Some 400 inches of annual snowfall, 85 miles of named runs and loads of room for every maneuver make Montana's spectacular Big Sky a big draw. Flyfishing and time at Solace Spa occasionally lure those with a prevailing passion for powder off the slopes.

Bozeman is the gem of Big Sky Country, bustling with activities for all seasons. Winter brings powder to the peaks at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and nearby Big Sky Ski Resort, while the spring brings high waters and thrilling rafting on the Gallatin River. Summer is splendid for backpacking the Gallatin Divide, and fall colors bring nearby Yellowstone Park to life as the wildlife come out to mate. The city's cultural scene thrives with annual events like the American Indian Pow Wow and the rodeo.

Butte's gold rush past is evident in its vintage signs, historic buildings and numerous trolleys and tours devoted to the memory of mining days. Its historic landmark district boasts some of the country's best collections of Victorian architecture as well as preserved gems from the early 20th century. Beyond its history, though, Butte has a wealth of activities and attractions to offer, from outdoor adventures in the surrounding wilds to arts and culture in the city's museums and galleries.

Muskegon, Michigan, built on the fur and lumber trade, is now a calm vacation spot on Lake Michigan, calling itself "The Riviera of the Midwest." Sunbathe on several beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan, including Pere Marquette Beach, a certified Great Lakes "clean beach." Muskegon State Park provides hiking and camping opportunities in the summer, and ice skating, cross-country skiing and even a luge track in the winter. The city is also home to Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park.

Looking for a tropical Mexican fishing village with relaxing beaches, oceanfront seafood bars and restaurants, unspoiled reefs for diving and snorkelling, and waves suitable for championship surfing? Puerto Escondido has all that plus the Laguna de Manialtepec mangrove lagoon for tours combining kayaking, boating, bird-watching, and swimming in phosphorescent waters. Regularly scheduled airline service links Mexico City and Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM). Rent an umbrella at the town beach, Playa Principal, which parallels the Avenida Perez Gasga hotel and restaurant row. Stop in one of the hotels near the beach for a drink or take the family horseback riding. A small freshwater lagoon at the mouth of the river, Rio Rigadillo, marks the border with Playa Marinero, which has waves suitable for beginning surfers. The whole family will enjoy the mile-long shoreline walkway known as Andador Escénico, which leads across the rocks to El Faro lighthouse and the Sueño Posible scenic overlook. Beyond the lighthouse, Playa Principal transitions into Playa Manzanillo, a swimmable beach with clear waters extending towards Puerto Angelito. Rent a boogie board or equipment to snorkel the coral and rocks. If Playa Manzanillo gets too crowded on a holiday weekend, catch one of the water taxis linking Puerto Escondido’s seven beaches. Hire a skiff to take the family sightseeing or dolphin and sea turtle viewing. Fish for trophy sailfish or catch a dinner of yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi (dorado), grouper, roosterfish, mackerel, or snapper. Watch the experts surf the 6-15 foot swells and hollow tubes of Playa Zicatela. International competitions in August and November draw the pros to demonstrate their prowess on the Mexican Pipeline. Snorkel or surf the clear shallow waters beneath the high cliffs surrounding Playa Carrizalillo. High red cliffs, housing, and hotels surround riptide-plagued Playa Bacocho, which is good for long romantic beach walks and sunsets. For more adventure, dive Pressure Point’s tectonic plate fault lines or Punta Colarada’s volcanic overhangs, ledges, and lava rock swimthroughs. If you are lucky you will see lobsters, stingrays, moray and snowflake eels, barracudas, yellow tangs, parrotfish, and puffers.

It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).

The star attractions of the area around Keswick are of course the Skiddaw Mountains and beautiful Derwentwater. Sports enthusiasts should plan their holiday for the month of May to take part in the Keswick Mountain Festival. If you are not a climber, you can enjoy the public parks, swimming pools and gardens of Keswick. For evening entertainment try the Theatre by the Lake or the cinema. Keswick has a superb choice of eateries that cater to all tastes.