Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.

Isla Mujeres offers a wide variety of tempting options for beach lovers, and is a relative bargain. Snorkel with tropical fish amid coral reefs, skim the blue waters by kayak or boat, or windsurf along the shores of soft, sandy beaches. On land, you can sunbathe, dine on seafood, dance to Latin rhythms, tour on a moped or belly up to the bar for fresh, delicious drinks.

Looking for a Caribbean cultural melting pot renowned for its Carnival and pulsating to the beat of steel drums, soca music, and calypso? Trinidad is also lined with relaxing beaches and rainforest waterfalls. Nature watching is colorfully kaleidoscopic, with over 450 bird, 600 butterfly, and 700 orchid species. Golf, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating are among the outdoor pastimes. Cool off with fresh cane juice and sea moss milkshakes. Vegetarian food is plentiful. Eat curries and explore India’s influence at Maha Sabha Indian Caribbean Museum and the Waterloo Temple over the sea. Visit Port of Spain, and stroll and jog in Queen’s Park Savannah, near the Botanical Gardens, Emperor Valley Zoo, and Magnificent Seven buildings. The Savannah attracts truckloads of fresh coconuts, and doubles men sell coveted aloo pies. Walk around Independence Square and the Brian Lara Promenade. The Central Bank Money Museum in downtown’s financial district displays doubloons, gold bars, and Slave Savings Bank memorabilia. View Columbus Square’s 1836 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Parliament meets in Woodford Square’s Red House. King’s Wharf is where cruise ships and Tobago ferries dock. The Venezuela ferry docks at Williams Bay. Near the Chaguaramas Military History and Aerospace Museum is a marina with yachts, sailboats, dry docks, and boat hires. The South Quay’s Fort San Andreas, built by Spain in the 1700s, has a small Port of Spain history museum branch of the National Museum and Art Gallery of Trinidad and Tobago.

As one of England’s most haunted cities, Derby is awash with ghost-hunting opportunities. The city’s historic cathedral quarter serves as the gateway to the Peak District National Park, where rolling hills, babbling brooks, and traditional country pubs are reminiscent of a Romantic painting.