If you need a word to perfectly describe New Forest, “welcoming” would be it. The lowland (i.e. no mountains) park is filled with scenic views and wide trails that beg to be explored as they wind through centuries-old woodlands. Visit Bolderwood, a protected forest and deer sanctuary that was once the hunting grounds of the Norman kings. Fish at Moors Valley before heading skyward for a treetops walk. Prefer the country-house life? Head to Beaulieu, where you can get lost in the Victorian-era at the Palace House before following in the footsteps of medieval monks at the property’s abbey.

Sitting along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo is conveniently located between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. The town itself is rich in frontier history, allowing visitors to step back in time to the days of cowboys and sheriffs. Have a glass of authentic sassafras in the saloon of the Occidental Hotel, right on Main Street, or head south of town and search out the Hole-in-the-Wall hangout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Just one hour from Brussels is Liege, a historical city on the river Meuse, dating back to Charlemagne. With a wonderful central location only one hour from Brussels by train or car, Liege must-see sites are the Prince-Bishops’ Place, Liege-Guillemins Station, Museum of Walloon Life, Church of Saint-Jacques, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stay for its fun, vibrant night life.

South of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the Austrian border lies Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, rising nearly 10,000 feet and offering gorgeous glacier-top skiing. The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen used to be separate, but were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. With almost 75 miles of downhill runs of all difficulty levels, Zugspitze also has 68 miles of cross-country trails, a terrain park and Germany's first superpipe. It's super cool to say you were skiing in Garmisch, so be sure to spread the word upon your return.