The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. The city is a mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. Its medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern city in the world. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.

Lively nightclubs pulsing with Caribbean beats drive the nightlife scene of Cabarate, a breathtaking beach town. Not even the stubbornly two-left-footed can keep their toes from tapping when the sun goes down on Cabarete, which brims with culture and energy. Beachfront bars cum discotheques are the perfect spot to shake what your Mami gave you.

The only real village and most of the population of the Los Roques National Park archipelago reside on its largest island, El Gran Roque. Visitors typically stay in converted fisherman's homes called posadas – which include meals in their rates – while indulging in the top-notch local scuba diving. The island itself is dotted with cacti and mangroves. A lighthouse erected in the late 1800s provides gorgeous views of the three western lagoons, particularly at sunset.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

Boasting 20,000 acres of green space, numerous golf courses, four rivers and the verdant Rock Cut State Park, Rockford is a haven for the outdoor adventurist. Tee off at the Aldeen Golf Club or relax in the splendor of the Anderson Japanese Gardens. In cooler weather, warm up at the vaudevillian Coronado Theater or visit Jane the T-Rex at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Learn of the history of the area at Midway Village and Museum Center, a living museum with pioneer village and exhibits.

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.

Majorca has many beach towns, but if you like your sunny holiday served with a touch of history on the side, you should definitely consider Calvia. Homes and churches date from the 17th century (and earlier), and there are even the remains of a Roman villa.

San Teodoro is a typical seaside Sardinian town, with lovely beaches, great restaurants, and a giant flock of pink flamingos. Well, maybe those flamingos aren’t so typical… but they’re certainly distinctive! Visit the San Teodoro Lagoon between beach excursions to see them and other rare birds.