Savour a restorative drink in St Augustine's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park, site of the conquistadors' arrival in what is now the United States. Signs of the country's origins are evident throughout the city, from 17th-century fortress Castillo de San Marcos to the watchtower of Fort Matanzas National Monument. Take a break from history at a local beach or indulge in some retail therapy among the many arts and crafts stores. Old- fashioned carriages, trains and trams offer narrative tours.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.

Kissimmee provides the perfect base camp for a date with Mickey. Only a few minutes' drive from the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Florida town is packed with family-friendly activities like mini golf, dinner theater and ice skating. Get close to nature on an airboat ride through the swamps or pick oranges at a local grove. For a more educational diversion, stroll through the historic downtown or visit the Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum for a peek into turn-of-the century life.

Flanked by lakes, mountains and intriguing rock formations, Grand Junction offers a different side of Colorado. Mild weather year-round creates an agricultural oasis for 22 different wineries. Mountain bike along winding desert trails, wine and dine next to majestic rivers, and peruse a variety of shops, galleries and boutiques. For breathtaking natural beauty, don’t miss Grand Mesa National Forest and Colorado National Monument’s 23-mile stretch of scenic overlooks.

Cody, named for its legendary founder, Buffalo Bill Cody, remains as full of Old West adventure as it was during the days when Bill himself roamed Wyoming. Serving as the Eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Cody is just a few miles away from pristine wilderness where actual buffalo can still be seen. The town attracts tourists and cowboys alike with reenactments of famous shoot-outs, restored frontier buildings and with the Cody Stampede, which the town hosts every July 4.

British Columbia's Sunshine Coast does seem to get more than its fair share of great weather, plus breathtaking scenery and friendly coastal villages to discover. The beaches are best in summer, but the natural beauty is year-round. Travelers rave about swimming while gazing up at the mountains, or just relaxing in a romantic B&B while the setting sun paints a canvas of color over the water.

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.

Set in a historic coffee region, Campinas combines the youthful energy of its universities with longstanding cultural traditions. Students keep cafés packed, nightlife is wild, and restaurants serve creative cuisine, while historic plantations and parks are just a short drive away.

Southwest of Seville, Jerez is a well-heeled place. It’s the home of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and its famous dancing horses; if you’re on a budget or can’t be there for a formal performance, it’s worth dropping in to catch a morning training session. The other major reason to visit Jerez is to sample its most famous product—sherry. You can do this at a number of bodegas associated with the world’s best-known brands, including Bodegas Tio Pepe, The House of Sandeman, Jerez, and Pedro Domecq. They’ll soon have you knowing your amontillado from your oloroso. There’s also an Alcázar, dating back to the time of the Almohads, which features a small mosque, now the chapel of Santa María Real.

Positioned at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, Nerja boasts nearly 10 miles of powdery beaches featuring activities like water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Although tourist-oriented, it hasn't been overtaken by high-rises, and its huge promenade delivers panoramic Mediterranean views.

Coastal Calpe seems straight from a postcard, with a dramatic rocky headland and palm-dotted beaches lapped by Mediterranean waters. Once an ancient fishing village, the Costa Blanca town mixes Roman ruins and scenic nature parks with plenty of modern urban comforts.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon has 2000 years of history imprinted on its streets. Originating as Lugdunum under the Roman Empire, it evolved into a centre of silk production and later a Haussman-style industrial city. Travel through the ages with stops at the Roman theatres and Temple of Cybele on Fourvière Hill, the 19th-century Basilica of Fourvière and the cathedral Primatiale St-Jean. With notable sausage, poultry and other specialties, Lyon makes a delicious base for exploring the Rhone region.