Former Viking stronghold Copenhagen is one of Europe's oldest cities. Stroll along Europe's longest pedestrian route, The Ströget, around substantial sections of the dynamic Danish capital. Skyscrapers are outlawed, keeping the city's progressive modern architecture on the same sightlines as its smorgasbord of charming canals, colourful terraced houses and impressive museums. An eclectic array of sights beckons, from funky hippy kingdom Christiana to splendid palaces. For a true taste of Copenhagen, guzzle cups of Glögg.

One of the world’s most exclusive and celebrity-packed ski resorts, Gstaad consists of five independent areas, including Glacier 3000, the only glacial area in the Berner Oberland region. For families and children, Heiti-Gsteig and Lauenen are favourites. La Braye is great for freestylers and snowboarders.

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.

"The City of Tribes" provides a fun blast of the Ireland many first-time visitors expect. The compact city centre, with its winding streets, packed pubs and air of celebration, is easily walked - or pubcrawled. The west-coast city of almost 70,000 is home to merry bands of students, artists, writers and craftspeople, and is merriest during summer's Galway's Arts Festival. Don't miss shopping for Claddagh rings, the Druid Theatre or having a pint o' the black stuff at the atmospheric Tigh Neachtain pub.

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.

Pristine white cliffs tower over this recently revitalized spa town with its Sacred Pool and calcium-rich mineral springs. The pool is set amid a gorgeous garden, and a teahouse is adjacent. Pamukkale is most pleasant once the crowds of summer have departed, but temperatures have not yet plummeted.

Malaga, Pablo Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to the Costa del Sol, is a hectic, sometimes unruly city of 550,000. An impressive number of museums and monuments, including the 11th-century Alcazaba fort and Museu Picasso Malaga, provide plenty of diversions for those who opt not to spend all their time on the coast's famed beaches and in their accompanying bars. The old city bustles with taverns and bistros. The generous Paseo del Parque offers a delightful stroll past banana trees and fountains.

Rising from the rolling hills of the Western Reserve along the Ohio & Erie Canal, Akron is a vital heartland city and an ideal meeting point at the center of multiple major transportation routes. Surrounded by lush greenery and adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron is a playground for active travelers. The downtown hosts a vibrant arts scene and world class shopping. Summer brings excitement with the World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitational and the All-American Soap Box Derby.