The southern France city of Toulouse is a study in contrasts. Visit the Academie des Jeux Floraux, the oldest literary society in the western world, as well as the Galerie du Chateau d'eau, the world's first photography museum. Stroll the Garonne, before visiting France's most beautiful pipe organ at the Saint-Sernin Basilica. Yet for all its medieval architecture, Toulouse is a modern city, home to the European aerospace industry, as well as bars and restaurants in bustling Place du Capitole.

Stretching from the wooded Dordogne to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, this vast region is a popular winter sports destination, but one without the hordes that besiege the Alps. Spring's melted snows lure kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. In summer, amateur and advanced hikers take to the hills.

Tucked in a lovely valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, Hesse's capital of Wiesbaden has long been an important spa city, dating back to Roman times when it was called Aquae Mattiacorum. In the 19th century, Wiesbaden also became a popular gambling center. For a soothing plunge, try the famous Kaiser Friedrich's Therme in the city center. And don't miss the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and impressive Kurhaus Wiesbaden event and conference center, both within a few blocks.

Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, has the tall buildings, neon lights and crowded streets of many cities, plus a multicultural Caribbean character and a home-grown calypso soundtrack. The best-known event is the flamboyant pre-Lenten Carnival. Among the city's other offerings are cricket and football matches, year-round festivals, a botanic garden, malls, an art and history museum and historic buildings. Entertainment options abound, but be cautious after dark.