In the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, hints of its former Moorish occupation mingle with modern-day resort amenities. Bask on the sands of famous La Fontanilla beach or ricochet among the area's family-oriented water, wildlife and theme parks. Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, filled with whitewashed buildings, remnants of a ninth-century Arab fortress and fragrant orange trees. End a relaxing day with a dish of the cold almond soup ajoblanco and some of the region's excellent dessert wine.

Malaga, Pablo Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to the Costa del Sol, is a hectic, sometimes unruly city of 550,000. An impressive number of museums and monuments, including the 11th-century Alcazaba fort and Museu Picasso Malaga, provide plenty of diversions for those who opt not to spend all their time on the coast's famed beaches and in their accompanying bars. The old city bustles with taverns and bistros. The generous Paseo del Parque offers a delightful stroll past banana trees and fountains.

Featuring limestone cliffs, cave systems (the largest of which—the Hundidero-Gato complex —has prehistoric origins), and deep gorges, it’s no wonder that Sierra de Grazalema is considered to be one of Spain’s most stunning ecological landscapes. Budding botanists can lose themselves in more than 1,300 different species of flora, while birders will delight in the prospect of seeing communities of Bonelli’s eagles and the endangered Egyptian vulture. More into mammals? The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also home to genets, mountain goats, and otters

Distinctive architecture, sun-drenched resorts and eclectic small towns dot Andalusia, a dry, mountainous region of southern Spain that maintains echoes of its Moorish occupation. Spring and fall bring balmy temperatures, ideal for visiting Seville's cathedral, the world's largest Gothic structure, and the 1200-year-old mosque in Córdoba. Romantics love Granada, home to the Alhambra fortress and an inspiration to the late poet Federico García Lorca. Don't miss a dip in the sea along the Costa del Sol.

travellers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

Picturesque Laval has an ice trail in winter, with heated shelters, the interactive Armand-Frappier Museum for kids, and year-round indoor surfboarding. Explore space at the Cosmodôme and history on the Heritage Trail.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

We won't lie: Niagara Falls is uber-touristy. There are wax museums and a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and if it's a fast-food chain, you can probably find it here. But even the most jaded hipster shouldn't pass up a chance to visit this town, because the Falls themselves are spectacular.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Toronto's neighbour Mississauga has more than 480 parks and woodlands for you to explore. Stroll the Waterfront Trail, rent a boat at the marina or spend a day at the racetrack. It's also called Ontario's shopping capital, with everything from shopping centres and outlet malls to picturesque village-style shopping streets.

Covering nearly 47 square-miles, the Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks: Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios, two water parks: Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and over 20 resort hotels. With interactive rides, animal adventures, magical attractions, dining, shopping and nearly 60,000 cast members performing in more than 3,000 different roles, guests will be sure to feel the magic of Disney during each and every visit.

A cosmopolitan city known as the "cultural cradle of Canada," Winnipeg is family friendly with plenty of charm. It boasts a dazzling arts, theatre and indie music scene, as well as lip-smacking dining options to tantalize every taste bud. Experience nine acres of shopping and interactive fun at the Forks Market or explore Winnipeg’s diverse neighborhoods like the historic French Quarter and Exchange District or the boho chic Osborne Village.