Gentle green mountains frame white-sand beaches and clear water in Arraial do Cabo, whose fishing village roots help set the sleepy pace of life. Find locals dining on fresh-caught seafood by the beach, or strolling winding streets that all seem to lead to the shore.

Whether your curiosity is piqued by the International Olympic Committee’s selection for the 2016 Games, or you’re heeding the call of the famous twin beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio offers more than you can imagine, and offers it at all hours. With breathtaking views from Corcovado Mountain and breathtaking deals in the city’s endless malls and markets, Rio de Janeiro is a holiday paradise, whatever it is you travel for.

Petropolis is the closest mountain resort to Rio, and a favorite getaway destination with cariocas. The Imperial Museum houses some of the most important objects in Brazilian history. Petropolis offers plenty in the way of ecotourism and adventure opportunities as well as rich historic architecture and cooler weather.

Brazil's former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.

Perched at the Triple Frontier, where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet, Puerto Iguazu is linked to Brazil by the Tancredo Neves bridge. It is home to the Museum of Images of the Jungle, the Mborore Museum, a bird rehabilitation center and the famed Iguazu National Park. The National Park is home to 275 waterfalls, including the world-renowned Iguazu Falls, which plunges 270 feet. A subtropical climate means it's warm in winter and hot in summer, with temperatures soaring up to 104°F.

With water, water everywhere, visitors to Kill Devil HIlls indulge in fishing and crabbing, quiet kayaking, robust surfing or parasailing, peaceful seaside cycling and that favourite, toes-in-the-sand enjoyment of the beach. This barrier island township is the centre of the Northern beach and home to about 7,000 year-round residents. Summer welcomes visitors anxious to share the natural landscapes and village-like appeal. Savor long stretches of Atlantic views and silky sands. If you’re a history buff, visit area lighthouses and the National Memorial honoring Wilbur and Orville Wright, who accomplished the first controlled powered flight in 1903. In nearby Kitty Hawk, Seascape Golf Links challenge players with changing elevations and coastal landscapes. A popular day trip just 17 miles to the southwest, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Elizabeth Gardens and live performances of “The Lost Colony” combine to preserve and present the background of Native American culture and Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonization efforts in the late 1500’s.

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.