When people find a great vacation getaway, they keep coming back. This 32-mile-long "Queen of American Lakes" is chock-full of lodging, attractions, eateries and just about any form of recreation you can name. A significant player in American history, Lake George is the site of two great forts, Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga, both open to the public. Before plunging into the myriad activities in this family-friendly town, start off with a relaxing lake cruise to learn about the area. Then, take your pick of recreation: parasailing, fishing, diving, jet skiing, hiking, golfing, minigolf, horseback riding and more. If you've got kids in tow, you can't get away without visiting the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, New York's largest amusement park. Hikers gravitate to the international trail system or Prospect Mountain, which offers panoramic views from the top; for an easier way up, hop on the tram. Among the cleanest and clearest of major U.S. lakes, Lake George is as splendid today as when Thomas Jefferson described it as "...without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw."

Artists, farmers, scholars and professionals come together in harmony in beautiful Northampton, where the Connecticut River winds through the wooded hills of the Pioneer Valley. Once home to such diverse notables as U.S. president Calvin Coolidge, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, author Kurt Vonnegut and punk rockers Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, and current home of the all women's Smith College, the city is famed for its arts scene and liberal values, plus a thriving lesbian community.

Turks and Caicos is an excellent destination for divers and snorklers. Smith’s Reef in Provo is one of the area’s most popular dive spots, thanks to a diverse collection of sea creatures in a spectrum of electric colors. For a completely different vibe, explore the black coral and submerged overhangs of Black Forest or kayak the bright turquoise waters of Chalk Sound. Both the Caicos Conch Farm and the bird sanctuary on uninhabited French Cay offer unique ways to commune with local wildlife.

So many of Madrid’s buildings look like castles, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. Even City Hall is astounding, with its white pinnacles and neo-Gothic features. A self-guided architecture tour can begin by the great bear statue in the central Puerta del Sol. Wander by the fanciful Royal Palace before absorbing the natural beauty of Retiro Park, then visit one of the city’s many museums. You could happily cap off each day by nibbling on forkfuls of paella while sipping Spanish rioja.

Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.