The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point". This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly breathtaking vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium: the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil-War, Native-American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored on foot or by car, bike or train.

Known for its markets and its striking 19th-century limestone architecture, Kingston is a great base for exploring the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River and its national park. Visit Wolfe Island on the free ferry, or hunt for antiques in nearby villages.

Miles of white sand and romantic island resorts beckon from the hem of the Palmetto State. Families gravitate to Myrtle Beach and the 60- mile span of Grand Strand, where over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts and nightclubs await. Charleston's hundreds of heritage buildings and irresistible charm are part of its allure. Beach resorts at Kiawah Island, Seabrook and Edisto Island make for romantic getaways. Marshes, moss-bearded palms and oak groves create a haunting atmosphere in the Lowcountry.

Whether you're into history, culture or outdoor adventures, or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, at any time of year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Browsers can spend a day making their way through the more than 100 shops, boutiques and galleries that sell Southwestern goods as well as unique products from around the world. During the winter holiday season, Old Town is adorned with small lighted candles and thousands come to stroll through the streets, listen to live music and celebrate -- it's truly a sight to see. But the history doesn't stop there. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Petroglyph National Monument offer a glimpse of old Indian customs and art. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and golf. After working up an appetite, head to one of the many fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.

Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.

After many years of hard work, the "Sleeping Beauty" has awoken from its slumber. The city is beautifully restored and has an ultra-modern public transport system. The “Port of the Moon” is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, crosses the Garonne, offering pedestrians a lovely view over the docks and harbour. Take a stroll through old Bordeaux in the Triangle d'Or and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes.

Fairytale villages, thermal baths, casinos and pine and birch-blanketed mountains beckon travelers to southwestern Germany's Black Forest. Scenic drives and train trips showcase the best of the area. Skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, boating and ice-skating are popular activities. Baden-Baden's Roman-Irish baths, 19th-century performance hall, casino and fresco-adorned Pump Room are much visited. Gothic masterpiece Freiburg Cathedral and its famous Boys' Choir also draw visitors.

Brigitte Bardot frolicked on the beaches of St. Tropez in the '50s; now it's the playground of rap stars and international socialites. Most of the sandy hot spots lie southwest of town on the Baie de Pampelonne. But if you're not P. Diddy, take heart: you'll find a few family-friendly, public beaches where the sun, sand and waves are just as fabulous.