Famous for Bourbon Country and horse farms, civil war battlefields and beautiful natural parks, Kentucky offers a delightful mix of experiences. You might begin in Lexington, where the 1200-acre Kentucky Horse Park is a popular attraction. The university adds exciting sports, impressive art and a vibrant student/professor population to the city. Louisville is similar, where renowned Churchill Downs hosts the annual Kentucky Derby and the Belle of Louisville, the nation’s oldest steam-driven river paddlewheeler, hosts enchanting lunch and dinner cruises along the beautiful Ohio River. Next, head south to visit Mammoth Cave National Park for a day of touring the cave (the world’s longest known cave), hiking and canoeing on the Green River. Paducah, Berea, Bowling Green – so many places to explore and enjoy!

Christopher Columbus added St. Barthelemy, or St. Barts to his collection in 1493, but the French soon stepped in. Today, the chic Caribbean island - officially a department of France - is a popular winter getaway for people from mainland France, the rest of Europe and North America. Keep in shape and walk between attractions or get a rental car to see more of the island. Beachgoers can choose between strands such as Grand Saline, if nude sunbathing appeals, or shady, isolated Colombier Beach.

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.

Amelia Island is the Florida beach with a Southern accent. A timeless destination known for pristine nature and uncrowded beaches, it offers world-class golf, spas and restaurants, plus a rich history. There's something for everyone—a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a beachside horseback ride or kayak excursion. Events include the Amelia Concours d'Elegance, Pétanque America Open and Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival. It is 30 minutes from JAX International Airport and 90 from St. Augustine.

Cayo Coco, an island just north of mainland Cuba, has some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches—think superfine white sand and shallow, clear water. It’s popular with European travelers seeking a sunny escape at one of the island’s beach-side resorts. Snorkeling and diving are fantastic.

The Costa del Sol juxtaposes gorgeous Mediterranean old towns and inland national parks with developed beach resorts. Famed for being the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga serves as a gateway to family-favorite stops such as Benidorm and Fuengirola.

Located in the South Pacific more than 2,000 miles off the Chilean coast, Easter Island’s not the easiest place to reach. (If you’re interested, the easiest access is by air from Santiago or Tahiti.) But isolation has helped preserve the 1,500-year-old mysterious congregation of volcanic rock sculptures (maoi) that’s the island’s biggest claim to fame. After exploring the unique landscape, relax on an uncrowded beach and ponder one of the most mysterious places on Earth.