The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point". This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly breathtaking vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium: the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil-War, Native-American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored on foot or by car, bike or train.

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.

The industrial city of Monterrey is reigned over by the mighty Cerro de Silla, a mountain that galvanizes adventurers with its steep hiking trails. Within the city, an 18th-century neighbourhood impresses with its architecture and harbours what’s hailed as Mexico’s most beautiful bookshop.

The Pacific Northwest scarcely gets more peaceful than unspoiled Bellingham, a bustling city nestled in the Bellingham Bay. Nature abounds in all directions surrounding this coastal paradise. The waters of the Pacific offer opportunities for whale watching, cruising to Friday Harbor or visiting the Canadian city of Victoria. To the east, Mt. Baker beckons skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The city itself is alive with vibrant theater, historical museums, gourmet restaurants and fine arts.

What happens when a "gassy" Englishman rows into town feeling thirsty? A pub is born. And from that a city—in this case Vancouver. Though the pubs are plentiful, food and drink aren’t the only things to take in during your trip. In its 150 years, Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge. Hipsters welcome. (Don’t worry, they don’t bite.)

In Mancora, it’s all about the beach. Calm Pocitas Beach is a great place to soak up some sun, float serenely in a natural swimming pool or simply stroll the beautiful shoreline. Vichayito Beach is great for diving and kitesurfing, while the South Beach bustles with vendors, surfers and rowdy tourists. Book a guided adventure tour to visit nearby waterfalls and mud baths, or book a motorbike or horseback ride to explore the beaches and back roads.

You view great wine as the essence of a good holiday. Your travel companion, however, is a beer aficionado. Will it be Paris or Munich? Stop arguing and go to Strasbourg, where you can have the best of French and German cuisine, including the booze. The entire central island is a World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the 12th-century cathedral or the storybook "la Petite France" neighbourhood.

One of the Tirol area’s most popular ski resorts, St. Anton offers some of the best expert skiing and one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in the Arlberg region. The Valluga, Kapall, and Schindler peaks offer almost a mile of vertical skiing. For the seasoned, Schindlerkar and Mattun are less groomed routes.