Jagged glacial peaks tower over wide valleys. Hot springs gurgle. Fabulous inns beckon. Easily accessed by train or bus, and by car in summer, the Rockies contain a plethora of national and provincial parks. Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay are best known, and along with other Alberta and British Columbia parks comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Banff's energetic arts scene. Peer into turquoise Lake Louise. Explore Icefields Parkway on foot, ski or dog sled. Cruise or kayak on glacier-fed Maligne Lake.

In Sonoma, you can go wine-tasting… or cheese-tasting… or olive oil-tasting… or just let the chefs of the area’s renowned restaurants put everything together for you. Then burn off some of that good food and wine by hiking or biking through redwood forests.

Deauville is Normandy’s answer to the French Riviera, and the beach resort of choice for weekending Parisians. Golden sands and seafront promenades dot the coast, while further inland you’ll find spacious plazas, terrace cafés, designer boutiques, and striking half-timbered buildings.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

Lourdes, nestled in the majestic Pyrenees mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The famous shrine of Notre-Dame de Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims every year, offering hope and inspiration. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing in winter, thanks to the exceptional opportunities offered by the surrounding nature. Lourdes also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with unique architecture, captivating history and delicious local cuisine to sample. Located in Occitanie, the south-west region of France, Lourdes offers easy access to top sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pic du Midi and the diverse flora and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park.

Jazz aficionados know Montreux as the home of the famed jazz festival. And where else will you find a statue of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury? But even those who aren't music fans will find respite in this resort town on the Swiss Riviera: the wineries here are world renowned, the Château de Chillon is an impressive example of a medieval castle and the views of the Dents-du- Midi are breathtaking. Walk on the lake promenade, ride on the rack railway or wander Old Montreux to taste its Edwardian flavour.

On the banks of the lovely Elbe River, the German city of Dresden is lush and green, filled with forests and gardens and parks. The city is rich with cultural and artistic history; the great operatic composer Wilhelm Wagner debuted a number of works here in the 1800s and, today, an independent light opera company keeps the classical art form modern and fresh. Culture vultures will love the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and Grünes Gewölbe museums, and architecture buffs will salivate over the mélange of styles reflected in the cityscape.