Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkelling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.

Sure, some people go to Hawaii for adventure, but if golf, shopping and being pampered are the most strenuous activities on your itinerary, Wailea’s your destination. With one of Maui’s best beaches at Keawakapu, three championship courses at Wailea Golf Club and a trio of top spas, visitors will have every opportunity to relax. And if adventure is your goal, an outrigger canoe is only a rental away.

If watching the sunrise from atop a 10,000-foot volcano, swimming under waterfalls, hiking through craters and luxuriating on white-, red- and even black-sand beaches sounds like paradise, then Maui awaits. Maui is the place to surf and windsurf. Or hop a catamaran to scuba and snorkel on Molokini Island, a crater emerging from the sea that hosts a wealth of marine life. Golf, fine dining, a winery, museums and sipping a mai tai on the beach round out the perfect tropical holiday.

Rich tradition. Fine craftsmanship. Legendary reputation. Pendleton was named the Top True Western Town of 2011 by True West magazine. Museums celebrate the rich traditions of pioneers, cowboys and Native Americans. Find fine craftsmanship at the Pendleton Woolen Mills, working saddle shops and Native American beading. Enjoy genuine thrills at The Underground Tours and world-famous Pendleton Round-Up Arena. Bikers, cyclists and sportspeople love this location at the base of the Blue Mountains.

Despite its name, Winter Park is really a destination for all seasons. The Winter Park resort draws skiers and snowboarders in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer. Trailblazers may take to the woods on snowmobiles or cross-country skis in the snowy months, but when the sun comes out those same trails are perfect for hiking and the water is high for rafting. Spring wildflowers, summer wildlife, fall colors and crystalline winters make Winter Park a true natural wonder all year long.

Named for legendary explorer, Daniel Boone, Boone, North Carolina retains the pioneer spirit, despite having grown into a busy college town, the home of Appalachian State University. The surrounding area is one of the country's best destinations for outdoor adventures. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge to Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or grab your bike and head to Pisgah National Forest, featuring over 200 miles of exciting trails.