Petropolis is the closest mountain resort to Rio, and a favorite getaway destination with cariocas. The Imperial Museum houses some of the most important objects in Brazilian history. Petropolis offers plenty in the way of ecotourism and adventure opportunities as well as rich historic architecture and cooler weather.

Turquoise water laps Cabo Frio's beaches, while sun-filled days draw crowds to a seaside boardwalk lined with food vendors and historic sites. And the fun doesn't stop at the water—Cabo Frio musicians keep locals dancing until morning in an energetic club scene.

Brazil's capital was constructed between 1956 and 1960 on tropical savannah. It's a gem of modernist urban planning with stunning, world-renowned architecture sights. Cosmopolitan Brasilia celebrates a slew of festivals and is home to the National Museum and National Library of the Republic.

Art deco landmarks fill Goiania’s planned city centre, where families lounge in abundant parks and walk tree-lined avenues. The proud state capital bustles through the working day, then moves to the rhythms of Goias’ sertanejo music in nightclubs that stay packed until dawn.

The Turks and Caicos offer the best of the Caribbean - in Atlantic waters. Hop between the islands by ferry or explore an island on a hired bike or scooter. One of the world's longest coral reefs, 230 miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of dive spots lure visitors to the Turks and Caicos' eight major islands, just east of the Bahamas. Bird sanctuary French Cay, underwater Columbus Landfall National Park and Caicos Conch Farm are among the major attractions of these legendarily friendly isles.

Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia, can be a confusing and chaotic place for visitors not familiar with its unplanned neighborhoods and streets. Busy stores and shopping centers line Cairo Road and the surrounding area. Nearby covered markets sell anything from souvenir figurines to spare engine parts. Just south of Lusaka is the Munda Wanga Environmental Park, which features botanic gardens, a wildlife park and sanctuary, picnic areas, swimming pools, and a relaxing terrace bar.

Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.

Though famously home to Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, is more than just a college town. Nasher Museum of Art and the Museum of Life and Science show off Durham’s cultural side, while pretty parks and a dynamic dining scene add to its appeal.

Old southern charm meets modern city allure in Montgomery, where the weather is sublime and the food is divine! Explore life in the 19th-century South at Old Alabama Town, sample the city's artsy side at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts or spend the day reliving the era of Civil Rights. Rosa Parks, the African-American woman who changed history in the United States by refusing to ride in the back of the bus, was arrested in Montgomery, and there are a number of interesting attractions in her honor. Literary buffs will be wowed by the Fitzgerald Museum, while kids will want to spend hours at the Montgomery Zoo. Everyone will enjoy the delicious southern cuisine, from black-eyed pea soup to country ham and red-eyed gravy. Fancy or no-frills, a visit to Montgomery will leave you with a taste for more.

With four of the state's most popular beaches, Narragansett is a favorite summer destination of Rhode Island residents. Scarborough State Beach alone has 2,325 feet of sandy beach frontage. Once a wealthy community rivaling nearby Newport, the rich history of Narragansett is still visible. The Towers, spanning Ocean Drive, is the only remaining section of a luxurious casino built in 1883. Having survived numerous fires and vicious nor'easters, The Towers is the town's most enduring landmark.