Named for a local swamp fish, Paraty sits on Brazil's southeastern coast, 125 miles south of Rio, with the Bocaino Mountains at its back. The small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. Take a boat trip out into the bay to the flotillas of islands and coves nearby. Explore sugarcane plantations and hike or take a train through Atlantica Forest. Keep an eye out for the monkeys that roam the cobblestone streets.

German-inspired architecture adds a quirky Alpine twist to this resort, where high-altitude pine forests offer a wonderfully cool escape from the lowland heat. Add emerald-green peaks as a backdrop, and Campos do Jordao becomes a tropical mountain stunner.

The Out Islands are synonymous with sport, from the depths of the Gulf Stream that yield big game fish to the coral reefs just off shore that are catnip to scuba divers. Sailing, kayaking and beach-combing add action to lazy days in the sun, while resident pink flamingos and rare Bahama parrots colour local hikes.

Cape Coral's temperate climate, abundant forests, and access to the Gulf of Mexico make it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. Cape Coral is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast, and from hiking one of the many trails at the Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park to fishing at the Cape Coral Yacht Club there are activities for just about everyone. Coral Oaks Golf Course is a great place to work on your game, and if history is your thing or you just love beautiful flowers, don't forget to check out the Cape Coral Historical Society Museum to see some interesting relics and their prized rose garden.

Holmes Beach is a small town on Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Tampa Bay. It boasts miles of gorgeous white, sandy beaches, emerald Gulf waters, and abundant sunshine. If you want to spend a day on the water, there is excellent fishing in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Take a charter boat and head out in the Gulf for an exciting day of sport fishing. The grouper, snapper, or mackerel you catch can provide the ingredients for a delicious seafood dinner at your holiday rental. Inshore or backwater fishing is also very popular. Enjoy a beach picnic with the locals under the Australian Pines, or find a secluded cove and enjoy some private sunbathing. Prefer an animated beach crowd? Then the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts at "Cafe on the Beach" is your scene.