Boasting two of the nation's best beaches, Saint Petersburg has stunning sands, perfect whether you choose to soak up sun at Fort De Soto; swim, shell, fish or snorkel on Caladesi Island; or enjoy Clearwater's Pier 60 and unbeatable sunsets. Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and eight aquariums and zoos are nearby.

Let the Gulf Shore breeze carry you to a weekend of sun-kissed fun. The Tampa-St Pete area is Florida's second-biggest metropolitan area. Not as flashy as Miami or as crowded as Orlando, the region has grown as a tourist destination, and it's easy to see why: miles of waterfront, sandy beaches, cultural attractions and exciting amusements. Busch Gardens has been drawing visitors for years, but the city also has another zoo, an aquarium and several major museums for those who need some time in the shade.

Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. Stunning beaches, including Fort Myers Beach, Tigertail Beach and Pensacola Beach, fringe the Gulf, down the I-75 from Tampa to Naples. Sanibel Island's shells attracts thousands. Cape Coral's waters are paradise for fly-fishing. Golfers adore spectacular courses in Marco Island and Naples. Glorious sunny days and deliciously warm turquoise waters beckon in this often overlooked corner of the Sunshine State.

What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.

Looking for world class powdery white quartz sand beaches, 100 golf courses within driving distance, and an endless selection of cultural and family activities? Siesta Key is the laid-back beach town that goes above and beyond. Right nearby in Sarasota, you'll find museums, art, wildlife, circuses, opera, ballet, symphonies, theater, film festivals, botanical gardens, baseball spring training... the list goes on.

With live music to be heard all across town, 24/7, 365 days a year, Music City lives up to its name. From honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to songwriters in the round at the Bluebird Cafe and country music legends rocking the Grand Ole Opry, you never know who you might see. The creative spirit from Nashville's music landscape flows into the area's myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.

Live music is the essence of Austin, but it isn’t even close to the whole story. With spectacular entertainment districts, ubiquitous culture and top-notch restaurants, Austin allows you to create your own soundtrack. Austin boasts more than 250 music venues, the world’s first James Beard Award-winning barbeque pitmaster, an eclectic arts scene and the unique migration of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Take a look around and put the Live Music Capital of the World on your playlist.

Detroit is an amazing destination for your next weekend getaway. If exploring is your thing, hop on a bike and meet new friends on the Slow Roll bike tour (you’ll find a unique perspective on the city, and the slow pace is perfect for all skill levels). And while you may not think of Detroit as wine country, the newly opened Detroit Vineyards is one of the country’s largest urban wineries, crafting superior wines right in the heart of the city. Grab your glass and make a toast to the weekend!

There's more than one way to enjoy the spa experience in St. Lucia. One is to book a treatment at any of the luxury spas or resorts on the island. The other is to visit Sulphur Springs, inside the bowl of an extinct volcano, where you're welcome to try a volcanic mud bath or the 31°C/88°F Roman bath.

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.

Home to sprawling beaches, retail centres, and activity parks, the resort town of Puerto Rico is one Gran Canaria’s more family-friendly destinations. Subtropical temperatures and sunny skies make an ideal climate to soak up rays on golden sands or explore the volanic coast.

The pristine white beaches of Tarifa are just as majestic as the 800-year-old castle that stands proudly in this southern Spanish town. Windsurfing or kitesurfing is an absolute must, and the sea sparkles with the promise of bustling marine life—perfect for enthusiastic scuba divers. At night, Tarifa itself sparkles with bars, nightclubs and tapas bars galore.

As the gateway to Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is a modern city preserving the great charms of the Andalusian tradition. Here visitors enjoy more than 300 sunny days every year, comfortable temperatures (avg. 19ºC/66ºF) and 7km of beaches along the sparkling Mediterranean. Away from the sea and sand, travellers can explore the old fisherman’s district of “La Carihuela,” or sample the city’s cuisine – including regional favourite Pescalto Frito (fried fish) – in hundreds of restaurants and bars.