With its collection of historic homes, museums and battlefields, Frederick, Maryland, is a must-see destination for any history enthusiast. The sites of two bloody Civil War battles are preserved at Monocacy National Park and South Mountain State Park. Within the city, visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and learn how soldiers wounded in those battles were treated, or visit the house of Barbara Fritchie and picture her hanging the Stars & Stripes in defiance of the Confederate Army.

Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centres around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighbourhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest part of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobbled streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbour cruises to family-friendly attractions and fabulous neighbourhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Known for walkable urban villages like Crystal City, Rosslyn and Ballston, Arlington was part of the "10 miles square" surveyed in 1791 to be the United States capital. Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial. With 11 Metro stops, Arlington is car-optional and offers visitors everything from eclectic theatre to Bohemian cafes.

From the National Mall’s monuments and memorials to vibrant neighbourhoods filled with character and charm, DC is a world-class destination featuring breathtaking views, award-winning hotels and hundreds of free things to do. Experience outstanding performing arts at acclaimed theatres, shop in historic Georgetown, hear great live music at legendary venues, enjoy sporting entertainment from six professional franchises and be dazzled by a flourishing dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sitting at the northernmost corner of Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester offers visitors the chance to explore historical sites, museums, vineyards, farmers' markets, and tree-lined Old Town streets once wandered by the likes of George Washington and Stonewall Jackson. The fruitful fields of the surrounding Frederick County have earned the area the title "apple capital of the world," with the city hosting the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival annually for almost a century.

State College, as can be imagined from its name, is a college town, the home to the main campus of Penn State, one of the ten largest public universities in the United States. Downtown State College is home to hundreds of businesses that serve the university's students and professors, from boutique shops, to coffee houses, to theaters for the performing arts. The city is also home to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which brings 125,000 visitors to the downtown area each year.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.

In Ensenada, only 80 miles south of San Diego, travellers can get a taste of Mexican food, culture and nightlife. Californians flock to this beautiful sea port, one of the largest on the Baja peninsula, for rest, relaxation and excellent outdoor recreation activities. From surfing and sea kayaking to horseriding and mountain biking, even the most discerning sportsperson will be impressed. Ensenada's nightlife is also a big draw. Papas and Beer and Hussong's Cantina serve up an on-going party atmosphere and lots of tequila, while nearby vineyards offer wine-tasting in a more traditional and serene setting. Nature enthusiasts are thrilled by the sight of grey whales and the underwater cave that randomly squirts water at onlookers. Whatever your interests, enchanting Ensenada will not disappoint.

Winter sports enthusiasts will love Berchtesgaden, a village in the German Alps with several ski slopes and a top-notch bobsled track. Visit the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines (TripAdvisor travelers rave about their slides!). Nearby Lake Königsee makes a great day trip.

We hear the question, "What’s the next Prague?" a lot. But while we’re all for discovering great new destinations, we hardly think Prague is over. Sure, everyone’s heard of it, but it’s still a grand city with extraordinary historic and cultural sights, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The often-rebuilt Prague Castle has overlooked the city since the 9th century, and the synagogues and cemetery of the Jewish Quarter are must-sees. Nightlife here is diverse and plentiful, from trendy clubs to sophisticated wine bars to late-night cellar bars.