Backpack-wearing students permeate the streets of Ann Arbor, home to the University Of Michigan. But there's more to the city than academia. A popular destination for families, Ann Arbor boasts child-friendly museums with exciting hands-on exhibits and art museums with prestigious collections. Couples and single travellers enjoy the eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants and hip nightclubs, while book lovers are impressed by the more than 30 independent bookstores. From mysteries and crime to holistic healing and yoga, each store has a unique personality and area of expertise. Most of the major attractions are located in the same area, making it easy to hop from one to the next and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer.

A large, busy harbour doesn’t dampen the charm of Skagen’s older neighbourhoods, which offer distinctive yellow houses, great museums, ceramic and glass art galleries, and bike rental outlets. Harbourside restaurants serve fish fresh off the boats. If you’re used to Caribbean beaches, this will take some getting used to, but we bet Skagen’s craggy charms will win you over.

With more than 600 miles of coastline, Corsica has beaches to rival the Côte d'Azur. Calvi, in northwest Corsica, blends French style with Italian sunshine. Bask in the sun on a pure white beach that stretches the length of the bay, or explore the medieval Citadel with its unparalleled views and peaceful pedestrian streets. Jazz lovers should plan to visit during Calvi's annual jazz festival in June.