Bristling with beautiful lakes, splashing rivers, rugged peaks and looming castles, Vorarlberg is tucked between Switzerland and Germany. This spirited state is dotted with Bauhaus-inspired architecture, eco-friendly dwellings and tiny towns, bristling with spires. Capital Bregenz is the main draw in this alpine locale. Cobblestone streets and a lovely lakeside setting add to its charms. Renowned for its cheese and dairies, Vorarlberg is also a popular spot for skiing and other winter sports.

The palatial residences of Versailles and Fontainebleau, the romantic boulevards, stately museums and rich artistic history of Paris and charming villages within an easy train trip's distance of the city make Ile-de-France an unbeatable destination. While big-name attractions, such as Disneyland Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre, top the bill, visitors can stroll along the Seine, sip coffee at pavement cafés and create their own memorable highlights in the City of Light and its surroundings.

Stretching along the southern side of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi coast dazzles with its mysterious grottos, craggy cliffs and shimmering bays. Grab a seat on the sea side of a regional bus to soak up views on the fabled route from artsy Positano to Amalfi. Ravello offers some respite from the crowds, plus the stunning Villa Cimbrone, which overlooks the Bay of Salerno. The winding streets of Sorrento's historic district are filled with craftspeople. Capri is only a hydrofoil or ferry ride away.

Trentino-Alto Adige is made up of two provinces, the Italian-leaning Trento (or Trentino) in the south and the Germanic-leaning Alto Adige (or Südtirol, and also called Bolzano-Bozen, just to keep things interesting) in the north. Home to numerous picturesque towns, castles and historic sights, the main attraction here is the mountains. The stars of these are the Dolomites. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound year-round, with skiing, climbing and hiking among the most popular pursuits.

One of the most popular regions in Italy, Tuscany stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines. Its main cities include Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Arezzo and Livorno. Drive between stunning sites like Florence's cathedral and Uffizi Gallery and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Or join a bike tour and pedal past sun-baked olive groves and vineyards. Don't miss the towers of San Gimignano or serene northern hill towns. For a more modern take, hit one of Florence's hip clubs, such as Space Electronic.

Milan is the prime draw in Italy's most prosperous province. The Cathedral, La Scala opera house and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of da Vinci's Last Supper, are just some of the sights. Equally fascinating is the belle poque splendor of 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. When not on one of its frequent strikes, Milan's Metro is an excellent way to explore. Renting a car opens up the region, with its towns full of Romanesque architecture and the peninsula of Sirmione and Gardesana coast.

The legendary Hamptons, a cluster of wealthy enclaves on Long Island's South Fork, remains a celebrity summer playground, with splashy restaurants and nightclubs galore. But lovely beaches, fishing and kayaking attract off-the-A-list visitors, as well. Old money oozes throughout Southampton, while new wealth reigns in East Hampton. Montauk is a hit with fishermen and surfers. The Long Island Railroad travels the Hamptons in an hour. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and Montauk lighthouse are popular stops.

Wide beaches along the "Flower Coast" attract families and those commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944. Inland, cattle graze in rural idylls and pre-WWII buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Hire a car or take a tour from Caen or Bayeux. The landscape around his home in Giverny inspired Monet's Water Lilies, and summer's profusion of blooms is quite lovely. Don't miss Rouen's old town and cathedral, Caen's cathedral, Bayeux's tapestry and the ancient island-abbey of Mont-St-Michel.

Isn’t it romantic? The Caribbean island of St. Croix is practically the backdrop of a Hollywood love story. White sand beaches and lush rainforests set the scene for tropical bliss. Take in the historic small town charm of Christiansted and Frederiksted, sip your way through a spirited tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery or explore the ruins of a sugar plantation. And the diving…oh, the diving. Think shipwrecks, think vibrant ocean life, think endless underwater possibilities.

From canal-laced, fairy-tale cities like Bruges and Ghent to the urban centres of Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium sits at the crossroads of medieval and modern Europe. The chance to sample famous exports such as chocolate and beer straight from the source only sweetens a visit.

Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theatre. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.

From stylish Barcelona to sunny resort towns on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, Catalonia offers a wealth of attractions. Barcelona attracts those who love Gaudi's architecture, hot nightlife and thrilling restaurants. Elegant Tarragona's Roman ruins and amphitheater add to its historical appeal. Beach lovers flock to Mediterranean playgrounds including pine back-dropped Cape Salou, stunning Costa de Garraf, home to gay-popular beach resort Sitges, and the 40 sandy miles of La Maresme.