Unlike many of its coastal neighbors, cultural tradition remains strong in Estepona. With more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) of palm-fringed coastline and a historic old town famously decorated with bright blooms, this harbor town is undoubtedly one of the prettiest on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg was hit hard during 17th-century wars and rebuilt in the 18th century with baroque buildings. For a pleasant walk, stroll through the historic city center's Gothic streets. Be sure to take in Heidelberg Castle, the symbolic heart of the city; Alte Brucke, a beautiful 18th-century bridge; and the Student Jail. Built as long ago as the 16th century, it was used to keep mischievous students off the streets for three days to a month at a time. And they say Penn State is the number-one party school!

Poised on the edge of the Venetian lagoon, Jesolo is one of Italy's most popular beach resorts, with millions visiting each year. A favorite with families, Jesolo offers up theme and water parks, an aquarium, and an 8-mile (13-kilometer) golden beach.

Stretching along the southern side of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi coast dazzles with its mysterious grottos, craggy cliffs and shimmering bays. Grab a seat on the sea side of a regional bus to soak up views on the fabled route from artsy Positano to Amalfi. Ravello offers some respite from the crowds, plus the stunning Villa Cimbrone, which overlooks the Bay of Salerno. The historic section of Sorrento has winding streets filled with craftspeople. Capri is only a hydrofoil or ferry ride away.

In progressive Berlin, the old buildings of Mitte gracefully coexist with the modern Reichstag. Don't miss top historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The city's great zoo makes for a fun break from touring the staider attractions.

Sitting on the south shore of Rhode Island, the town of Westerly is a quiet residential community in the winter, swelling in the summer to accommodate tourists eager to explore the local beaches, Narragansett Bay and the Rhode Island Sound. Just over the border from Connecticut, Westerly is conveniently located to the Aquarium at Mystic, as well as the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos. Nearby, the picturesque village of Watch Hill features ocean views, ice cream shops, and craft boutiques.

Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centers around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighborhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest section of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobblestone streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or stop by the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbor cruises to family friendly attractions and fabulous neighborhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Greenville, South Carolina, is anchored by what Forbes Magazine calls one of America's Best Downtowns. Featuring a one-of-a-kind "floating" suspension bridge and set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts a thriving arts scene, hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques, popular annual festivals, numerous historic sites and museums housing significant art collections. Excellent interstate service and a user-friendly international airport make access easy.

U.S. citizens still need to jump through a few hoops to visit Cuba, but as visitors from around the world know, this island offers some amazing opportunities for cultural exchange. Havana is a mix of old-world architecture and of-the-moment culture. Head out of the capital city to the small town of Trinidad to see more Spanish colonial architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic home base for a visit to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, a pocket of land that formerly served as the center of Cuba’s sugar industry.

The Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys both make their home in Arlington. Midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, the city has long been home to Rangers baseball and now also hosts the Cowboys. Their state-of-the-art structure is the world’s largest domed arena. Visitors looking for other adventures can enjoy the original Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor water park, along with shopping, golf and nightlife. Arlington also has a vibrant culture of live music, symphony, museums and theater.