Although its highly residential quality and proximity to Denver make Aurora seem like simply a suburb of the larger metropolis, this bustling city has a flavor all its own. With seven golf courses, a reservoir beach, hiking trails and a multi-use Sports Park, the city is a major hub of athletics and hometown to numerous pro football, basketball, hockey and soccer players and coaches. Aurora's emerging arts scene brings forth vibrant theater and visual arts to liven up the city.

About an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has a spectacular clifftop setting above some of the finest beaches in California. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. A center for artists, there are a number of special events and festivals,such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Plein Air Painting Invitational. The Laguna Art Museum focuses on California artists. Window shoppers and collectors will enjoy strolling the village’s quaint streets, as well as visiting galleries spotted along Pacific Coast Highway.

Trujillo is a lively intersection of ancient culture and modern arts. See ancient ruins at the Chan Chan archaeological site and be awed by the Moche Huaca del Sol y la Luna (temples of the sun and moon.). The multicolored Tunnel of Wishes on the Paseo de Aguas is a fabulous place for people-watching. Locally brewed corn beer is worth a try. If you’re a nightlife lover, pace yourself—bars and clubs get going late, and then go all night.

Forget fashionable footwear, only your most comfortable shoes will cut it in Killarney. It's a walking town, and every trail is a history lesson. Journey on foot through Ireland's first national park, 26,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone mountains and low-lying lakes. When your feet wear out, take in Killarney National Park via boat from Ross Castle. And because there are more hotel beds in Killarney than in any other Irish town or city (besides Dublin), you'll always have a place to rest your head (and feet).