Want a holiday full of thrills, adventure, fun and romance? Greater Williamsburg has just the thing — from the wild rides at Busch Gardens to the incredible living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg. Travellers can also set sail on the York River, and hike or bike their way through the area’s many trails. For quieter times, Riverwalk Landing offers no shortage of opportunities to indulge in culinary delights and premium shopping.

Join the local ghosts in a walk through the historic district of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a city that claims to be one of the most haunted locales in the United States. With a long history dating back to pre-Colonial times, and a legacy of slavery and war, it is no wonder that so many unhappy phantoms wander the streets. Visit the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, marking the spot of four bloody Civil War battles or Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington.

The former home of three of America's founding fathers, and the current home of the University of Virginia, the city of Charlottesville, Virginia is suffused with an appreciation of history and intellectual vigor. Take a tour of the university campus and walk through grassy malls and grand buildings designed by Thomas Jefferson, or peak into the dorm room once occupied by Edgar Allen Poe. The great homes of America's early presidents, Monroe, Jefferson and Madison, are also open to the public.

The city of Hampton, Virginia, leads the country in the pursuit of aeronautics and space exploration. The home to Langley Air Force Base and NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton has helped put a man on the moon and a lander on Mars. Visit the Virginia Air & Space Center and learn about the scientific contributions made by these two organizations. The Center features over a hundred interactive exhibits, a 3-D IMAX theater and thirty historic aircraft, including the Apollo 12 Command Module.

Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travellers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.

Enclosed by ramparts, Taroudant is the epitome of a Moroccan market town. Engage in friendly bargaining at a souk in one of the two main squares, then revive your spirit with a soak at an authentic hammam steam bath. Take a day trip to the refreshing Tioute Oasis, birdwatch at Souss Massa National Park, or enjoy an evening of Berber folk music under the stars.

The fjords and mountain ranges of Tromso are simply magical. Here, the northern lights sparkle across the same navy blue sky that's illuminated by the midnight sun. You'll be spellbound by Tromso's enchanting fishing villages, fragrant botanical gardens and crystalline waterfalls. Music is a major part of the Tromso culture, particularly techno and electronic music, which adds some thumping thunder to the city once a year during the annual Insomnia Festival.

For years, Vieste was just another fishing village… but now it’s a popular Mediterranean beach destination. Swim and sail in deep-blue water (widely renowned for its purity), or explore the town’s fine castle and cathedral. For the ultimate Vieste experience, pack a picnic basket and ask a local to direct you to their favourite hidden cove.