The Vilamoura area offers a fabulous diversity of experiences, from quiet pine forest ambles and Atlantic beaches, to a casino, shooting club, riding school and a choice of nightclubs. The main attractions are the environmentally-conscious planned development's four golf courses and Polvo Watersports Algarve water park. The area's past is brought to the forefront with a preserved Roman site and the Museum of Cerro da Vila. Rent a car to make the most of Vilamoura and the surrounding Algarve region.

Set in the heart of the Algarve, the tiny fishing town of Olhos de Agua surrounds a sandy cove lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its proximity to the developed Albufeira resort, Olhos de Agua retains its authentic Mediterranean charm.

There is rich and beautiful history within Lagos’ 14th century walls, from its fortress to picturesque churches like mediaeval São João Hermitage and the 17th-century São Sebastião. But that’s all appetiser. People come here for a main-course coastal buffet featuring more than a half-dozen beautiful beaches. Quiet sandy coves are sandwiched between dramatic cliffs. The sandy 2.5-mile stretch of Meia Praia caters to every water sport imaginable. And when you’ve had your fill, you can digest your day with some of the best nightlife in the Algarve region.

The peaks of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and their fellow snow-capped giants make Italy's Valle d'Aosta region a haven for serious skiers and hikers. The Courmayeur resort offers year-round icy adventures, thanks to its Giant Glacier. The country's oldest national park, Gran Paradiso, is also located in Valle d'Aosta, as are numerous castles. A cable-car ride from La Palud carries passengers over the mountains all the way into Chamonix, France, offering a bird's eye view of the breathtaking scenery.

Founded in the early 10th century as the capital of Fatimid-ruled Tunisia, Mahdia is today a quiet port town and provincial center of about 40,000 people, known for its fishing, silk weaving and olive industries. One of Tunisia's most picturesque cities, Mahdia lies between Sousse and Sfax and has many historic attractions, including the ruins of an ancient Punic city (pre-dating Mahdia), the Fatimid port, the first Fatimid mosque (built in the 10th century), and a 16th-century Ottoman fort.

Romance seems to waft through the air on Capri, accompanied by the scent of lemon blossoms and fresh sea air. Leave the car on the mainland and join the masses who use water transport to flock to this dramatic Italian isle in the Bay of Naples. The luminescence of the Blue Grotto, the striking Faraglioni rocks and Palazzo al Mare add to the magical spell. Snorkel from Marina Piccola beach on the island's south side, believed to be the spot where Odysseus nearly succumbed to the Sirens' song.

If you come across "cipolla di Tropea"-flavoured gelato, you might worry that you’ve forgotten your Italian… or are losing your mind. Don’t fret. "Cipolla" does mean onion, and yes, that is indeed onion gelato. The local red onions are so popular that they’ve even made it into dessert. Tropea, like so many towns on the Amalfi Coast, has a gorgeous cliffside setting. Beneath those cliffs, you’ll find beautiful, sandy beaches.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.