With a pristine coastline, a rich antebellum history and a charming, historic downtown, Beaufort is more than one of the most enriching getaways in South Carolina. Here travellers discover a unique destination where stunning views of rivers, marshes and moss-hung oaks couple with authentic Lowcountry cuisine and a relaxing rhythm of life to create an experience that stays with them long after they leave.

The legacy of Buddy Holly lives on in his birthplace of Lubbock, where a museum, a walk of fame and an annual music festival honor musicians hailing from the area. Its museums shed light on the agricultural and military history of the region. Lubbock's many parks, golf courses and wineries provide a relaxing break from it all. Add to all of this a hopping nightlife and Lubbock truly is the "Hub City" of activity in the South Plains area.

This big resort—the largest on Gran Canaria—was developed in the 1960s specifically as a tourist area. And all types of tourists have found it. LGBT travellers, families with kids, au naturel sunbathers, honeymooners, groups of young singles… there’s a spot for everybody on the beach here (and a hotel or apartment for every budget).

Mostly jutting northward from its largest city of Amsterdam and its capital of Haarlem, the Noord-Holland region has much more to offer beyond those two wonderful cities. At Muiden is the magnificent Muiderslot Castle, as if it stepped out of a fairy tale. Showing more wear but no less interesting is Brederode Castle at Santpoort. At Zaanstad is Zaanse Schans, one of Holland’s top tourist destinations and a family-friendly open air museum of windmills, traditional buildings, crafts and shops.

On the Swiss Riviera, Vevey is perched between Mount Pélerin and Lake Geneva. Writers, artists and intellectuals have long been attracted to the village: Henry James's "Daisy Miller" is set here (you can still stay at the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes) and Charlie Chaplin made nearby Corsier his home. Today it's the headquarters for Nestlé, yet retains its old-world charm. To see for yourself, meander the alleys of Old Town, visit the fine art collection at the Musée Jenisch and shop at the weekly market.

South of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the Austrian border lies Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, rising nearly 10,000 feet and offering gorgeous glacier-top skiing. The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen used to be separate, but were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. With almost 75 miles of downhill runs of all difficulty levels, Zugspitze also has 68 miles of cross-country trails, a terrain park and Germany's first superpipe. It's super cool to say you were skiing in Garmisch, so be sure to spread the word upon your return.