Recently selected as the winner in the best "Small Mountain Town" category of the readers poll from Blue Ridge Outdoors, Hot Springs is attracting visitors from near and far because of its wide variety of things to see and do. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of adventures, including rafting and kayaking on the French Broad River, hiking the Appalachian Trail (which goes through the downtown) and relaxing in the natural hot minteral springs. Hot Springs is also popular destination wedding location. There are many different types of accommodation available - from hotels to B&Bs to private cabins.

About an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has a spectacular clifftop setting above some of the finest beaches in California. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. A centre for artists, there are a number of special events and festivals,such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Plein Air Painting Invitational. The Laguna Art Museum focuses on California artists. Window shoppers and collectors will enjoy strolling the village’s quaint streets, as well as visiting galleries spotted along Pacific Coast Highway.

Looking for an unusual and beautiful landscape? Sandstone canyons, flamingo-dotted salt flats, steaming geysers, hot springs, volcanic peaks and alien-looking rock formations are on offer all around San Pedro de Atacama. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are the preferred means of exploration. Death Valley here is surprisingly great for picnics.