It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighbourhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

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.

Queens is the most ethnically diverse area of its size on Earth, which means there's a little something for everyone. Chow down on Indian food, sit in on a traditional Irish pub music session, and dance the night away at a Puerto Rican nightclub, all of it located within a few subway stops. Queens is also the home of the Mets and the US Tennis Open, and the former home of the New York World's Fair, now Flushing Meadow-Corona Park, and Paramount Pictures, now the Museum of the Moving Image.

Famous as the home of Yankee Stadium, elevated trains, and dense apartment blocks, the Bronx is also the greenest of New York City's boroughs. Visit the gorillas at the famous Bronx Zoo or wander through the 50-acre forest at the New York Botanical Garden. Pick up some gourmet foods on Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's Little Italy, and have a picnic at Van Cortlandt Park, which features two square miles of boating, horseback riding, tennis, and the oldest public golf course in the United States.

Atlantic City draws tourists by the car- and bus-load, topping more than 20 million visitors per year! Stroll along the famous Boardwalk with its numerous amusements and eateries or visit the historic Absecon Lighthouse and the new Wheel at Steel Pier. Several championship golf courses are within a 30 minute drive to attract golf enthusiasts. In summer, the local free beaches are popular with families. Beach bars are peppered throughout the resort and you can dig your toes in the sand and enjoy your favourite cocktails. Water-based activities include parasailing, charter fishing and dolphin-watching cruises. Casino hoppers have 9 establishments to choose from and there is something for everyone's taste. Those who remember Atlantic City in its pre-gambling days can wax nostalgic with a taste of saltwater taffy and iconic rolling chairs which have been Atlantic City favourites for over 100 years.

From the 27th-floor observation deck of the new Capitol building, you can take in the beauty of this lovely city on the Mississippi, at one time the heart of plantation country. Stately antebellum mansions line the river, some now bed and breakfasts, others offering tours. A visit to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Rural Life Museum will transport you to a 19th-century plantation. The 34-storey Capitol, built in the 1930s by controversial Governor Huey P. Long, and the building in which he was assassinated, contrasts sharply with the Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival-style castle perched high on a bluff. A college-town atmosphere permeates this friendly city, home to LSU and Southern, the largest African-American university in the USA. You'll find many historic sites, museums and galleries to explore, some on the LSU campus. For the more outward bound, there are great running and hiking trails. The city's unofficial motto is "Let the good times roll", and roll they will as you dine on spicy Cajun food, sample a riverboat casino or gaze out at the mighty Mississippi.

The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.

Known as the Home of Golf, pretty St. Andrews appeals to even those with no interest in the game. Set on a wide bay, the town is dotted with medieval ruins, stately architecture, and—thanks to its large student population—plenty of cozy pubs.

The city of Cáceres is a historical and cultural gem that captivates all its visitors. Walking through its Monumental City, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, is like travelling back in time, allowing visitors to discover its cobbled streets and medieval palaces that tell stories from centuries ago. Throughout the city you can find different tourist attractions that will transport you to bygone eras such as the Torre de Bujaco, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and the Plaza Mayor, as well as a multitude of palaces. Each of these places is steeped in history and offers a unique view of Cáceres' rich past. Cáceres, Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2015, is also famous for its exquisite foods, with delicacies such as Torta del Casar, Iberian ham, migas or frite extremeño. Local tapas bars and restaurants await you to offer you an unforgettable gastronomic experience, with dishes that combine tradition and creativity. From tapas to full menus, every bite in Cáceres is a celebration of the authentic flavours of Extremadura. In addition, Cáceres comes alive with its festivals and events, such as Holy Week, declared of International Tourist Interest, the WOMAD Festival in May, with music, dance and arts from around the world or the Medieval Market of the Three Cultures in November, which fill the streets with colour and tradition, transporting locals and tourists back in time. These events are a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the lively life of the city. To be able to rest, do not miss the opportunity to stay in the wide range of quality establishments where you will feel like real kings. Boutique Hotels, 15th century palaces converted into modern hotels with all the services, cosy rooms that will make your visit an unforgettable experience. The accommodation offer in Cáceres is varied and guarantees a comfortable and memorable stay. Discover Cáceres, where every corner holds a treasure, every dish tells a story and every festival invites you to celebrate life. Come and let yourself be enveloped by its unique charm. Explore its museums, enjoy its parks and gardens, lose yourself in the Monumental City, the Old Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses filled with the colour given by the flowers, and the New Jewish Quarter, next to the Plaza Mayor, different, special, with its synagogue inside the Palacio de la Isla, and don't forget to visit the best-preserved Hispano-Muslim Cistern in Spain, located in the Cáceres Museum, inside the Palacio de las Veletas. Cáceres awaits you with open arms, ready to share its history, its culture and its hospitality. Come and discover a Monumental Experience in this beautiful city from which you will undoubtedly leave enchanted.

The “Red City” of Marrakesh is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. Find inner peace at the serene Jardin Majorelle or take in the beauty of one of the city’s historic mosques (taking note that, unless you are Muslim, you are not allowed to enter).

Hugging the Swiss border, this stylish resort gets over 26 feet of snow each winter. Villages des Enfants, for kids and young teens, is the perfect place for learning. Softski is for adult newcomers or those who’ve been away for a while, while The Stash is Europe’s first giant ecological snowboard park.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, petite Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia’s loveliest beaches. Ringed by dramatic cliffs, the Lama Monachile Beach—also known as Cala Porte—is one of the most coveted, and most photographed, in the region.