Located just 10 minutes east of downtown Phoenix, Tempe exudes its own personality and the youthful spirit of a college town. Home to Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States, Tempe has a vibrant downtown that’s active day and night. You’ll find locally-owned eateries and microbreweries, annual festivals, arts and cultural events. And plenty of opportunities to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year on a bike, hiking trail or stand-up paddleboard.

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.

Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the world's top golf destinations. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater, or catch a Broadway show at the state-of-the-art Dodge. In addition to golf, the city offers numerous outdoor activities including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-see destination.

Home to the Phoenix metropolitan area and its more than 3.4 million residents, Central Arizona offers an amazing array of museums, cultural venues and outdoor adventures. The Valley of the Sun boasts hopping nightlife and a thrilling selection of restaurants, resorts and spas. Discover Old West and Native American history. Hike among the cacti in the Sonoran desert. Try your hand at ranching in Glendale. Drive the Superstition Mountains. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale.

Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theatre companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Centre Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Centre.

Once infamous for dangerous gangs and drug activity, Medellin has been transformed. It’s now a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation. Medellin rises proudly from the belly of the Aburrá Valley, and its natural beauty makes a perfect setting for hiking, zip lining and horseback riding. Travel through lush jungle to Piedra de Penol, then climb the 740 steps to the top—a journey within a journey that rewards you with unforgettable views.

Shopping is plentiful in Bridgetown. The capital of Barbados offers duty-free shopping at cruise ship terminals and upmarket boutiques on Broad Street. Additional activities include yachting, fishing, watching cricket matches and the nightlife on Baxter's Road. For history, visit the Barbados Museum, National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) and the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, as well as the house where George Washington stayed and the church he attended.