Surrounded by one of Germany's largest wine-growing regions, Stuttgart beckons cultural junkies with its acclaimed ballet, opera and philharmonic, while car fans get revved up over the Mercedes Benz Museum. There's more green space than urban sprawl in the festival-friendly city, home to Europe's largest combined zoo and botanic garden, the Wilhelma. The Württembergisches Landesmuseum, in one of the city's oldest structures, traces the area's history from the Stone Age. Buses or metro provide handy transport.

Hugging the Swiss border, this stylish resort gets over 26 feet of snow each winter. Villages des Enfants, for kids and young teens, is the perfect place for learning. Softski is for adult newcomers or those who’ve been away for a while, while The Stash is Europe’s first giant ecological snowboard park.

Romance is the lifeblood of Annecy, a town in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France that’s replete with castles and cathedrals and softly curving architecture. Stroll hand in hand with your paramour across Pont des Amours (the lover’s bridge) before taking in the Imperial Palace and the baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A walk down the Rue Royale will be rewarded with prime shopping, dining and people-watching, especially at the fountain of Saint Jean.

One visit to the Yorkshire Dales and it’s easy to understand why the unspoiled countryside is the setting of so many novels. Must-see sights among the land’s lush woodlands and expansive moors include Hardraw Force (the longest single-drop waterfall in the North), Gordale Scar, and well-known hill range, the Three Peaks. Less adventurous visitors can rest easy, walking through the manicured lawns of Parcevall Hall Gardens or appreciating Skipton Castle’s medieval architecture. Although some prefer to take in the land’s wild beauty by foot or horse, the most popular way is via one of the park’s famed cycling routes.

<p>Pembrokeshire, tucked away in South West Wales, is a remote but beautiful corner of the UK, with spectacular coastlines on three sides and gorgeous countryside alongside highly picturesque towns such as Tenby, Fishguard and Haverfordwest. And as if that wasn't enough for a family holiday, it's recently been a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! </p><p>Pembrokeshire is a county made for explorers. You can explore the coastline over the traditional paths, or indulge in a little coasteering - the seaside equivalent of free running, only with more swimming - around St David's. St David's is the UK's smallest city, and the cathedral is also well worth a visit while you're drying your socks after the coasteering, and elsewhere there are sights such as the Preseli Hills (where the stones used to build Stonehenge were quarried) and more universally appealing attractions like Oakwood Theme Park, which has rollercoasters and rides and occasional appearances from bands like Girls Aloud. Also, young historians will love the huge number of castles that litter the county in various states of repair, particularly the imposing Pembroke Castle, whose walls sit on top of a site which has been occupied since Roman times. </p>

Palma, the economic and cultural hub of Majorca, is a delightful base for exploring the island's many gold and white beaches. A former Moorish casbah, or walled city, Palma's Old Town is an appealing maze of narrow streets that are a delight to explore on foot. Hop on the Soller Railway for a 17-mile scenic trip, visit 14th-century Bellver Castle and the museum of contemporary art, and check out the nightlife.

Rising dramatically on a steep incline from the banks of the Enguri Su, Ankara, Turkey's capital and second most populous city, is a modern European metropolis speckled with reminders of its varied history. Old castles and ruins from Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations dot the landscape. The modern city includes government and state houses, major universities, military bases, consulates, bustling nightlife and the oldest park in the city, Genclik Park.

<p>While most visitors choose Benalmadena for its glorious beaches, there are plenty of other attractions to keep your family amused. Take a trip out to sea on a boat or a ferry; you can even go whale and dolphin watching. A cable car ride would make a welcome change, or perhaps a visit to Bil Bil Castle. The castle is distinctive with its Arabian architecture, and it hosts concerts as well as art exhibitions. Visit the Sea Life Centre, where you can walk through the transparent tunnels in the underwater park or watch feeding demonstrations; the centre even has a mini golf course. At the end of a relaxing day, Benalmadena becomes a great place for nightlife. Whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, you are sure to find a restaurant that will suit your family's tastes. </p>

Saratoga Springs is one of those special escapes where everything is just, well, pretty close to perfect. The city's lovely tree-lined streets and grand old Victorian homes, porch swings swaying and gardens brimming with colourful flora, bring to mind a gentler era. World-class horse racing, renowned performing arts and natural-springs spas, plus 13 golf courses, 10 museums, a historic battlefield, fabulous boutiques, antiques and restaurants mean there is something for everyone. Relax at the Lincoln Mineral Baths, window shop in town and then it's off to the races. Walk everywhere, it's that kind of place. One of the oldest tourist destinations in the United States, Saratoga offers ample accommodation choices in elegant hotels, historic bed and breakfasts or comfortable inns. The only drawback is you may never want to leave.