Families with kids of all ages will love this mountain village, located just two hours from Panama City. Whether you’re up for active sports such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and ziplining through the rainforest—or sightseeing adventures such as the El Nispero Zoo and Serpentario (a snake habitat), you’ll find it here. El Valle de Antón is home to the world’s second-largest extinct volcano—but you’ll still find more modern pleasures here, such as its well-known Sunday Market and elegant spas such as Casa de Lourdes.

Greek dancing for all.

The Berkshires are home to an impressive collection of cultural and historic sights. Get your fill of music, art and theater at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony's summer home, MASS MoCA, the country's largest contemporary art center, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Recreational opportunities also abound, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and golf. The Berkshires are an easy drive, just two and a half hours from Boston and New York.

Welcome to bustling San Jose, where Silicon Valley meets Spanish history and modern edifices sit alongside meticulously restored 19th-century buildings. Such is the contrast of this city, rich in tradition and, thanks to hi-tech industry, just plain rich. Five-star hotels and fine restaurants line the streets of the restored downtown area, and the cultural scene is thriving with museums, theatre and art to rival any world-class hub. Don't miss the Tech Museum of Innovation, an exploration of Silicon Valley and its impact on the area. History buffs will relish the old mansions and can delve into the city's past at the History Museum of San Jose. Save time for a round of golf or the locals' other favourite pastime, sipping coffee and people-watching at a crowded cafe.