It's a historic capital. It's a beach resort. It's a lively, romantic town. Whatever you look for in a Mexican holiday is on the menu in Mazatlan. Returning travellers rave about the welcoming Mazatlecos who treat you like old amigos—as well as the beaches, the food, the weather, the music and the feeling of never wanting to leave.

In Ensenada, only 80 miles south of San Diego, travellers can get a taste of Mexican food, culture and nightlife. Californians flock to this beautiful sea port, one of the largest on the Baja peninsula, for rest, relaxation and excellent outdoor recreation activities. From surfing and sea kayaking to horseriding and mountain biking, even the most discerning sportsperson will be impressed. Ensenada's nightlife is also a big draw. Papas and Beer and Hussong's Cantina serve up an on-going party atmosphere and lots of tequila, while nearby vineyards offer wine-tasting in a more traditional and serene setting. Nature enthusiasts are thrilled by the sight of grey whales and the underwater cave that randomly squirts water at onlookers. Whatever your interests, enchanting Ensenada will not disappoint.

What happens when a "gassy" Englishman rows into town feeling thirsty? A pub is born. And from that a city—in this case Vancouver. Though the pubs are plentiful, food and drink aren’t the only things to take in during your trip. In its 150 years, Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge. Hipsters welcome. (Don’t worry, they don’t bite.)

<p>Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years, with a warm Mediterranean climate in spite of its place facing the Atlantic Ocean. Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture makes it the perfect place for a family holiday. </p><div>Things to do in Lisbon </div><p>As Portugal's capital, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Even exploring the city centre will take a few days out of a family holiday as there is no real central district, although Praça do Comércio is a good central place to start, in Baxia, or Rossio, the city's main square which has a sort of Trafalgar Square feel to it. Or you might try climbing up the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ with spectacular views across the whole city. The Castelo de São Jorge also offers great views and isn't quite such a steep climb. A short tram ride to the west of Lisbon will also bring you to Belem, where you can explore attractions like the Belem Tower and the Belem Cultural Centre, which features a fantastic art collection including works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. In downtown Lisbon, you'll also want to visit the Gulbenkian, which has to be Portugal's answer to the British Museum full of fascinating cultural artifacts and with some superb gardens in the grounds. It's possible to have a fascinating educational family holiday in Lisbon, and there are also plenty of great beaches to work on your tan. </p>

Rising up as an indomitable peak at the gateway between Spain and the African coast, Gibraltar is a unique destination with a life that goes beyond its surface. The monolithic Rock of Gibraltar entices tourists with its lush greenery and the friendly Barbary Macaques ubiquitous to the area. Beneath its looming exterior lay the Galleries, a veritable labyrinth of underground passageways running through the Rock. Above ground there is also plentiful tax-free shopping, as well as numerous beaches.

Toulon combines the bustle of a major French port with the breezy ambiance of a Mediterranean resort town. Against the backdrop of looming Mont Faron, beaches and café-lined promenades line a harbour filled with historic naval ships, luxury yachts, and colorful fishing boats.

Wandering the narrow caruggi alleyways of Genoa is a bit like solving a medieval labyrinth. In the heart of the Italian port city lies Piazza de Ferrari, a main square with a beautiful fountain and a perimeter lined with historic buildings, including the Palace of the Doges the Teatro Carlo Felice, which was destroyed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt. The seaside neighborhood of Boccadasse is vision of pink and yellow buildings that brighten up this lovely fishing village.

While most visitors to Livorno arrive by cruise ship and press on to nearby Florence and Siena, those who linger in this bustling port town are treated to some of Tuscany’s freshest seafood and the quirky charm of a canal-lined quarter known as the New Venice.