Enveloped in the grandeur of the Black Hills, Custer makes the perfect base for your South Dakota vacation, whether you are visiting Custer State Park to learn about Custer's Last Stand, heading up to see the wonder of Mount Rushmore and the yet-unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial, making a motorcycle pilgrimage to Sturgis or spelunking in Wind Cave. Custer itself has much to offer, from family outings at Flintstones Bedrock City to hoe-down dinners at a chuck wagon cookout.

Located on the southeast tip of Florida, Sunny Isles Beach is set on a barrier island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is the perfect relaxing escape and includes two miles of fine sand. Visit the landmark fishing pier or enjoy the area's abundant outdoor activities, such as snorkeling.

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

There is rich and beautiful history within Lagos’ 14th century walls, from its fortress to picturesque churches like mediaeval São João Hermitage and the 17th-century São Sebastião. But that’s all appetiser. People come here for a main-course coastal buffet featuring more than a half-dozen beautiful beaches. Quiet sandy coves are sandwiched between dramatic cliffs. The sandy 2.5-mile stretch of Meia Praia caters to every water sport imaginable. And when you’ve had your fill, you can digest your day with some of the best nightlife in the Algarve region.

If your kids are sick of the same old beach holiday you take every year, consider taking them to Lanzarote. There are great beaches, to be sure, but this UNESCO World Biosphere reserve has unique attractions and activities. We're talking camel rides on volcanoes (at Timanfaya National Park), or eating at a restaurant in a volcanic cave (at Jameos del Agua). Even the most jaded teens will be impressed.

The soundtrack of tranquil Boa Vista is the sweet tweets of exotic birds. Maybe they’re chattering with loggerhead turtles or with the humpback whales that are known to splash around Boa Vista’s shallow waters. Work up a sweat and hike to the wreck of the Santa Maria, or explore the Duque de Braganca Fort, built to protect the Ilheu de Sal Rei from pirates. The windswept red and tan sand dunes of Deserto de Viana are awe-inspiring.

Coastal Calpe seems straight from a postcard, with a dramatic rocky headland and palm-dotted beaches lapped by Mediterranean waters. Once an ancient fishing village, the Costa Blanca town mixes Roman ruins and scenic nature parks with plenty of modern urban comforts.