Mostly jutting northward from its largest city of Amsterdam and its capital of Haarlem, the Noord-Holland region has much more to offer beyond those two wonderful cities. At Muiden is the magnificent Muiderslot Castle, as if it stepped out of a fairy tale. Showing more wear but no less interesting is Brederode Castle at Santpoort. At Zaanstad is Zaanse Schans, one of Holland’s top tourist destinations and a family-friendly open air museum of windmills, traditional buildings, crafts and shops.

This ancient and historic city houses many buildings going back to the early Middle Ages. Until it was overtaken by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden age, Utrecht was the most important city in the Netherlands. It was and still is the See of the Archbishop of Utrecht, the most important Catholic leader in the Netherlands. The University of Utrecht is the largest in the Netherlands. One of the unique features of the city is the wharf system in its inner canals. Before the city was fully canalised, parts of the Rhine River flowed through the city center. Most prominent of the historic buildings is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, the construction of which lasted for almost 200 year, beginning in 1254.

Eindhoven is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, but you’d never know it from the high-tech industry and cutting-edge design it’s currently known for. If you have kids obsessed by all things wheeled, they will love the trucks at the DAF Museum.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.

Europe's largest thermal lake is reputed to work wonders on various medical conditions. The lake’s healing waters and therapeutic mud have provoked a healthy stream of health tourists. Visitors can experience its beneficial effects in spas and hotels or for the authentic Heviz experience, bathe in the lake itself.

Much of the old town district of Chania was developed around its harbor, which was built by the Venetians during the 14th century. Its lighthouse still proudly overlooks the Mediterranean. Here you’ll find several cinemas and historical attractions like the Archaeological Museum, a collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts that’s housed in the former Monastery of Saint Francis. Word nerds will especially enjoy the Museum of Typography.

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.

Surrounded on all sides by rolling green farmland, Bloomington is a hub of activity offering attractions and events for all seasons. Take the kids to Grady's Family Fun Park for games, rides or a round of mini golf. Lace up your skates and glide across the rink at Pepsi Ice Center, or take to the Constitution Trail for jogging and cycling in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. You'll have no trouble teeing off in the Bloomington-Normal area, home to five golf courses.

Cumbria is a county in the North of England which is famed above all for its natural beauty. Although it is the Lake District which most people will immediately associate with Cumbria, there are a great many other spots of natural beauty to behold, as well as plenty of activities to suit all tastes around the county. Arriving in Cumbria by car, or perhaps hiring a car on your arrival, is virtually essential for seeing the best of what the county has to offer. The Lake District is comprised of around twenty major bodies of water, with a great many smaller ones dotted around. Visitors looking to explore the lakes may be best advised to begin at Windermere and the Brockhole Visitor Centre, where all the required information may be obtained. There are a number of facilities at the centre for all the family to enjoy, including watersports and a children’s adventure playground. Other locations in the area more than worth seeing include Derwent Water, Ullswater and Coniston Water. As well as its Lakeland beauty, Cumbria also has its rugged, mountainous scenery to appreciate. Cumbria is host to every mountain in England over the three thousand feet mark and climbers, adventurous walkers and even mountain bikers are therefore all but spoiled for choice in the locations which they can visit. Cumbria is an area which has witnessed considerable upheaval in a historical sense. Evidence of this dating back to Roman times can still be seen, particularly with the legendary Hadrian’s Wall forming the county’s approximate northern boundary. The path which follows the course of the wall is a great way for walkers with an interest in history to combine both passions. Castles are plentiful in Cumbria, with the impressive Carlisle Castle dating back to Norman times. A visit to Carlisle Castle can be combined with a tour of the historic town, where the ancient features of the county’s main population and economic centre are complemented by the common comforts and conveniences of everyday modern living.