From the 27th-floor observation deck of the new Capitol building, you can take in the beauty of this lovely city on the Mississippi, at one time the heart of plantation country. Stately antebellum mansions line the river, some now bed and breakfasts, others offering tours. A visit to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Rural Life Museum will transport you to a 19th-century plantation. The 34-storey Capitol, built in the 1930s by controversial Governor Huey P. Long, and the building in which he was assassinated, contrasts sharply with the Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival-style castle perched high on a bluff. A college-town atmosphere permeates this friendly city, home to LSU and Southern, the largest African-American university in the USA. You'll find many historic sites, museums and galleries to explore, some on the LSU campus. For the more outward bound, there are great running and hiking trails. The city's unofficial motto is "Let the good times roll", and roll they will as you dine on spicy Cajun food, sample a riverboat casino or gaze out at the mighty Mississippi.

Dorothy clicked her heels to return to Kansas, and you'll want to do the same after you've visited this one-time cattle town turned modern, booming city, where the spirit of the Old West lives on. To get a feel of the early pioneer days, visit the recreated village at the Old Cowtown Museum. For a slightly more eccentric experience, visit the Museum of Ancient Treasures, which has everything from a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio to a shrunken head. The Indian Centre Museum features works by Plains Indian artists. Wichita is an aircraft manufacturing centre, and the Kansas Aviation Museum honors pioneers in the field, as well as housing model planes. Exploration Place gives kids more insights into aviation and other scientific wonders. For nature and wildlife, check out Botanica's lovely gardens or head over to the Sedgwick County Zoo, home to over 350 species of animals. Wichita stays up when the sun goes down: there's nightlife, culture, karaoke and cuisine for all tastes.

Named from the anglicized form of the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, Salem provides visitors with exactly that - plus a horde of historic sites to explore and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oregon's capital, one of the oldest cities in the state, exudes simple, small-town hospitality with just enough politics and culture to keep things interesting. Tour the grand, gold-domed State Capitol to learn about the workings of the government, then head to the observation deck for a fantastic view of Salem and its surrounding area. Although the whole city is a living history lesson, brimming with old buildings and landmarks, the Mill Mission Museum is a definite standout. Art buffs should not miss the impressive Pacific Northwest collection at the Hallie Ford Art Museum. In between sights, take time to people watch or picnic at Bush's Pasture Park, or enjoy wine tasting at some of the local vineyards. Salem's idyllic setting, in the heart of the emerald Willamette Valley, coupled with its historic role as political hub for Oregon make it the perfect choice for a delightful and interesting weekend away.

Named for a local swamp fish, Paraty sits on Brazil's southeastern coast, 125 miles south of Rio, with the Bocaino Mountains at its back. The small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. Take a boat trip out into the bay to the flotillas of islands and coves nearby. Explore sugarcane plantations and hike or take a train through Atlantica Forest. Keep an eye out for the monkeys that roam the cobblestone streets.