Hugging the Swiss border, this stylish resort gets over 26 feet of snow each winter. Villages des Enfants, for kids and young teens, is the perfect place for learning. Softski is for adult newcomers or those who've been away for a while, while The Stash is Europe's first giant ecological snowboard park.

Time travel is possible, simply by taking a short train ride from Naples. The ruins of Pompeii, unearthed in the mid-18th century, contain 2000- year-old temples, villas and artworks that were buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Explore the elegant House of the Vettii, the rich frescoes of the House of the Mysteries and ancient thermal baths. After immersing yourself in history, head for the modern city of Pompei (its neighbour with only one "i") to dine on tantalizing regional dishes.

Faro is the best-known city in Portugal’s deservedly famous Algarve region. There’s an archaeological museum and a “Bishops’ Palace,” a Renaissance cathedral that was heavily bombed during World War II, but later rebuilt. Nearby in Estoi are Roman ruins, and Albufeira, also nearby, is a formerly quaint fishing village influenced by the Moors in the 8th century. It’s situated in a cliffside location, and has become famous for its beaches (there are 20) and nightlife.