At the center of Trois Vallees, the world’s largest ski area, Meribel gives easy access to the entire vicinity and its more than 400 miles of pistes. Within Meribel itself, the Altiport is for beginners while Saulire and Tougnète are mixed use, and Mont du Vallon serves up long, steep advanced runs against a gorgeous backdrop.

In the centre of the French Alps, Courchevel has well more than 100 ski runs for visitors to choose from. Some courses are dotted with moguls, so snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular here, and skiers of all levels of experience will find a slope that's just right.

As host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in the history books. Its main attractions are Mont-Blanc (Western Europe's tallest mountain) and the many ski areas that face the Chamonix Valley. Steep slopes and extreme weather conditions suit advanced skiers best, but there are also runs for beginners. Just make sure everyone in your party knows a green circle from a black diamond. Oh, and another note for the history books—Pierce Brosnan was here (filming a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough).

Believe it or not, Nietzsche went on holiday—to this pretty town on Italy’s Lake Garda. Today, travellers can explore mediaeval fortresses and the town’s historic centre. Or, just take relaxing walks along the lakeshore and wonder what in the world it would be like to holiday with Nietzsche.

Sandy beaches, golden dunes, and coastal promenades make Southport a popular escape from the nearby cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Add in a fairground, a historic pier, and a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the west coast’s most exciting seaside resorts.

Konakli is an attractive alternative to nearby Alanya, with miles of golden beaches, seafront villas, and palm-fringed promenades. Framed by the distant peaks of the Taurus Mountains, the beach town is a firm favourite among both locals and expats.

You don't have to choose between visiting a cultural capital or a sunny Caribbean beach destination—San Juan is both. This city's architecture ranges from Spanish colonial to 20th-century Art Deco, while the new Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico presents Latin American and Caribbean artwork in state-of-the-art galleries.