In the centre of the French Alps, Courchevel has well more than 100 ski runs for visitors to choose from. Some courses are dotted with moguls, so snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular here, and skiers of all levels of experience will find a slope that's just right.

With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly levelled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.

Industry meets culture in coastal Vigo, home to a massive fishing port plus ancient Roman ruins, neoclassical churches, and an authentic Galician old town. Beyond the city's urban beaches, the nature-rich Cíes Islands and Rías Baixas estuaries are both within easy reach.

Sprawling along the edge of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a seaside showcase of Greek history from ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins to the modern high-rises lining its beaches. Plus, after sundown, Greece’s cultural capital hums with some of the best nightlife options in the Aegean.

<p>Located on South Carolina's beautiful Grand Strand, Pawley's Island is the laid back alternative to the Myrtle Beach holiday. Shopping, dining, or golfing is all within reach. Just south of Myrtle Beach, Pawley's Island is best known for the Hammock Shops, a unique shopping experience of quaint small shops nestled under trees full of Spanish Moss. You can find everything from shoes to local artwork, or you might choose to go golfing on one of the many world-class golf courses in the area. </p><p>While Pawley's is quieter and more relaxed than nearby Myrtle Beach, the latter's close proximity provides infinite possibilities for dining and nightlife. Murrell's Inlet, a quaint fishing village, and its bevy of seafood restaurants is just up the road and also has a Salt Marsh Preserve. Simple but delicious hamburgers at the River City cafe or finer dining at one of the hundreds of other restaurants are all within short driving distance. After dinner you might seek out one of the many venues for arts and entertainment. The Carolina Opry is well known for its amazing shows. You can see a live show or dance the night away…or both! </p><p>Enjoying the beach is the obvious activity but there is so much more to do than just that. Parasailing is a popular option, as is a visit to the Huntington State Park to explore the local flora and fauna. The park has many programs to entertain and enlighten both the young and old. On the grounds is Atalaya, the home of the artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. Just across the street is Brookgreen Gardens which features many of the sculptures of the artist as well as the lovely manicured gardens. </p>

The 150-year-old University of Notre Dame is South Bend's biggest tourist draw, and for good reason. Though it's not easy to land seats at the 80,000-plus-capacity Notre Dame Stadium for a "Fighting Irish" football game, you'll find plenty of attractions on the beautiful, expansive campus. Highlights include numerous works of art, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine. Football fans will also want to visit the College Football Hall of Fame, which features interesting perspectives on the game and inductee videos. Whether or not you remember the Studebaker automobile, which saw its demise in the early sixties, you're sure to enjoy the Studebaker National Museum, featuring more than 75 vehicles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. South Bend has several fine museums, including the South Bend Regional Museum of Art and the Northern Indiana Centre for History, a complex of four museums. Don't leave without trying truffles or fudge from the South Bend Chocolate Company.