Bask on four miles of golden beaches, hit the Mediterranean Sea on water skis or stroll along Benidorm's promenade and revel in its seaside charms; it's a true Spanish beauty of the Costa Blanca. Originally a fishing town, the city's historic center wows with its blue-domed 18th-century church and picturesque alleyways. Panoramic views reward those who climb into the surrounding Canfali hills, and nearby rocky coves reveal underwater riches for scuba enthusiasts. End a day in the sun with a feast of local seafood.

Nicknamed the "Santorini of Spain," Altea draws laid-back travellers to the Costa Blanca with its hilltop old town and pebble beaches. Navy-domed landmarks and whitewashed walls stand out against Mediterranean skies, while three marinas provide plenty of offshore opportunities.

An old fishing town on Spain's Costa Blanca against a backdrop of mountains, Moraira is a picturesque destination for a family holiday. You will find a combination of sandy and rocky beaches alternating with intriguing coves, and the climate is a sunny but temperate one. If you are looking for water sports, head for Portet Cove which was originally a safe haven for ships. It is within walking distance of the lookout tower near the Cap d'Or, from where there are spectacular views of the coastline. Don't miss the eighteenth century castle, right by the shore. Golf lovers will be pleased to know that Moraira has three golf courses. As well as spending time on the beach, you can enjoy a boat trip and admire the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On your return, choose from a delightful array of restaurants along the shore.

The coastal jewel of Javea is bookended by rocky headlands and is a prime example of old world meets modern energy. The "old town" district is filled with remains of walls built to keep out pirates, as well as a 14th-century church. Visit the beautiful white-sand Arenal beach, brimming with shops, restaurants and, in the summer, hopping beachside bars and nightclubs.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

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.

With its gondolas, canals, amazing restaurants, and unforgettable romantic ambiance, Venice is definitely a city for one's bucket list. Waterfront palazzos, palaces, and churches make drifting down the Grand Canal feel like cruising through a painting. To really experience Venice you must go to the opera or to a classical music performance, nibble fresh pasta and pastries, and linger in the exhibit halls of an art gallery. Label lovers will drool over the high-end shopping in Piazza San Marco.

It's no wonder that the Pilgrims fell in love with America when they landed at gorgeous Plymouth, set in the calm waters of Plymouth Harbor along Cape Cod Bay. It was here that the first English colonists made war and then peace with the Natives, celebrating their newfound cooperation with the first Thanksgiving dinner. Visit the landmarks that honor this piece of American history, from Plymouth Rock to Mayflower II to Burial Hill. Or just enjoy the sandy beaches and calm sea breeze.

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.

A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible colour. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.