Catapulted to fame for its part in the 1988 Winter Olympics, this former coal-mining town in the Canadian Rockies is a perfect base for visiting some of the country’s most impressive national parks. First stop for most visitors is the ski trails in Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Contemplate natural wonders at the Museum and Geoscience Centre, and mush through the snow on a sled-dog tour.

Modern myth has it that these days everyone in Los Angeles has written a screenplay, is writing a screenplay or is just visiting. For those in the latter category we offer a road map of ideas to help make a trip to this ultra-hip, ultra-happening haven easy, fun and exciting. While LA will always be associated with movies and movie stars, it is also a culturally vibrant city that boasts a range of interesting attractions from prestigious art museums and galleries to fabulous theatre, both well-known productions and smaller fringe shows. Art enthusiasts will be stunned by the extensive collections at the J. Paul Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row, then investigate the trendy shops on Melrose Avenue. Families will not want to miss the zoo or the action at Universal Studios Hollywood. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a stop at the Venice Beach Boardwalk or a visit to Mann's Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame.

Astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions make Flagstaff the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the body and replenish the mind. Set at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, and surrounded by lush national forests, the city provides ample opportunity for fresh air fun. Spring, summer and fall bring hikers, campers and mountain bikers, while winter draws skiers and ice skaters. But don't let a focus on the "good old outdoors" fool you. Fostered by the local university, Flagstaff is also chock-full of educational and cultural attractions. Be sure to see the award-winning permanent exhibit "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau" at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the early settlers of the region and includes a 1929 Baldwin locomotive in its collection. The city also has an arboretum and a planetarium. The entire area is a living anthropology and geology lesson, with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored.

Laid-back colonial gem San Jose Del Cabo is picture-postcard perfect. This gorgeous getaway, with its palm-lined lagoons on the hem of the ocean, is full of the magic of Old Baja, where secret courtyards and unhurried days promise intrigue and romance. Fine hotels abound, including the elegant, world-renowned One&Only Palmilla.

In Mancora, it’s all about the beach. Calm Pocitas Beach is a great place to soak up some sun, float serenely in a natural swimming pool or simply stroll the beautiful shoreline. Vichayito Beach is great for diving and kitesurfing, while the South Beach bustles with vendors, surfers and rowdy tourists. Book a guided adventure tour to visit nearby waterfalls and mud baths, or book a motorbike or horseback ride to explore the beaches and back roads.