Once a thriving steel town, Youngstown suffered an economic decline immortalized in song by Bruce Springsteen. However, the innovative city has made a comeback, spawning a surge in industry, from software to food to the arts. Dozens of galleries, museums, performance venues and historic sites celebrate the culture of the area. Miles of hiking trails and green spaces offer energetic activities to active travelers. Sports are also highly valued, Youngstown being home to a host of pro athletes.

Reminders of a rich and remarkable history mix with the everyday whirl of modern politics in Springfield, the Illinois state capital and home of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. A tour of the area's Lincoln sites sheds light on the Great Emancipator's pre-politics legal career, his local roots and his path to the White House. Springfield is a working, welcoming town offering visitors many cultural and recreational diversions, but almost 140 years after his death, Honest Abe is still the city's main man.

<p>Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years, with a warm Mediterranean climate in spite of its place facing the Atlantic Ocean. Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture makes it the perfect place for a family holiday. </p><div>Things to do in Lisbon </div><p>As Portugal's capital, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Even exploring the city centre will take a few days out of a family holiday as there is no real central district, although Praça do Comércio is a good central place to start, in Baxia, or Rossio, the city's main square which has a sort of Trafalgar Square feel to it. Or you might try climbing up the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ with spectacular views across the whole city. The Castelo de São Jorge also offers great views and isn't quite such a steep climb. A short tram ride to the west of Lisbon will also bring you to Belem, where you can explore attractions like the Belem Tower and the Belem Cultural Centre, which features a fantastic art collection including works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. In downtown Lisbon, you'll also want to visit the Gulbenkian, which has to be Portugal's answer to the British Museum full of fascinating cultural artifacts and with some superb gardens in the grounds. It's possible to have a fascinating educational family holiday in Lisbon, and there are also plenty of great beaches to work on your tan. </p>

With its Victorian hotels, 19th-century pier, and wide promenade fronting a stretch of quintesentially British shingle beaches; Eastbourne is one of England’s most elegant seaside resorts and within day-trip distance of London.