Famed for winter skiing and summer hiking and climbing opportunities, the Dolomites are a section of the Alps in northeastern Italy, running roughly from Pieve di Cadore in the east to the Adige River in the west. Marmolada, just east of Trento, is the highest peak, at nearly 11,000 feet. The dramatic and craggy mountains are famed for their unique colors, which are the result of their partial formations as undersea coral colonies before being pushed upward millions of years ago.

Heaven isn’t too far away from Obergurgl. Maybe because, at 6000 feet elevation, it’s the highest church parish in Austria. Or maybe it’s just the skiing. Take a guided tour with an expert mountaineer, explore the wintery dreamscape off-piste or get exclusive “early bird” slope access that ends with oysters and champagne. Or ditch the skis and go for a winter hike or thrilling toboggan ride. Ski huts and rest stops range from rustic to futuristic, all with panoramic views.

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.

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.

Antigua has hundreds of beaches, from the bustling Pigeon Point to the kitesurfing paradise of Jabberwock Beach. It's fun to mix it up—a day spent in a secluded cove, another spent people-watching at a tourist magnet. When you’re tired of sun and sand you can shoot ‘em up at Reservoir Range, where archery and air pistols are a fun way to work out any lingering pre-holiday stress. A tour of the Antigua Distillery is a spirited way to experience a true taste of the island.

Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you'll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.

There's more than one way to enjoy the spa experience in St. Lucia. One is to book a treatment at any of the luxury spas or resorts on the island. The other is to visit Sulphur Springs, inside the bowl of an extinct volcano, where you're welcome to try a volcanic mud bath or the 31°C/88°F Roman bath.