The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.

Kapolei, named for the volcanic cone Pu'u o Kapolei (loosely meaning "hill of beloved Kapo"), is locally known as Oahu's "second city" after Honolulu. Built on former sugarcane and pineapple plantations, Kapolei is an affluent and vibrant city that is growing rapidly. It has an ever-changing urban scene as well as the Ko Olina resort and marina community and the Disney Aulani Resort. Sportsmen can play a round of golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club before a sophisticated evening on the town. 

Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.

Guatemala City draws visitors whose interests range from Maya history to contemporary culture. Two museums house Maya artifacts, some of which were discovered on a nearby archaeological site. Other museums exhibit indigenous and modern art. In Mercado Central, an underground market, shoppers bargain with vendors selling local handicrafts. Additional attractions include a botanical garden and a scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. A night out in bustling Zona Viva caps off a day of sightseeing.

Once a destination for honeymoons and family vacations, Niagara Falls has really stepped it up as an action-packed vacation spot. The falls are literally the biggest draw – watching the frothy water tumble at alarming speeds can be mesmerizing. Throw on a poncho and hop aboard the Maid of the Mist to cruise close enough to the falls to be drenched by spray. Hit the main strip of Clifton Hill for flashy tourist attractions and restaurants galore.

The powdery sands of Varadero are as seductive as the soft lapping of the Kawama Channel waves. Famed gangster Al Capone used to frequent the shoreline resorts, and the city still maintains that glamorous luster that’s been historically appealing to high rollers. Mansions-turned-museums are favorite destinations for curious Cuban history buffs. Nature lovers can embark upon a day of adventure, exploring the area’s caves, keys, and virgin forests.