The birthplace of the Oldsmobile and Michigan's automotive centre, Lansing has a number of car-related attractions such as plant tours and automobile museums, but there are other forces driving this capital city. On the political side, there's the award-winning State Capitol Building, completely restored in 1992, where tourists are impressed by the glass-floored rotunda and acres of decorative hand-painted surfaces. The Michigan Historical Museum, which boasts a great collection of items from Michigan's past, including a recreated copper mine, will please history buffs. Children and families will enjoy taking a camel ride at the Potter Park Zoo or spending the day cycling through Sleepy Hollow State Park. On the cultural side, the nearby campus of Michigan State University is a must-see for the Kresge Museum and for the beautiful campus itself. Entertaining and educational attractions, great shopping, fabulous restaurants and a variety of affordable accommodation make Lansing worth the ride.

Charming Mackinac Island is a throwback to old-timey seaside leisure, from the candy-colored facades of downtown shops to the impressive (record-breaking, in fact) front porch of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel. Mackinac is world-famous for its homemade fudge, available in every flavor you can imagine. Work off your sugar high with a round of golf, a bike ride along a seaside trail, or exploring the limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island State Park.

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.

The quaint feel of Anna Maria Island makes it the perfect place to eat grouper sandwiches and kayak with dolphins. While you’re here visit Bean Point Beach, tucked away on the north end of the island — a cozy paradise with an Old Florida vibe. Then hop on over to Anna Maria Bayfront Park, which includes sweeping views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway. Numerous beaches, restaurants and events make Anna Maria Island the perfect relaxation spot for your next holiday.

With 2.5 miles of beautiful beaches, an iconic pier and lovely ocean vistas, Lauderdale by the Sea is a small community that attracts visitors from around the world. Here low-rise downtown buildings and mid-century modern architecture exude old Florida charm, even as they celebrate the town’s present-day connection to the ocean — most hotels, restaurants and shops are just a few minutes’ walk from Anglin’s Square, a charming oceanfront gathering place.

With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveller might need. It remains the least-altered historic centre in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.