A short ride away from New York City on the Metro North commuter rail, Poughkeepsie sits on the banks of the Hudson River. The close proximity of Vassar College and the Culinary Institute of America guarantees the presence of fun boutiques and fine dining. Main Mall Row, a group of 1870s Renaissance Revival storefronts along Poughkeepsie's Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. The twenty-two surrounding parks provide the opportunity to take a relaxing break from city life.

Stretching 160 miles through Utah, the Wasatch Range makes a rugged, glacial backdrop for the 85% of the state's population who live within 15 miles. Mount Nebo is highest at 11,928 feet, but the peaks around Alta and Park City are most popular. "The greatest snow on earth" falls on these spectacular slopes. Lone Peak's granite outcrops provide top climbing. Canyons and valleys are loved by fly- fishermen and hikers. After all that adventure, retire to a hip restaurant or enticing hot tub in chic Park City.

Jagged glacial peaks tower over wide valleys. Hot springs gurgle. Fabulous inns beckon. Easily accessed by train or bus, and by car in summer, the Rockies contain a plethora of national and provincial parks. Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay are best known, and along with other Alberta and British Columbia parks comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Banff's energetic arts scene. Peer into turquoise Lake Louise. Explore Icefields Parkway on foot, ski or dog sled. Cruise or kayak on glacier-fed Maligne Lake.

Between Biarritz and the Spanish border, the Atlantic fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz combines Basque charm with pleasant, family-friendly beaches on the bay. July and August are the high season here, so if you'd rather avoid the tourist crunch, either book outside of those months or plan to arrive at the beach first thing in the morning.