Only real-deal surfers should brave the torrid waters of Puerta Viejo de Talamanca, known both for their beauty and for their dangerously strong riptides. Surf’s especially up at Salsa Brava and Playa Cocles. Not to fear—the rest of you water bugs can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and diving in the calmer waters of Cahuita or Manzanillo. Rent a mountain bike to coast to Manzanillo for a full, fun experience.

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite with English-speaking and other tourists traveling to this Central American country. Seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) comprise the land area, with Bocas Town its regional capital and the “big city” for those looking to shop, dine well, and explore nightlife. Adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking are first-rate. And if you’re more of a tour-goer, never fear—Bocas del Toro offers a host of them, ranging from sailing to Nivida Bat Cave tours.

You can easily fill a week with activities in and around the mountain village of Boquete. Tours of every sort—jungle tours, coffee estate tours, hiking tours. Adventures for every age—ATVs, zip lines, white water rafting. Or just relax and let your traveling companions do all the adventuring. Boquete's good for taking it easy, too.

A tiny village with two miles of pure white sand and fabulous conditions for swimming, Uvita might become your favorite place in Costa Rica. It's part of the Marino Ballena National Park (Whale Marine Park), named for humpback whales who meet and mate here every winter and spring. Take a boat ride to Caño Island, a nature reserve with incredible marine life.

Named for legendary explorer, Daniel Boone, Boone, North Carolina retains the pioneer spirit, despite having grown into a busy college town, the home of Appalachian State University. The surrounding area is one of the country's best destinations for outdoor adventures. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge to Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or grab your bike and head to Pisgah National Forest, featuring over 200 miles of exciting trails.

Along the western edge of Lake Erie, your destination for family-fun awaits in Toledo, where the city meets the shore. Experience the world renowned Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and Imagination Station, the city’s hands-on science center. The revitalized downtown offers riverfront views, music venues and local eateries like the famous Tony Packo’s. Stay another day to explore one of sixteen area metroparks or cheer on the city’s Minor League Baseball team, the Toledo Mud Hens.

The name says it all: Belo Horizonte, or “beautiful horizon,” has stunning views of surrounding mountains. Built as a planned city about a century ago, its tree-lined streets are laid out in a tidy grid. Explore the modern Brazilian architecture of the Pampulha neighborhood, relax in Mangabeiras Park or indulge in some epic retail therapy. Refresh with a cachaça rum cocktail, or tuck into a sumptuous pile of meat at a traditional Brazilian barbecue restaurant.

Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.