Elkhart is a lively small city in the heart of rustic Amish country, complimenting the rural charm of northern Indiana with world class shopping and dining, lush green spaces, exciting festivals and events throughout the year. Witness the Amish hard at work in the small villages surrounding the city, or discover vibrant arts and nightlife in the revitalized downtown area. Head to verdant Island Park, where the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers merge, for an oasis of calm within the city downtown.

Kalamazoo, Michigan may be most famous for its unique name, but it actually has much more to offer. Home to research oriented Western Michigan University, as well as major industrial and pharmaceutical corporations, Kalamazoo is famous for innovation. The immense Air Zoo features restored historic aircraft, a flight simulator, a 4-D theater and the Michigan Space Science Center, with 17,000-square-feet of exhibits dedicated to everything space related, from Moon Rocks to Russian space suits.

Known as "Cereal City," Battle Creek, Michigan is home to both the Kellogg and Post corporations. These two companies have left their mark on the city, building both office buildings and local attractions. The Leila Arboretum, part of Battle Creek's 7,000 acres of parkland, was created by the widow of CW Post, founder of Post Cereals. Post himself had been inspired to go into the cereal business after a visit to the now-historic Battle Creek Sanitarium, which was then run by John Kellogg.

Fort Wayne serves up the perfect mix of urban convenience and natural beauty, boasting a world class cultural scene in a landscape enhanced by plenty of green space. Shopaholics can find the latest trends at open air Jefferson Pointe. The kids will love the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, while the adults can take in a performance at the Embassy Theater. Joggers, hikers and cyclists can keep active on the Rivergreenway that links the city's parks, where they may come across Johnny Appleseed's Grave.

From the 27th-floor observation deck of the new Capitol building, you can take in the beauty of this lovely city on the Mississippi, at one time the heart of plantation country. Stately antebellum mansions line the river, some now bed and breakfasts, others offering tours. A visit to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Rural Life Museum will transport you to a 19th-century plantation. The 34-storey Capitol, built in the 1930s by controversial Governor Huey P. Long, and the building in which he was assassinated, contrasts sharply with the Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival-style castle perched high on a bluff. A college-town atmosphere permeates this friendly city, home to LSU and Southern, the largest African-American university in the USA. You'll find many historic sites, museums and galleries to explore, some on the LSU campus. For the more outward bound, there are great running and hiking trails. The city's unofficial motto is "Let the good times roll", and roll they will as you dine on spicy Cajun food, sample a riverboat casino or gaze out at the mighty Mississippi.

Just ten miles west of Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay's stunning beaches see far fewer footprints than its neighbours. It's also removed from the cruise ship herds and pushy vendors. Perfect for those happy not to wander far from their resort, there are a few nearby attractions nonetheless. Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum is in nearby Nine Mile. Jamaican history is on view at Seville Great House and at Columbus Park Museum. To explore, rent a reliable vehicle and remember to drive on the left.

Hub of the North, host of the 2015 Canada Winter Games and one of BC’s friendliest, most outgoing communities, Prince George is a vital crossroad for Northern British Columbia. Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers, where Highways 97 and 16 launch road-trippers on a variety of adventures, PG is a regional centre for shopping, arts and sports, where industry and innovation coexist, outdoor recreation is a way of life, and northern wilderness and urban amenities converge.

Italian families have been coming to Santa Teresa di Gallura’s lovely beach, Rena Bianca, for years, but only recently have travelers from outside Italy discovered this gem of a destination. Enjoy swimming in deep-blue water, playing in the sand, and, of course, enjoying fantastic fresh seafood in a beachside restaurant.