Just its location—in the Sacred Valley of the Incas—makes Urubamba sound like a mystical, magical place. The snow covered Ch'iqun mountain stands proudly in the background of this Peruvian town that serves as a base for people who want to visit the famous ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Zip lines and horseback rides let you experience this valley in the Andes in wildly different ways.

Ollantaytambo has some of the oldest continuously-occupied buildings in South America. Once a stronghold of Inca resistance to Spanish colonization, it's remarkably well-preserved. Many travelers visit Ollantaytambo because it's the beginning of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but don't rush through—the ruins are fascinating.

With equal efforts dedicated to wildlife preservation and a beach-getaway atmosphere, Manuel Antonio has surely earned its reputation as one of Costa Rica's most gorgeous locales. A lively resort town sits just north of a national park, where a rain forest teeming with monkeys resides.

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.

Porto Seguro is as vibrant as any part of Brazil.  A schooner will take you from the bank of the city's Buranhem River 15 miles out to the Recife de Fora Marine Park for an exploration at sea.  A city stairway will guide you up to the Cidade Historica to take it all in from above, alongside Capoeira demonstrations.  And the Passarela Do Alcool, a street fair filled with craft carts, restaurants and enthusiastic performers will invite you to participate in Brazil's cultural tradition.

Charming Savannah is the picture of antebellum hospitality, thanks to period architecture and oak-lined streets. It’s tempting to spend your trip just relaxing on vast verandas and sipping mint juleps, but there are plenty of historical sites and museums to explore. Haunting (and possibly haunted) Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the hallmarks of the city, featuring beautiful obelisks, masses of flowers, and ivy-covered crypts. Dine on fresh seafood and creamy grits for a taste of Savannah home cooking.

Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.

Vines, wines and the people who love them are central to the economy of Napa Valley. Other treats for taste buds are in store, too, in the form of local olive oils, tomatoes, cheeses and mustard. The other senses are catered for with a vibrant visual arts scene. Rent a car or book a taxi or limousine to get between sights safely. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers an unusual way to experience the views and vintages. A relaxing array of spas and mud baths and the Old Faithful geyser are attractions in Calistoga.

In Nuevo Nayarit, you can lounge on the golden-sand beaches of Banderas Bay… or take an ATV tour through the nearby Sierra Madre jungle. A local water park has great twisting slides and sea lion shows… or you could treat the kids to a memorable swim with dolphins. (It'll make for a great "What I did over summer vacation" report.)