Horseback riding, fishing and yoga are just a few of the myriad things to do on the gorgeous Playa Samara. The white-sand beach is the perfect place to relax with a book or run wild with the kids, offering a fabulous setting for any beachside activity you could dream of. Offshore, a coral reef rewards snorkelers with active, beautiful marine life.

Los Cristianos was a humble fishing village before it became known as a convalescent resort for Swedes. Now it’s a playground for beachgoers from all over Europe, thanks to sunny weather and plentiful hotel options. At night, you’ll find a lively bar scene.

"Playa Blanca" means "white beach," and indeed, travelers flock here to swim and sunbathe. Huge yachts bob up and down at the marina, where you'll also find many shops and restaurants and a lively market. TripAdvisor travelers say Montana Roja is not "particularly strenuous" and offers amazing views from the top.

Located near the Mexico-Belize border, a true paradise awaits travellers in Bacalar. The town sits on the Lagoon of Seven Colours, a lake nicknamed for its beautifully coloured water, which makes it the perfect place for stunning sunsets, fresh seafood, and cenote swimming.

Known as New York's tough neighbour with a major international airport, Newark is a destination in its own right. The city is undergoing revitalisation efforts and its attractions include several large parks, art galleries and architecturally significant buildings. The Newark Museum is a complex of art and science exhibits, a mini-zoo, a planetarium and more. Theatre, music and dance performances take place at venues such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Newark Symphony Hall.

It seems like every time of year is "in season" in Lenox, a small Berkshire town that has been a popular retreat since the 19th century. In summer, picnic on the lawn at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home. In fall, when foliage peaks, take to the hiking and biking paths of the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the mountains. Winter visitors enjoy skiing at a number of resorts and cross-country trails, and in spring, hikers and golfers practice their pastimes in splendid settings. Rejuvenating treatments and pampering, at the well-known Cranwell Spa, are favored all year long.