> From the rare truffles of the Drôme to the vineyards of Beaujolais, > the Rhone- Alps reveal the treasures of French cuisine. Gastronomic pleasures are complemented by the lush countryside, filled with fields of lavender. UNESCO- designated Lyon has 1st-century Roman ruins and the 19th-century Basilica of Fourvière. Forts and castles dot the landscape around Grenoble. Work off excess calories on the slopes of Chamonix and Megève. Visit during autumn to take advantage of the grape harvest and many festivals.

Bormio has literally been a tourist hot spot for centuries—ever since Roman times, visitors have flocked to its thermal hot springs. Today, most tourists come from other cities in Italy. Not into getting overheated? You’ll find great skiing (including a downhill course used on the World Cup circuit), or you could explore the medieval town centre.

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.

Traverse City, known as a four-season playground, is now celebrated for quality cuisine, wine and culture. Miles of sugar-sand shoreline include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with romantic lighthouses and coastal villages. The glacier-sculpted landscape of orchards and vineyards includes 16 golf courses. Swimming, sailing, paddling, hiking and fishing are favourite warm weather activities, while winter turns the region into a playground for skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers.

Sure, you can leave the sunny sands in favor of a crocodile watch or horseback ride, but when the main strand is called Seven Mile Beach, it's clear what draws most visitors to Negril. Depending on how much sun you want, you're welcome to go topless or even sunbathe in the buff in some places.