Say aloha to tropical breezes, oceanfront luaus and iconic Diamond Head on Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian island. Follow in the footsteps of surfing forefather Duke Kahanamoku on Waikiki Beach, visit the royal quarters of Iolani Palace and tour Pearl Harbor. Sample hot malasadas (local doughnuts) and shaved ice while shopping for vintage floral-print shirts on Honolulu's Kapahulu Avenue. Get off the tourist trail with a hike to Makapuu Lighthouse on the South Shore. You can even learn to hula.

Centrally located near all of Southern California’s major cities, Temecula Valley is the region’s wine country — with 40+ wineries offering everything from tours and events to restaurants and early-morning hot air balloon flights featuring panoramic views. Visitors also enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities; the largest casino in the state at Pechanga Resort Casino; and a historic Old Town featuring wooden boardwalks, artisanal shops and restaurants, and a bustling nightlife.

Capitola, just minutes south of Santa Cruz, is California’s oldest seaside resort town, and boasts a Mediterranean flavour. An esplanade winds around village shops and bistros, while picture-ready views from the Capitola Wharf create a relaxing atmosphere. Experience signature events like the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Capitola Begonia Festival, wine tasting rooms, and shopping. Take a hillside “cable car” to dinner overlooking Soquel Creek, next to scenic gardens and waterfalls.

Once a busy river port sending military supplies shipped from California to forts and camps in the Southwest to fight the Apache wars, today Yuma is a winter retreat for thousands of visitors craving its warm, dry and sunny climate. With warm weather comes golf, and the city has several excellent courses. Birdwatchers will enjoy the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, which is rich in migratory bird life and also offers hiking, fishing and boating facilities. For a step back in time to the days of frontier justice, visit the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, a prison dating back to 1876, or the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, for a walk through restored historic buildings. If these sites whet your appetite for more pioneer lore, visit the Century House Museum, which is full of pioneer artefacts and exhibits. And, speaking of appetite, make sure and stop for burger and chips at Lutes Casino, Arizona's oldest pool hall, where old movie memorabilia grace the walls.

Here’s your day in Calistoga: Yoga. Massage. Spa lunch. Hike. Wine-tasting. Facial. Mud bath. Gourmet dinner (with more wine). Dip in a mineral pool. Does it get more relaxing than a spa town built around natural springs in the middle of wine country? We don't think so.

Shimmering Lake Havasu, the centerpoint of Lake Havasu City, was formed in 1938 after the Parker Dam was built. It is perhaps most famous for the London Bridge that looms above it. Yes, the actual London Bridge, bought by the area's founding father, Robert McCullough, for $2,460,000, after the city of London put it up for auction in 1968. Today, Lake Havasu City is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Arizona and offers a range of recreational activities for families, couples and single travellers. Golf on championship courses, soak up the sun on the shores of Lake Havasu's beaches or explore nearby parks by foot and bicycle. Houseboats dot the lake and are available for rent along with paddle boats, kayaks, jet skis and other types of water sports equipment. Like most resort towns Lake Havasu is chock-full of hotels, restaurants, shops and non-stop action.