Coastal Calpe seems straight from a postcard, with a dramatic rocky headland and palm-dotted beaches lapped by Mediterranean waters. Once an ancient fishing village, the Costa Blanca town mixes Roman ruins and scenic nature parks with plenty of modern urban comforts.

Bask on four miles of golden beaches, hit the Mediterranean Sea on water skis or stroll along Benidorm's promenade and revel in its seaside charms; it's a true Spanish beauty of the Costa Blanca. Originally a fishing town, the city's historic center wows with its blue-domed 18th-century church and picturesque alleyways. Panoramic views reward those who climb into the surrounding Canfali hills, and nearby rocky coves reveal underwater riches for scuba enthusiasts. End a day in the sun with a feast of local seafood.

From urban beaches to epic nightlife, Alicante offers a Mediterranean mix of action and relaxation. Add in a palm-lined esplanade snaking along the harbour and a Moorish castle looming above, and it’s one of the most dynamic spots on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca.

You’ll find plenty of orange trees here, but the fruit known as the "Valencia orange" was actually developed in California. travellers interested in local food should focus on paella instead. While the city contains many monuments, Valencia’s modern crown jewel is the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, theatres, and more.

Ibiza’s premier party destination, Playa d'en Bossa draws A-listers and music lovers with its hip bars and thrumming clubs. But there’s more to this resort town than all-night raving–Ibiza’s longest beach harbours water sports facilities and relaxed restaurants, while a waterpark offers plenty for families, too.

Cambrils has a well-deserved reputation as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. There is a veritable cornucopia of fresh local ingredients, ranging from fish and other seafood to the internationally acclaimed DO Siurana olive oil. Between the historic population center and the ports, life in Cambrils unfurls peacefully around beaches and promenades. Looking on as fishing boats glide into the harbor and discovering the Old Quarter are two of the many pleasures that await in this Catalan town.

Affectionately called “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is one of the largest lakes in central Europe. The mountainous region of the northern shore is known both for its historic character and its wine region, while the flat southern shore is known for resort towns.

This big resort—the largest on Gran Canaria—was developed in the 1960s specifically as a tourist area. And all types of tourists have found it. LGBT travellers, families with kids, au naturel sunbathers, honeymooners, groups of young singles… there’s a spot for everybody on the beach here (and a hotel or apartment for every budget).

Petoskey, sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, has been a popular vacation spot for decades. Earnest Hemingway spent the first 18 summers of his life sailing and fishing on nearby Walloon Lake, and the area features prominently in several of his stories. The Little Traverse History Museum shows how the Petoskey area was a formative influence on young Hemingway. The area is also a well known winter destination, with three popular ski resorts featuring everything from dog sled rides to tubing.

Cape Coral's temperate climate, abundant forests, and access to the Gulf of Mexico make it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. Cape Coral is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast, and from hiking one of the many trails at the Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park to fishing at the Cape Coral Yacht Club there are activities for just about everyone. Coral Oaks Golf Course is a great place to work on your game, and if history is your thing or you just love beautiful flowers, don't forget to check out the Cape Coral Historical Society Museum to see some interesting relics and their prized rose garden.

Whether you are looking to explore nature, relax on the beach, or take a boat out on its clear waters, Bonita Springs is an unforgettable destination with a little something for everyone. Enjoy the wildlife and views of Barefoot Beach Preserve or rent a boat to take out on the water at Bay Water Boat Hire. Bonita Springs Public Beach is a great place to go swimming or relax and unwind, and you can even bring Fido to the town's very own Dog Beach.

You're on island time the moment you set foot in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, a port of call for many cruise lines, also boasts some of the most luxe resorts and spas in the Caribbean. And once you've had your stresses melted away in the island sun, you can head out for a night of dancing and reggae music.