The strangers on Alfred Hitchcock's most famous train began their journey at Danbury, Connecticut's main station, along with thousands of other travelers over time. Now converted into the Danbury Railway Museum, the station and yards are open to visitors, with a collection of historic railroad cars and equipment. Just a few miles outside of the city's pretty historic center is Bear Mountain Reservation, a quiet forest parkland with hiking trails overlooking the calm waters of Candlewood Lake.

The legendary Hamptons, a cluster of wealthy enclaves on Long Island's South Fork, remains a celebrity summer playground, with splashy restaurants and nightclubs galore. But lovely beaches, fishing and kayaking attract off-the-A-list visitors, as well. Old money oozes throughout Southampton, while new wealth reigns in East Hampton. Montauk is a hit with fishermen and surfers. The Long Island Railroad travels the Hamptons in an hour. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and Montauk lighthouse are popular stops.

Sitting at a strategic position along the Thames River, water has played a significant part in the growth of Groton, Connecticut. Visit Fort Griswold, a Revolutionary War era base built to defend the port of New London, most infamously known as the site of the betrayal of American forces by Benedict Arnold. Groton is also the "Submarine Capital of the World," home to the US Navy's main submarine base, as well as the Submarine Force Museum, where visitors can board the first nuclear submarine.

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.

So-called because of the honey-coloured stone used to build its villages, the Cotswolds offers visitors the quintessential English experience. The area spans five counties and boasts some of England’s most impressive country houses, castles, and landscapes. Plus, plentiful pubs make it easy to experience authentic English hospitality.

You view great wine as the essence of a good holiday. Your travel companion, however, is a beer aficionado. Will it be Paris or Munich? Stop arguing and go to Strasbourg, where you can have the best of French and German cuisine, including the booze. The entire central island is a World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the 12th-century cathedral or the storybook "la Petite France" neighbourhood.

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular cities. It’s also one of the cleanest and most metropolitan. The dynamic Danish capital features progressive modern architecture, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park, stunning palaces, and all the activities and amenities you would expect in a world-class destination. Explore the canals and pretty narrow streets, appreciate beautiful old homes, and find great shopping and people watching on The Ströget.