For scenic beauty, tranquility and times of refreshing, you can’t beat the mountains of North Carolina. Beech Mountain is all this and more. Whether staying in Beech Mountain during summer or winter, this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains has much to offer for outdoor recreation. Beech Mountain -- elevation 5,506 feet with an average yearly snowfall that often exceeds 100 inches – has been called “The Snow Capital of the Southeast.” When you’re ready to venture out into the beautiful white, sun-drenched snow, take advantage of the many skiing, snowboarding and ice skating offerings up here. If you prefer warmer weather, Beech Mountain has plenty of summer activities, too. Here you can find plenty of rafting, fishing, and mountain bike opportunities to fulfil your summer holiday dreams. When you and your kids are ready to head out and explore the Beech Mountain area, there are plenty of great places to visit. You won’t want to miss Grandfather Mountain — the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or Tweetsie Railroad, Western North Carolina’s historic wild-west family theme park. You are also close to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers 439 scenic miles of breathtaking mountain beauty.

If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Ashville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.

As North America’s northernmost large metropolis, Edmonton is a fascinating study in contrasts — a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness. It’s a city that’s never been afraid to do things a little differently, as visitors discover through close encounters with free-roaming bison, a shopping mall that spans more than 48 city blocks, and a dynamic arts and culture scene that embraces more than 40 annual festivals, including the continent’s biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival.

Oakland, in the hub of the Bay Area, is both historic and modern. Visitors will find a little bit of everything in this diverse metropolis, from the picturesque waterfront to expansive hills. Explore Oakland's growing arts, entertainment and food scene or enjoy recreational opportunities like hiking, sailing and biking. Root for one of the three professional sports teams or take a tour of a historic landmark. The city is easily accessible through Oakland International Airport, train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dusseldorf is a regional economic powerhouse straddling the banks of the Rhine River. Altstadt is not just Dusseldorf's lovely old town, but also where the city's nightlife is based and where Altbier, its native dark beer, is plentiful. Dusselforfians take their beer seriously. Königsallee (Ko to the locals), Dusseldorf's famous shopping street, has many high-end stores. And the Museum Kunst Palast has one of the Rhineland's best art collections.

One of Hawaii's most interesting historic towns, the former Hawaiian capital also has a rich Yankee whaling history. In the 1800s, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling trade and its beautiful Historic District is a National Historical Landmark. Dinner shows, such as Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Lele, are popular with visitors. Ka'anapali Beach is one of Maui's best. The town, known as the jewel in Maui's crown, is home to 9000 people and to Courtyard Square's vast banyan tree.