Refer to Vancouver Island as Victoria Island and risk a chorus of eye-rolls from the otherwise-friendly locals. Yes, Victoria is the main city on the island, but there are many distinct flavours to its logging and fishing settlements. Food and wine enthusiasts flock to the Comox Valley farm region, while the more outdoorsy types get their fix along the remote, forested beaches of North Vancouver Island. Visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Clayoquot Sound and you’ll return full of cocktail-party factoids.

Established in 1910, Parksville is one of Canada's most popular summer destinations for families. Everyone loves Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its beaches, tidal flats and pools, wildlife, and campgrounds; and several other provincial parks are within half an hour's drive. Follow Vancouver Island's Highway 19 (Island Highway) to reach nearby Qualicum Beach and the Comox Valley.

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.

Oceanside is a seaside oasis of recreation and beautiful beaches. Centrally located between San Diego and Los Angeles, Oceanside is frequently referred to as “the hub of Southern California.” From here, it’s easy to access a variety of amusement parks and family activities such as Disneyland, Legoland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. If you’re looking to educate as well as entertain, you won’t be disappointed. Take your kids to visit Mission San Luis Rey. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis is often called “The King of Missions” and includes picnic grounds and a gift shop in addition to a museum. Also check out the California Surf Museum or the Oceanside Museum of Art. With more than six miles of frontal beach roads, Oceanside allows you to jog, bike or skate to your heart’s content. Bike the San Luis Rey River Biking trail or take part in private o group surf lessons from a local surf school. Get your sea legs on and check out one of the many boat rental companies for a trip out to sea you won’t soon forget – go deep sea fishing, diving or whale watching. For the golf lover, Oceanside is a veritable paradise! With six courses in or near Oceanside, you’re sure to find a public or private course to fit your game - try Oceanside Municipal Golf Course, Emerald Isle Golf Course or Pendleton Marine Golf Course.

Laid-back colonial gem San Jose Del Cabo is picture-postcard perfect. This gorgeous getaway, with its palm-lined lagoons on the hem of the ocean, is full of the magic of Old Baja, where secret courtyards and unhurried days promise intrigue and romance. Fine hotels abound, including the elegant, world-renowned One&Only Palmilla.

Greensboro, North Carolina loves nightlife, shopping, and horses (8,000 buyers per year go to the Sharpe Family Horse Farm.)  Greensboro lives up to its name in the host of gardens, science centres, and arboretums. The Bog Garden features a living wetland ecosystem. History is also at home here with museums dedicated to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement. After a day of sightseeing, visitors flock to the Four Seasons Town Centre for dinner, shopping, and a film. 

Palm Beach has long lured America's big name social elite, from the Kennedys to the Pulitzers to the Trumps. If you don't have the Jaguar, catch a Palm Tram around the city. Opulent extravagance is the order of the day. But if you can take your eyes off the glittering procession of socialites and the prices at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Spa and in Worth Avenue stores, there are plenty of other sights to be seen. Don't miss Henry Morrison Flagler Museum or the hopping nightlife on Clematis Street.