So-called because of the honey-coloured stone used to build its villages, the Cotswolds offers visitors the quintessential English experience. The area spans five counties and boasts some of England’s most impressive country houses, castles, and landscapes. Plus, plentiful pubs make it easy to experience authentic English hospitality.

Serving as the main port town for the island of the same name, the town of Ischia has been inhabited for centuries, famous for its beaches and the healing waters of its spas. The town is divided in two: Ischia Porto is the harbor district and commercial center of the island, filled with brightly lit taverns and bars, and Ischia Ponte, the historic quarter, with its ancient castle and its stone streets seemingly frozen in time.

Southwest of Seville, Jerez is a well-heeled place. It’s the home of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and its famous dancing horses; if you’re on a budget or can’t be there for a formal performance, it’s worth dropping in to catch a morning training session. The other major reason to visit Jerez is to sample its most famous product—sherry. You can do this at a number of bodegas associated with the world’s best-known brands, including Bodegas Tio Pepe, The House of Sandeman, Jerez, and Pedro Domecq. They’ll soon have you knowing your amontillado from your oloroso. There’s also an Alcázar, dating back to the time of the Almohads, which features a small mosque, now the chapel of Santa María Real.

Known as Vermont's best skiing mountain, Killington is the biggest ski area in New England. With steep slopes for advanced downhill skiers and several trails that crisscross the mountain for cross-country fanatics, it is no wonder that this is the most popular place to ski in New England.

<p>With Florida dominating the south eastern coastline of the United States, it would be easy to overlook the potential of a beach holiday in Alabama. After all, when we think of Alabama we tend to think more of its inland waterways and alligators rather than crystal clear seas. However, Alabama does have its own stretch of coastline and Gulf Shores is one of its premier beach resorts. <p>Gulf Shores is situated on the Gulf of Mexico which means you can look forward to warm waters that are a pleasure to swim in. The beaches are soft and welcoming and this combination means it is perfect for a family beach holiday. As well as sunbathing, swimming, and making sandcastles, you may also wish to hire a boogie board from one of the surf shops for some fun amongst the breakers, or perhaps you might decide to try some kite flying. The list of activities that can be indulged includes surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides. Another popular Gulf Shores attraction is sea angling. Opportunities exist to land a big haul either from shore or boat and there are plenty of charter trips for those wanting to try out some deep sea fishing. </p><p>Alabama is a fascinating state, full of history and charisma, and it’s well worth prying yourself away from its pristine beaches to check out some of its other attractions. One place that will appeal especially to families with small kids is a visit to Alligator Alley. Based in Summerdale, Alligator Alley is home to lots of rescued alligators and allows you to get close to these wonderful natives of Alabama and observe them being fed! </p><p>Another recommended attraction is the Baldwin County Heritage Museum. Alabama has a rich history from the early Native American years to periods of French, Spanish, and British rule and then through to the story of the American Civil War. The Baldwin County Heritage Museum provides a window into the past lives of Alabama’s residents and makes for fascinating viewing.</p>