Who cares about a little fog (okay, a lot of fog) when there’s so much to do in San Francisco? By day, explore Fisherman’s Wharf and the Aquarium of the Bay, ride a cable car, and stroll around the Presidio; by night, have a fabulous dinner (at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a tiny place in Chinatown), then hit some of the best clubs on the West Coast.

The winding country lanes and vine-covered hills that lead the way to Beaune offer a first look at the town’s storybook charms, and its medieval architecture, cobbled paths, and ancient wine cellars make it so this capital of the Burgundy wine region never disappoints.

Dating from at least the 10th century, today Kassel is most famous internationally as the home of Documenta, an every-five-years exhibition of modern and contemporary art. In the late 17th century Kassel received a large influx of Huguenot refugees from France. During the 1800s, it became the capital of the Brothers Grimm's Fairy Tale Route. In 1943, the city was virtually razed by British bombers, leaving few old sights, but the 18th-century Wilhelmshöhe Castle overlooking the city remains.

Colmar is a photographer's dream, with its labyrinth of cobbled lanes, flower-lined canals, and timber-framed houses painted in a rainbow of pastel hues. It's the quintessential Alsatian town, brimming with traditional restaurants and surrounded by vineyards and medieval castles.

Munich was almost completely destroyed in two world wars, yet it's managed to recreate much of its folkloric, Bavarian past. Oktoberfest is legendary, but you can visit the Hofbrauhaus any time of year for an immense beer. Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 games, is not to be missed (you can skate on the Olympic ice rink and swim in the pool). On a somber note, take time to visit the concentration camp at Dachau—it's an intense, yet unforgettable, glimpse into the not-too-distant horrors of the Holocaust.

Corsica is a laid-back French island, with a breezy vibe that’s part European weekend and part tropical honeymoon. The port city of Bastia flings its arms wide open to weary travelers disembarking from a long ferry trip. For a truly charming Corsican experience, catch a train through the mountains to the beach, passing by rustic villages and grazing cows along the way. Take a few hours or even a few weeks to explore the island’s famous walking trails, including the varsity-level GR 20.