In addition to being the most affluent city in the U.S., Plano is home to the headquarters of numerous top companies, making it a popular destination for business travelers to the Dallas area. Its proximity to Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and other Dallas area cities makes it a perfect base for a leisure vacation, as well, with plenty of entertainment within reach, ranging from the Six Flags Over Texas park to Southfork Ranch. Plano's annual Balloon Festival draws visitors from far and wide.

North Conway, part of New Hampshire's scenic Mount Washington Valley, has been dubbed the offspring of a quintessential New England village and a Gap outlet. Historic buildings, quaint antique shops, bookstores and bakeries coexist peacefully with big name outlet stores like J. Jill, Nike and Dansk. For seasoned shoppers, it represents the best of worlds, part old-country charm, part new-world bargains. Plagued for years by busy routes and traffic jams, the new North-South road has made it somewhat easier to get around and enjoy all the area has to offer. In addition to shopping, visitors will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and rock climbing in the majestic White Mountains. In fact, North Conway is home to the renowned International Mountain Climbing School, which attracts climbers from around the world. Accommodations range from cozy inns and historic bed and breakfasts, to full-service resorts, ensuring a comfortable haven for all tastes and budgets.

Chile's fourth largest city, Vina del Mar in Valparaiso, is also a popular summer beach resort. A Mediterranean climate prevails and an appealing array of sandy strips beckons, including Renaca, Miramar, Las Salinas and Casino. Renaca's calm waters and great waves make it a hit with families.

Building on its must-visit location, the once-tiny El Calafate has grown quickly to cater to and profit from the visitors to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. Many visit to see such natural wonders as Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive glacier that’s actually composed of many other pieces of shifting ice. Yet travellers will find that El Calafate is much more than merely a gateway to the Patagonian wild—it’s a fun town offering all sorts of outdoor adventures.