The Out Islands are synonymous with sport, from the depths of the Gulf Stream that yield big game fish to the coral reefs just off shore that are catnip to scuba divers. Sailing, kayaking and beach-combing add action to lazy days in the sun, while resident pink flamingos and rare Bahama parrots colour local hikes.

In friendly Great Exuma, you'll want to be up early so you don't miss a moment outdoors. From fishing and sailing to snorkeling and windsurfing, there's almost too much to do. Design your own adventure and plunge in—particularly around Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where the scuba diving is world-class.

Cat Island is simply ameowzing. Really, all puns aside. Legend has it that magical creatures inhabit the underground caverns of Mermaid Hole, and the ruins of Deveaux Mansion and Armbrister Plantation are breathtaking. A hike up to the Hermitage stone monastery on Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, will reward you with panoramic views. A guided tour of the island’s diverse creek systems is a must for nature lovers.

North Carolina's coast and 300 miles of barrier island beaches are filled with lovely state parks, top restaurants and world-class golf courses. Cape Fear's beaches attract surfers. Central Wilmington contains fine antebellum homes and exciting shopping and dining. The windswept Outer Banks offer historic lighthouses, mysterious Roanoke Island and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers hiking, biking and fishing. Ferry trips link islands with the mainland.

Llamas, sheep and alpacas roam the plains of Puno, a port city in southeastern Peru. Their fleeces are used to make the area’s signature textiles, which make excellent souvenirs. You’ll do a lot of walking here, as many of the streets are too steep for cars. But the climbs are worth it for the excellent views of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat to the Floating Islands or get up close and personal with the four-legged locals at a llama farm.

Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverside paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.

Escape the urban bustle and make Jasper your home base for exploring Canada's extraordinary wilderness. As a mountain town, it's low-key and unpretentious with good food and drink; as a destination, it's an outdoor sports lover's playground, with hiking and golfing in summer and skiing and dog sledding in winter. If it's chilly, heat up at Miette Hot Springs in the National Park.