Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.

The Madeira Islands are a stunning archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic — a place of lush greenery and rugged mountains 1,000km from the European mainland. where you can hike in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and finish your day in a fine restaurant where the breathtaking view is complemented by unforgettable Mediterranean or traditional Madeira cuisine.

Pajara, on Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, has several beautiful beaches. Head to the eastern side of the island for white-sand beaches with calm waters; on the west coast, you’ll find black volcanic sand and rougher surf. The church of Nuestra Señora de Regla is worth a visit—the designs on its façade show Aztec influence, according to some experts.

The UK’s favorite holiday resort continues to attract millions of visitors. Families and couples, young and old, Blackpool’s unique appeal is that it appeals to everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrills and excitement, family entertainment and historic gems or beautiful gardens and stunning beaches, Blackpool has it all. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Zoo, the Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations and a packed year-round events calendar all add to the charms of this seaside spot.

This Italian-speaking region in Southern Switzerland is on the border with Italy. Bellinzona is the capital, and Lugano is the most important city in the canton, known for its beautiful waterfront, steep hillsides and gorgeous lake views. Castelgrande is a lovely medieval castle overlooking the city that has recently been restored. The Centovalli Railway is a scenic train that operates between Locarno, Switzerland and Domodossola, Italy, traveling through the breathtaking "Hundred Valleys." Lake Como is nearby, the home of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” George Clooney.

The city of Freiburg im Breisgau sits austerely on the edge of the Black Forest. Home to one of Germany’s oldest universities and a Gothic sandstone cathedral, it’s a hub for academics and medieval history buffs. Chug German suds at a local brewery, then hop a cable car up Schauinsland mountain, where astounding views and a solar observatory await.

A visit to Sicily is truly a feast for all senses. The Mediterranean island is a foodie’s paradise, offering rustic fare that makes the most of local bounty. Crispy/creamy arancini – fried balls of rice filled with cheese and sauce – are mouthfuls of heaven. The Sicilian sweet tooth has manifested in some of the world’s finest desserts, like icy granita and sinful cannoli. Give your stomach a quick break and visually devour the Baroque architecture of Catania or the awesome holy monuments of Agrigento.

Approximately 60 miles east of Antalya lies Side, another once important port town in antiquity. Side has become a popular holiday destination all by itself, but is well worth a day trip from Antalya. The village offers picturesque, narrow streets and lovely gardens while the long, white beaches invite swimming. Imposing monuments of antiquity, such as the Roman bath and the columns of the Apollo temple by the sea, complete the picture of a perfect combination of modern-day vacation pleasure and the treasures of history.

Isn’t it romantic? The Caribbean island of St. Croix is practically the backdrop of a Hollywood love story. White sand beaches and lush rainforests set the scene for tropical bliss. Take in the historic small town charm of Christiansted and Frederiksted, sip your way through a spirited tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery or explore the ruins of a sugar plantation. And the diving…oh, the diving. Think shipwrecks, think vibrant ocean life, think endless underwater possibilities.

During the Civil War, Knoxville's Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both the Confederate and Union armies. Today you can visit the house and other historic homes in this eastern Tennessee city. Among Knoxville's other attractions are museums, a zoo and World's Fair Park, site of the 1982 World's Fair. University of Tennessee sports draw lots of fans, as does the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. To see Knoxville from the water, take a leisurely riverboat ride down the Tennessee River.