The farther you go from Grand Cayman's busy docks, the more peace and quiet you'll find. At Stingray City (actually a sandbar), stingrays swim alongside you in the tranquil waters. Closer to town, travellers report finding some of the best massage and spa services anywhere in the Caribbean.

Everyone knows Aspen as a top-notch winter resort town. But outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it in the summer, too, when the mountains become a perfect setting for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Some may be surprised to find it’s a top romance destination—but after all that outdoor exercise, who wouldn’t want to repair to a luxurious hotel room or a cozy, firelit bar?

Dozens of nightclubs, hundreds of restaurants and some of Mexico's best beaches await you in Puerto Vallarta. The original colonial town still shines through an endless selection of shopping, art galleries, water and land activities, and hotels. Walk the malecon (boardwalk) and just try to take it all in.

From bustling restaurant- and hotel-lined promenades to the near-silent sand dunes of S’Alfubera Natural Park, Playa de Muro offers something for everyone. Named after Muro, its inland counterpart, the coastal stretch is now a resort in its own right, though it retains an easy-going ambience.

If you’re after a winter sports holiday, you can’t find a more gorgeous place to do it than Interlaken, the popular Swiss resort town. There’s superlative skiing, toboggan rides, miles of sledding tracks (which, like the ski slopes, vary in difficulty), snowboarding… all with amazing views of the mountains. In summer, hike among the ibex at nearby Neiderhorn, or shop for watches in the town’s boutiques.

A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.

You’ll find vineyards and olive groves in Bardolino, as well as beaches on beautiful Lake Garda. This town isn’t as popular as other area resort towns, so you shouldn’t find huge crowds here (except perhaps during the local olive oil and wine festival in late September and October). If you’re travelling with kids, make a beeline for the Gardaland and Aqua Paradise amusement parks.

Mainstream tourists haven’t discovered San Vito lo Capo yet—so if you’re looking for a low-key, authentic Italian beach break, now’s the time to book your trip to this seaside Sicilian town. The weather is best in the summer months, but foodies might want to wait till September, when San Vito lo Capo hosts its annual Couscous Festival.