Escape to the Alps with a luxurious ski vacation in Selva di Val Gardena. Gorgeous mountains loom over world-class hotels and quaint B&Bs, all dedicated to giving you the most indulgent stay imaginable. Local craftsmen pore over intricate wood carvings that have come to epitomize the artistry of Selva di Val Gardena. Of course, winter sports are the purest art form here, with perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders to plow through.

Believe it or not, Nietzsche went on holiday—to this pretty town on Italy’s Lake Garda. Today, travellers can explore mediaeval fortresses and the town’s historic centre. Or, just take relaxing walks along the lakeshore and wonder what in the world it would be like to holiday with Nietzsche.

Yet another lovely old town on Lake Garda, Malcesine is an elegant resort at the base of Castello Scaligero. Enjoy a leisurely day of shopping in town (making sure to stop at an outdoor café with a lake view), or if you’re getting restless, take a cable car to Monte Baldo for skiing in winter or challenging hiking in summer.

Besides incredible ski conditions, Mayrhofen is known for its epic annual Snowbombing festival, a weeklong celebration of electronic music. The world’s premier DJs and electronic artists flock here to dance, party ski, and revel in Mayrhofen’s magical atmosphere. Where else in the world can you tour a cheese factory, show your snow art appreciation, embark upon a torch-lit evening hike and snuggle up in an igloo hotel, all in a single day?

So splendid was mediaeval Verona that its reputation alone inspired Shakespeare to set two plays here (Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona). Though its connection to the actual Capulets is tenuous at best, the so-called Juliet's House draws half a million tourists per year, many of them keen on reenacting the balcony scene. Don't miss the Roman amphitheatre and the Palazzo Barberi.

Coveted by empires and republics throughout its history, Innsbruck was the seat of the imperial court of Maximilian I by the end of the 15th century. Trams make getting around the city quick, efficient and cheap. Explore the Tyrolean capital's history at Archduke Ferdinand II's 10th-century Schloss Ambras, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, the grand 15th-century Imperial Palace and Maximilian I's famous Golden Roof. One of Europe's most idyllic cities, Innsbruck is nestled in the heart of the Alps.

The landscape that inspired Anne of Green Gables entices legions of lovers to Canada’s smallest province. Peaceful P.E.I. is a slow paced haven, full of distinctively Maritime delights. Red sandstone cliffs rise above gentle beaches. Lonely lighthouses dot rocky bluffs. Deserted trails beckon for romantic roaming.

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.

New Brunswick's transportation hub is vibrant Moncton, one of the country's fastest growing cities and a community steeped in history. Its storied past is brought to life in its many cultural institutions and museums, from the Acadian Museum to Le Centre Culturel Aberdeen. The city's largest green space, Centennial Park, includes many attractions and activities, from hiking and skiing trails to an artificial beach to an aerial treetop obstacle course and zip line.

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.

Skiiers have flocked to Mont Tremblant since its first chairlift and lodge opened in 1939. Now, though, it's just as popular with snowboarders, who love its 18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps, and its Olympic-caliber superpipe. Don't fret, though, because despite its name, this mountain doesn't actually tremble... unless you've tossed back a few too many in one of the village's bars!

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.

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.

Although the name suggests otherwise, the Blue Mountains is an actual town in Grey County that consists of several small communities including Thornbury, Christie Beach, Clarksburg, Heathcote and Ravenna. The area is very picturesque and scenic in the summer months and during "apple season" in the autumn, but the town is most famous for its mountains. Tourists flock to Intrawest's Blue Mountain Ski Resort year-round for its wide array of offerings. If you aren't in the mood for skiing or snowboarding, take a stroll through Blue Mountain Village and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes or a meal in one of the many restaurants located in the village.