Ten years ago Des Moines almost literally sank: the flood of 1993 caused significant damage to the downtown area as well as the local economy. Today the revitalised capital city and cultural centre of Iowa is a versatile destination that everyone will enjoy. Culture and art enthusiasts can roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-calibre performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families; and gardeners will savour the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Enjoy Des Moines' variety and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.

Known best for its wine, Mendoza is a bustling city to the east of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. Although it draws its share of adventure travellers, lured by the climbing, skiing, hiking and rafting opportunities within an easy drive of downtown, the area’s more than 1,000 vineyards bring oenophiles in even greater numbers.

Los Cristianos was a humble fishing village before it became known as a convalescent resort for Swedes. Now it’s a playground for beachgoers from all over Europe, thanks to sunny weather and plentiful hotel options. At night, you’ll find a lively bar scene.

This big resort—the largest on Gran Canaria—was developed in the 1960s specifically as a tourist area. And all types of tourists have found it. LGBT travellers, families with kids, au naturel sunbathers, honeymooners, groups of young singles… there’s a spot for everybody on the beach here (and a hotel or apartment for every budget).