes. In the town centre, Killarney House and Gardens provide a break for urban explorers. Renowned Muckross House, with its 15th-century abbey ruins and massive yew tree, is just outside the town. If your feet wear out, take in Killarney National Park's legendary scenery from a boat trip from Ross Castle.

Plan to cross many bridges when in Cork. Ireland's third-largest city began life as an island and now spans both banks of the River Lee, with watery channels running beneath some of its main thoroughfares. The best way to experience this hilly southern seaport is on foot, following the signposted walking tour past St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College up the hill to red and white Shandon Church. Along the way, you'll meet plenty of the city's talkative residents.

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.

If your kids are sick of the same old beach holiday you take every year, consider taking them to Lanzarote. There are great beaches, to be sure, but this UNESCO World Biosphere reserve has unique attractions and activities. We're talking camel rides on volcanoes (at Timanfaya National Park), or eating at a restaurant in a volcanic cave (at Jameos del Agua). Even the most jaded teens will be impressed.

Brittany's dramatic 750-mile coastline traces a rugged hem against the chilly Atlantic. Attractions such as St-Malo's 1689 Fort National, the prehistoric ruins and striking beauty of Gavrinish Island and Brest's Oceanopolis aquarium cling to the rocky shoreline of France's most northwestern province. Nantes, Rennes and Brest are the largest cities. Rennes is just two hours from Paris by TGV. Breton and Gallo, the ancient languages of this Celtic province, are still spoken in pockets throughout the area.

Surrounded by country estates, Groningen pairs the old-world spirit of north Holland with the youthful energy of a university town. From the cafes of Grote Markt to the abstract architecture of Groninger Museum, the city is a hip mashup of contemporary Dutch culture.

At the center of Trois Vallees, the world’s largest ski area, Meribel gives easy access to the entire vicinity and its more than 400 miles of pistes. Within Meribel itself, the Altiport is for beginners while Saulire and Tougnète are mixed use, and Mont du Vallon serves up long, steep advanced runs against a gorgeous backdrop.