Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.

Developed as a shopping district in the 1970s, Beverly Hills' high end Rodeo Drive is a ritzy throwback to the halcyon days of Main Street shopping. Celebrities stalk the sidewalks, big name bags in hand. More than 60 elite clothing and jewellery stores line this main affluent shopping artery.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there's more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Visit the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O'Keefe's paintings. Those interested in the city's history can visit the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city's famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If you have children with you, don't miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Of course, a trip to the "Genuine American City" would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.

From the National Mall’s monuments and memorials to vibrant neighbourhoods filled with character and charm, DC is a world-class destination featuring breathtaking views, award-winning hotels and hundreds of free things to do. Experience outstanding performing arts at acclaimed theatres, shop in historic Georgetown, hear great live music at legendary venues, enjoy sporting entertainment from six professional franchises and be dazzled by a flourishing dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants.

Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.

It seems like every time of year is "in season" in Lenox, a small Berkshire town that has been a popular retreat since the 19th century. In summer, picnic on the lawn at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home. In fall, when foliage peaks, take to the hiking and biking paths of the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the mountains. Winter visitors enjoy skiing at a number of resorts and cross-country trails, and in spring, hikers and golfers practice their pastimes in splendid settings. Rejuvenating treatments and pampering, at the well-known Cranwell Spa, are favored all year long.

Lush and luxuriant, the exotic tropical island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is a romantic paradise. St Kitts' wonderful beaches remain relatively crowd-free, and nature lovers delight in seeing lava formations, tropical forest and lagoons and underwater marvels while snorkelling or diving. Among more than 200 historical sites, former plantation homes now offer elegant accommodation. Eco-rambles, bio-tours and climbing are Nevis attractions. Hire cars or mopeds on-island and catch ferries between the two.