With water, water everywhere, visitors to Kill Devil HIlls indulge in fishing and crabbing, quiet kayaking, robust surfing or parasailing, peaceful seaside cycling and that favorite, toes-in-the-sand enjoyment of the beach. This barrier island township is the center of the Northern beach and home to about 7,000 year-round residents. Summer welcomes visitors anxious to share the natural landscapes and village-like appeal. Savor long stretches of Atlantic views and silky sands. If you’re a history buff, visit area lighthouses and the National Memorial honoring Wilbur and Orville Wright, who accomplished the first controlled powered flight in 1903. In nearby Kitty Hawk, Seascape Golf Links challenge players with changing elevations and coastal landscapes. A popular day trip just 17 miles to the southwest, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Elizabeth Gardens and live performances of “The Lost Colony” combine to preserve and present the background of Native American culture and Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonization efforts in the late 1500’s.

German-inspired architecture adds a quirky Alpine twist to this resort, where high-altitude pine forests offer a wonderfully cool escape from the lowland heat. Add emerald-green peaks as a backdrop, and Campos do Jordao becomes a tropical mountain stunner.

While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specializes in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.

Only 21 miles from RDM airport, Bend is a natural playground for families and adventure travelers. Hiking and fishing along the Deschutes river, mountain biking and skiing at Mt. Bachelor are among the favorite activities. Enjoy award-winning restaurants or one of the nearly 30 breweries and pubs. Sunny weather compliments the many world class festivals and concerts. Bend is a great spot for family-friendly fun as well, from the High Desert Museum to ski areas with no fees for children under 12.

Located on the sunny Lake Okanagan, Kelowna offers a cure for whatever ails you. Spend the weekend golfing, relaxing on the beach or exploring a nature trail. The Okanagan Valley is chock-full of orchards, while many local vineyards offer wine tasting and tours. Stop at the mid-19th-century Father Pandosy Mission for a glimpse of Kelowna's history, then plan a moonlit cruise on the lake to end your day.

Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as center of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Biking is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Markt. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351.

Nearly crossing northern Italy from the Adriatic Sea westward, Emilia-Romagna gets its name from Via Emilia, the Rimini-to-Piacenza ancient Roman road it straddles. With a rich mix of age-old agriculture and modern industry, the region is home to many historic and cultural gems, both in its larger towns like Bologna, Modena and Ravenna, as well as in its many small hilltop villages. Of course, the region’s best offerings also include native culinary wonders like parmigiano cheese and tortellini.

Coveted by empires and republics throughout its history, Innsbruck was the seat of the imperial court of Maximilian I by the end of the 15th century. Trams make getting around the city quick, efficient and cheap. Explore the Tyrolean capital's history at Archduke Ferdinand II's 10th-century Schloss Ambras, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, the grand 15th-century Imperial Palace and Maximilian I's famous Golden Roof. One of Europe's most idyllic cities, Innsbruck is nestled in the heart of the Alps.