Surrounded on all sides by rolling green farmland, Bloomington is a hub of activity offering attractions and events for all seasons. Take the kids to Grady's Family Fun Park for games, rides or a round of mini golf. Lace up your skates and glide across the rink at Pepsi Ice Center, or take to the Constitution Trail for jogging and cycling in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. You'll have no trouble teeing off in the Bloomington-Normal area, home to five golf courses.

Best known for the witch trials that took place in 1692, Salem is sure to bewitch you with its seaside charm, its maritime history and spellbinding beauty. Follow the Red Line along the sidewalks to navigate your journey through historic sites, including the Witch Trial Memorial, the Old Burying Point Cemetery and more. Discover serenity by the sea on the beaches of Salem Willows. The Bewitched statue, the Witch Museum and the Witch Dungeon conjure up diverse takes on witchery through history.

Golf, sunbathing and fishing entice resort-minded holiday-makers to North Myrtle Beach, which hugs the South Carolina coast at the northern end of its famous Grand Strand strip. In the home of "the shag" the infectious 1930s dance that still swings through the local clubs, a family-friendly vibe prevails. Explore a nature trail filled with migratory birds, go for thrills at one of the local amusement parks or take in live theatre. The mild subtropical climate means that outdoor activities are an option year-round.

Its location just 60 miles from the southern rim of the Grand Canyon makes Williams a popular stop for visitors to the natural beauty of Arizona. The historic Grand Canyon Railway makes it southern stop here, ferrying hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to and from the Canyon on its hundred-year-old steam-powered line. In the more immediate surrounds, the Kaibab National Forest and the Bill Williams Mountain area provide ample opportunities for camping, hiking and adventure.

Just 10 miles east of La Romana lies the fishing town of Bayahibe. Here, divers will find spectacular coral formations and three shipwrecks: the Atlantic Princess, St George and Coco. In the national park, nature enthusiasts will find lagoons and wildlife, including a variety of birds. There is much to do, but the inviting, soft white-sand beaches are perfect for travelers seeking relaxation.

With its Romanesque architecture and cobbled lanes, hilltop Poitiers is a city steeped in history. Nonetheless, its lively student population and steady influx of theme park visitors ensure a thriving cultural scene and a centre brimming with galleries, restaurants, and terrace cafés.

Unlike many of its coastal neighbours, cultural tradition remains strong in Estepona. With more than 12 miles (20 kilometres) of palm-fringed coastline and a historic old town famously decorated with bright blooms, this harbour town is undoubtedly one of the prettiest on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Just one hour from Brussels is Liege, a historical city on the river Meuse, dating back to Charlemagne. With a wonderful central location only one hour from Brussels by train or car, Liege must-see sites are the Prince-Bishops’ Place, Liege-Guillemins Station, Museum of Walloon Life, Church of Saint-Jacques, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stay for its fun, vibrant night life.

Ringed by ski resorts and forested parks, there’s a sport for every season in Grenoble, the self-proclaimed Capital of the Alps. Culture seekers will find plenty to explore in the university town’s urban centre, where art galleries and museums hug the banks of the Isère River.