Lefkada's name means "white," from the famous white cliffs of Cape Lefkata, site of an ancient temple of Apollo, where rumor has it that the celebrated Lesbian poet Sappho flung herself from the rocks. To stay with the mythology theme, don’t miss a boat tour on the mighty Odysseia, a colorful replica of a Greek war ship. You can also explore deserted monasteries in the mountains, splash around under the Nidri waterfalls and swim at some of Greece's most famous and beautiful beaches.

The region of Campania curves around the bays of Naples and Sorrento, with towering Vesuvius and mountain ranges and massifs looming above. Ancient classical ruins are scattered throughout the region, from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the Greek temples in Paestum. Popular resort towns include charming Sorrento and Amalfi, upscale Positano and haven for the elite, Ravello. For even more memorable sights, catch a ferry from Sorrento or Naples to the isle of Capri, home of the magical Blue Grotto.

This ski resort on the western edge of the Dolomite Mountains has a reputation for being family-oriented, and there’s truth in that. There are classes for children, and a couple of runs designed for those still wobbly on skis. The majority of the 19 slopes down the Doss del Sabion are for beginning or intermediate skiers, but there are a couple of more difficult runs. Adventure-seekers can also grab a seat on the Pinzolo-Campiglio Express gondola, which whisks you to the nearby resort of Madonna di Campiglio, where there are some off-piste areas.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

Nestled along the east coast of the Isle of Man, the small holiday resort of Douglas oozes charm. Visitors may enjoy horse-drawn tram rides along its pedestrian shopping promenade, dotted with restored 19th century buildings and lining the shore with independent boutiques and High Street shops. The new Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex entertain with all sorts of performing arts and films, while the gardens and museums sprinkled throughout the town promise relaxation and culture.

Lying at the heart of Norway’s Western Fjord area, Hordaland is home to culturally rich Bergen, the country’s second largest city. Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord (and the third-longest in the world), is here too, and cruising along its scenic 110 miles is a top area activity. Leirvik, the second-biggest town in Hordaland, has the interesting open-air Sunnhordland Folk Museum. Set atop one of the country’s biggest glaciers, Folgefonna National Park has a popular summer ski center.