Hub of the North, host of the 2015 Canada Winter Games and one of BC’s friendliest, most outgoing communities, Prince George is a vital crossroad for Northern British Columbia. Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers, where Highways 97 and 16 launch road-trippers on a variety of adventures, PG is a regional centre for shopping, arts and sports, where industry and innovation coexist, outdoor recreation is a way of life, and northern wilderness and urban amenities converge.

Thirty-five miles northeast of Los Angeles, Ontario is known as the ‘gateway to Southern California’. The city has its own international airport and is close to Los Angeles attractions, Palm Springs, Disneyland and other theme parks, as well as the mountain resorts of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. While in Ontario, visitors can shop for antiques, find bargains at Ontario Mills shopping centre, tour Graber Olive House, have fun at Scandia Amusement Park and visit the local Museum of History and Art.

The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favourite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.

More than 30 miles of beaches plus a wealth of cultural and historic institutions make this island a Gulf of Mexico holiday hot spot. If you go, don't forget your walking shoes: With 14 museums and 20 art galleries, plus several historic homes and mansions, there's a lot of ground to cover. Armchair pilots will love the Lone Star Flight Museum and those with more of a nautical interest can check out the Texas Seaport Museum. Families will enjoy the many child-friendly attractions, including Moody Gardens, with its replica of a tropical rain forest. It's easy to get caught up in all the activities, but don't forget to spend some downtime in the sun and on the beach.

Just ten miles west of Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay's stunning beaches see far fewer footprints than its neighbours. It's also removed from the cruise ship herds and pushy vendors. Perfect for those happy not to wander far from their resort, there are a few nearby attractions nonetheless. Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum is in nearby Nine Mile. Jamaican history is on view at Seville Great House and at Columbus Park Museum. To explore, rent a reliable vehicle and remember to drive on the left.