With an age-old reputation for being a place where anything goes, Biloxi, not New Orleans, lays claim to having hosted the first party to end all parties, Mardi Gras. Today, not much has changed. Whether you're looking for fun in the sun, cultural attractions, eclectic cuisine or glittering casinos, "the playground of the South" offers the perfect mix of exciting attractions and affordable accommodation. Its prime location on the shores of the Mississippi Gulf Coast means, no matter where you are, the beach is never far away. Spend the day riding waves, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing or sailing. In addition to water sports, families will find plenty to do at local mini-golf courses, amusement parks and the aquarium. Culture-seeking landlubbers can head into town to sample a number of historical and cultural sites, such as Beauvoir, the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Ohr-OKeefe Museum. Lavish floating casinos have brought gaming, exciting nightlife and prosperity to this sultry seaside retreat.

New Orleans is full of life—but with a laid-back energy that sets it apart from other cities. You’ll wanna soak it all in: impromptu jazz performances up and down Frenchmen Street, the ding of the St. Charles Streetcar, moss-draped trees in the famous Garden District…even its gothic, above-ground cemeteries. (The city’s said to be one of the most haunted in America.) For some, NOLA will always be all about Bourbon Street, but for travellers looking to take it slow, the city’s distinct blend of cultures—including Creole and Cajun—means there’s tons to see, explore, and yes, eat.

Known as "Hub City," Hattiesburg is conveniently located at the intersection of six major US highways. More than just a stopover spot, Hattiesburg offers visitors a plethora of attractions and activities. The historic districts of Hattiesburg are some of the most intact neighborhoods in Mississippi. The Mobile Street District preserves the city's African American heritage, and the Hub City, North Main and Oaks Historic Districts feature tree-lined streets and buildings dating back to the 1880s.

Helen, a Bavarian Alps replica town in Appalachian Georgia, is home to an Oktoberfest for the ages, overflowing with two-litre beer glasses and Germany's famous bratwursts.  To recover from the festivities, the savviest make their way to Cedar Creek Luxury Cabins on the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.

The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.

The South Kohala coast of the island of Hawaii is home to Waikoloa Beach. Ancient Hawaiian history and culture, including petroglyphs believed to represent the heavens, stands side-by-side with ultra modern full-service resorts. Waikoloa is also home to fine examples of traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. In 1985, the University of Hawaii renovated the Anchialine ponds which today nuture a wide variety of sea life. Nearby Anaeho'omalu Bay has the Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa Fishponds. 

The moody, romantic Scottish Highlands start at Loch Lomond just north of Glasgow. Comprising a slew of mountain ranges, this sparsely populated land is best seen by train on the West Highland Line. Mountains, lochs, bright heather and rhododendrons give way to white sand beaches and rugged coves as the train nears Mallaig. For a more active take on the region, hike the West Highland Way or visit the Trossachs National Park. Ben Nevis, a popular climbing spot, looms over the town of Fort William.