Catapulted to fame for its part in the 1988 Winter Olympics, this former coal-mining town in the Canadian Rockies is a perfect base for visiting some of the country’s most impressive national parks. First stop for most visitors is the ski trails in Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Contemplate natural wonders at the Museum and Geoscience Centre, and mush through the snow on a sled-dog tour.

With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travellers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.

The town of Lake Louise is nestled in the Canadian Rockies, just 45 minutes east of Banff. Breathtaking mountain scenery and fluffy snow lure skiers and snowboarders to the slopes of the world-class Lake Louise Ski Resort every winter, while in summer this picturesque hamlet overflows with nature lovers are eager to explore unforgettable hiking trails and rock climbing faces. A short drive from downtown is Lake Louise itself, which thrills visitors every summer with its vibrant turquoise waters.

South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two strikingly different worlds: The spectacular beauty of a national park, and all the desirable amenities of a world-class resort. Here you can enjoy a full range of exhilarating outdoor activities – from skiing and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and sledding to hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and golf - alongside the excitement of 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment.

Western heritage roams freely in Fort Worth, where cattle drives occur twice a day in the Stockyards National Historic District. Enjoy diverse restaurants, exciting nightlife, cultural institutions and sporting events. Entertaining kids is a snap in the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo or the Noble Planetarium and Museum of Science and History. You can depend on friendly and helpful service - the hallmark of true Texas hospitality.

Niagara Falls is a top destination with a split personality of sorts, being a citizen both of the United States and of Canada. Views are generally accepted to be better on the Canadian side, with more to do and Ontario's excellent wineries adjacent. Visit the Clifton Hill District and enjoy a Las Vegas-style dinner show at Greg Frewin Theatre. See the Falls from below aboard the Maid of the Mist or on a helicopter tour above. For other ideas on how not to experience the Falls, visit the Daredevil Museum.

Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theatre companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Centre Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Centre.

Skiiers have flocked to Mont Tremblant since its first chairlift and lodge opened in 1939. Now, though, it's just as popular with snowboarders, who love its 18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps, and its Olympic-caliber superpipe. Don't fret, though, because despite its name, this mountain doesn't actually tremble... unless you've tossed back a few too many in one of the village's bars!

Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centres around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighbourhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest part of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobbled streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbour cruises to family-friendly attractions and fabulous neighbourhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Key Largo's spectacular Sandspur and Caloosa Beaches are a part of protected area Bahia Honda. This divine duo of sandy beaches, with their coconut palms and year-round warm waters, offer marvellous swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in their calm waters. Sandspur is especially popular with families.

Akumal ("Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language) is located 60 miles south of Cancun. Catch a colectivo van on the roadside or hire a car if you're planning more than a day trip. Snorkel among coral, eels, barracudas and turtles or laze away the day on the idyllic sandy beaches of Akumal Bay. Take a Turtle Walk, dip a toe in gentle Yal-Ku Lagoon and gaze at Akumal Beach's white sands and seemingly endless clear, sparkling waters. Art and crafts are for sale in the town's shops, markets and galleries.

Culture-seekers will be charmed be La Isla's heritage and history, from Old San Juan's charms to folk art and festivals in the outlying towns. You can drive round Puerto Rico in a day, but take your time. Coffee plantations, colonial towns, beaches, bars and restaurants wait to be explored. Old San Juan, with famed Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, is an atmospheric place to wander. Experience life at a different pace by rainforest hiking, scuba diving or swimming Vieques' glowing bioluminescent lagoon.