The lively capital of Curacao is a welcoming, upbeat destination with two distinct historic districts divided by the lovely St. Anna Bay. Punda, site of neat, narrow streets, is crammed with shops and museums. Otrobanda, or "The Other Side," is a maze of twisting residential streets, contrasting with the organised grid across the bay. Willemstad's colourful colonial architecture has won its UNESCO Heritage site designation. Diving and swimming with dolphins are popular activities in the bay.

Among the best golf destinations in the world, Punta Cana is the very picture of leisure. Several of the courses have been designed by professional golfers, making for the perfect sort of kicked-back challenge that you want on a golfing vacation. The beaches here are simply perfect: calm, warm waters that gently lap at stretches of fine white sand. Thrill yourself with a zip-line adventure, clap along with traditional Dominican music at a cultural performance, or explore the magical lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

Home to palm-lined beaches, tranquil coral reefs, and several top-tier hotels, it’s no wonder why Bavaro is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular destinations. This resort hub combines convenience and Caribbean culture with an impressive range of activities across its expansive coastline.

Home to some of the best beaches in America, Clearwater is a great family beach destination. Sure, it’s in Florida, but it’s not Giant Rodent Florida (a.k.a. Orlando) or Crazy Spring Break Florida (a.k.a. Fort Lauderdale). Rather, it’s Calm, Old-Fashioned Florida… which is something worth seeing. Oh, and the weather’s outstanding.

The great outdoors is likely to feature prominently in any vacation to Fort Walton Beach. There are two public golf courses in Fort Walton Beach, The Oaks and The Pines, while championship courses such as the one at Regatta Bay are within easy reach. Sea anglers have the opportunity for some fine shore or boat fishing, hunting down the big game fish which populate the waters off the Florida coast. The more adventurous may wish to go surfing - or even take instruction and perform a parachute jump!

Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the American Civil War Museum, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighbourhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.

With more surviving 18th century buildings than any other city in the United States, visiting Annapolis is like stepping back in time to the days when the city was a colonial seaport. Known as America’s Sailing Capital, the city is located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is a paradise for water lovers, famous for its crab cakes, lighthouses, and 500 miles of gorgeous shoreline. Tour the campus of the US Naval Academy, or the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in use.