A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, the city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant serving food since 1770, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.

Calling itself "The Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay," the town of Saint Michaels, Maryland retains the look and feel of a 19th century seaport. Walk on red brick sidewalks past the Victorian homes and boutique shops of the historic district, or head down to the pier in search of famously fresh seafood. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum preserves the history of Saint Michaels, with restored examples of "bugeyes" and "skipjacks," unique boats developed by the fisherman of Chesapeake Bay.

Billing itself as "The Factory Tour Capital of the World," York, Pennsylvania, is the home of thirteen different factories open to the general public. Find out how everything from potato chips to motorcycles are made! The York Barbell Factory includes the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame, where visitors can see such sights as a license plate torn in half using only bare hands.

With water, water everywhere, visitors to Kill Devil HIlls indulge in fishing and crabbing, quiet kayaking, robust surfing or parasailing, peaceful seaside cycling and that favorite, toes-in-the-sand enjoyment of the beach. This barrier island township is the center of the Northern beach and home to about 7,000 year-round residents. Summer welcomes visitors anxious to share the natural landscapes and village-like appeal. Savor long stretches of Atlantic views and silky sands. If you’re a history buff, visit area lighthouses and the National Memorial honoring Wilbur and Orville Wright, who accomplished the first controlled powered flight in 1903. In nearby Kitty Hawk, Seascape Golf Links challenge players with changing elevations and coastal landscapes. A popular day trip just 17 miles to the southwest, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Elizabeth Gardens and live performances of “The Lost Colony” combine to preserve and present the background of Native American culture and Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonization efforts in the late 1500’s.

Known for the stunning backdrop afforded by the towering Wasatch Mountains – and the endless opportunities for outdoor recreation they provide – Salt Lake offers visitors a uniquely vibrant and dynamic urban experience. As one of North America’s most accessible destinations, Utah’s capital city offers year-round excitement and activities for the entire family, alongside a contemporary edginess and vitality that’s helped the “new” Salt Lake become a renowned culinary destination.

Just its location—in the Sacred Valley of the Incas—makes Urubamba sound like a mystical, magical place. The snow covered Ch'iqun mountain stands proudly in the background of this Peruvian town that serves as a base for people who want to visit the famous ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Zip lines and horseback rides let you experience this valley in the Andes in wildly different ways.

When most people think of Zermatt, they think of one thing: The Matterhorn. This ultimate Swiss icon looms over Zermatt, first drawing visitors here in the 1860s. The village of Zermatt itself is lovely and car-free, with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk everywhere—there are electric vehicles and horse-drawn cabs.) Skiing in the region often lasts through early summer, but when the weather’s warmer, it’s a great time to hike.

The largest city in Switzerland is a major contemporary art and shopping destination. Important artworks are displayed in the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum, while those who consider shopping an art can hone their skills along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. Chagall's stained glass windows in the Fraumunster amaze and Zurich's 500 clubs and bars, including several in swimming pools, pulse with life 'til the early hours. This city on Lake Zurich has excellent public transit and a free bike rental system.