This Tuscan hill town will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Siena's grand cathedral, built in the 1200s, has treasured artworks and marvellous marble floors. The Piazza del Campo, the main town square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also home to the Palio, perhaps the most infamous horserace in the world. No goofy hats and mint juleps here—this is a mediaeval tradition involving bareback riders racing on cobblestones (so as you might imagine, it's quite dangerous). Siena is an easy daytrip by train from Florence, just 43 miles away.

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.

Centrally located Umbria's principal cities include Spoleto, Assisi, and Terni. The capital, Perugia, is famed for its chocolate. Take a tour bus or prepare for daredevil Italian drivers if you opt to rent a car. Assisi's Basilica has a host of treasures, including works by Giotto. The town is also home to the crypt of St. Clare, patron saint of television. St. Francis' meditation retreat is in the mountains to the north. Classes at Velia's Cooking Style in Terni make good use of local produce.

The ideal place to soak up Tuscany's ambiance while bypassing the region’s crowded cities, Arezzo is just over an hour outside of Florence. City highlights include its Piazza Grande, many churches, and even ancient Roman archaeological ruins.

Stretched along the Atlantic Ocean, Ghana's most populous city boasts glittering beaches, monumental buildings, museums, libraries, galleries, traditional markets and lively nightlife. Accra's architecture reflects its colonial history, with 17th century castles standing alongside modern skyscrapers. A veritable melting pot of cultures, the city's central financial and shopping districts contrast sharply with the less affluent residential areas surrounding the urban core.

The Seychelles largest and main island, Mahe is home to the capital of Victoria and about 70,000 people (almost 90% of the nation's total). Still, the island retains its idyllic beauty, with 3,000-foot mountains and scores of gorgeous beaches. Many plants, including the so-called Jellyfish Tree and several rare orchids, are unique to Mahe's shores. The Seychelles Natural History Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Codevar Craft Centre, all in Victoria, are not to be missed.

For scenic beauty, tranquility and times of refreshing, you can’t beat the mountains of North Carolina. Beech Mountain is all this and more. Whether staying in Beech Mountain during summer or winter, this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains has much to offer for outdoor recreation. Beech Mountain -- elevation 5,506 feet with an average yearly snowfall that often exceeds 100 inches – has been called “The Snow Capital of the Southeast.” When you’re ready to venture out into the beautiful white, sun-drenched snow, take advantage of the many skiing, snowboarding and ice skating offerings up here. If you prefer warmer weather, Beech Mountain has plenty of summer activities, too. Here you can find plenty of rafting, fishing, and mountain bike opportunities to fulfil your summer holiday dreams. When you and your kids are ready to head out and explore the Beech Mountain area, there are plenty of great places to visit. You won’t want to miss Grandfather Mountain — the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or Tweetsie Railroad, Western North Carolina’s historic wild-west family theme park. You are also close to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers 439 scenic miles of breathtaking mountain beauty.