Cuba's top beach destination sits on a 13-mile-long peninsula with powder soft sands lapped by waters of the Kawama Channel. Resort hotels teem along the shore that U.S. celebrities and gangsters, including Capone, discovered in the 1920s. Clubs and bars provide mojitos and merriment, after long days baking on the beach, golfing, diving or deep sea fishing. Rent a scooter or hop aboard an open-air tourist train or bus to see more of this stunning spot. Caves, keys and virgin forest add to the area's allure.

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.

Ollantaytambo has some of the oldest continuously-occupied buildings in South America. Once a stronghold of Inca resistance to Spanish colonization, it's remarkably well-preserved. Many travellers visit Ollantaytambo because it's the beginning of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but don't rush through—the ruins are fascinating.

There's a variety of water sports in Redding, from whitewater rafting on the Sacramento River to waterskiing, swimming, fishing and sailing on Shasta Lake, one of four magnificent artificial lakes in this northeastern California town. When you're ready to dry off, there are also plenty of land-based activities, such as camping or hiking in the national forests and parks, following walking trails through the 220-acre arboretum or spending time exploring two fascinating parks: Shasta State Historic Park and Turtle Bay Exploration Park. At Shasta State, you'll find the ghost town of Shasta City from the Gold Rush days, complete with restored stagecoach, barn and courthouse, with eerie reminders of where prisoners were kept and sometimes hanged. The ever-expanding 300-acre Turtle Bay Park houses the recently opened Turtle Bay Museum, with extraordinary hands-on exhibits focusing on the environment and an outstanding collection of American Indian baskets. Children will love the park's Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp, which includes a playground, logging and ecology exhibits and the popular summer butterfly house, where the fragile winged creatures flit about and alight on welcoming visitors.

With the dramatic backdrop of 12,200-foot Mount Teide towering behind the resort, Adeje makes an unforgettable holiday destination. Adeje is less than two miles from the boisterous nightlife of Playa de las Americas, allowing visitors to choose whether to take it easy or to party. Bake in the sun on black volcanic sands before cooling down at a water park, such as popular Siam Park, or out windsurfing. Barranco del Infierno, Hell's Gorge, is a lush oasis, perfect for hiking.