St. John’s vibrant main town and port, Cruz Bay is home to most of the 28-square-mile island’s restaurants, bars, stores and dive centers. Two-thirds of affluent St. John is a national park, and many safari buses and jeeps set out from Cruz Bay. Don’t miss local art and history at Elaine Ione Sprauve Museum or the pristine sand of Hawksnest Bay, popular with snorkelers due to its nearby reef. There is no airport; ferries connect the town of 2750 with other U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

The biggest draws to St. Thomas are beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping. Once your luggage is full of china, crystal, liquor and jewelry, you can explore life outside the markets, and there's no shortage of options.  You can visit Fort Christian, the 17th century Dutch stronghold; swim or snorkel in the calm blue waters of Magens Bay; hop a ferry to St. John; or just lie beside the pool with a daiquiri.

Culebra is somewhat of the anti-tourist destination, harbouring no large hotels or flashy holiday bells and whistles. The beaches are stunning stretches of white sand, great for sunning, windsurfing and diving. The culture and architecture are just as colourful as the waters of the bright blue sea. Stroll around downtown for a truly quaint afternoon activity.

If you love the beach, but also want a little culture, you'll love Christiansted, one of St Croix's two waterfront towns. Historic churches, charming courtyards, shaded walkways, stone arches, antique lampposts and rows of restored town houses add to the city's appeal. Relax on a tranquil, white-sand beach or float in the aquamarine water. Enjoy the shops, boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants, or visit attractions like Fort Christianvaern, the Customs House and the Old Scale House.

If you prefer your beaches without the accompanying commercial developments, Isla de Vieques is your tanning turf, with more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light. Visit Mosquito Bay when the moon is dim to see its famous glowing water (a tiny organism is responsible for the shining effect).

Once an important center for sugar production, Puerto Rico's fourth largest city's current fortunes come from its factories. Intriguing nicknames for the city of nearly 200,000 include The Land of Giants and Arm Hackers Town. Situated on the island's north shore, this Atlantic city is considered part of the metropolitan San Juan area. Popular attractions include Carolina Beach, Casa Escute art gallery, Caribbean Raceway Park and Isla Verde Mall. To make the most of your visit, consider renting a car.

You don't have to choose between visiting a cultural capital or a sunny Caribbean beach destination—San Juan is both. This city's architecture ranges from Spanish colonial to 20th-century Art Deco, while the new Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico presents Latin American and Caribbean artwork in state-of-the-art galleries.

Life just moves a little bit slower on Virgin Gorda, so named because this British Virgin Island resembles a large reclining lady. The laid-back pace of the island is the perfect excuse to take your time, whether you’re wading along the granite grottoes of The Baths, doing some casual snorkeling in Devil’s Bay, or exploring the stone ruins of a 19th century Copper Mine. Hanging out in the hammock at Mad Dog while you sip a Painkiller is the ultimate in Virgin Gorda relaxation.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. The city is a mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. Its medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern city in the world. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.

Artists, farmers, scholars and professionals come together in harmony in beautiful Northampton, where the Connecticut River winds through the wooded hills of the Pioneer Valley. Once home to such diverse notables as U.S. president Calvin Coolidge, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, author Kurt Vonnegut and punk rockers Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, and current home of the all women's Smith College, the city is famed for its arts scene and liberal values, plus a thriving lesbian community.

Lewis & Clark, Custer, Sitting Bull and Calamity Jane may be long gone, but they are not forgotten in Billings. Museums, galleries and landmarks honoring these legendary characters from the Old West dot the city, making it a history buff's dream destination. Surrounded by six breathtaking mountain ranges, Billings also offers plenty of opportunities for fresh air recreation, including hiking, biking, golf and viewing rare Montana wildlife. Spend time at the Western Heritage Centre, an interactive museum full of clothing and remarkable artifacts from the Yellowstone River Valley. In the early 1900s, the railroad brought wealth to Billings and testaments of this prosperity are still standing. Be sure to visit the regal Moss Mansion, designed by architect H.J. Hardenbergh (who also designed the Waldorf-Astoria and Plaza Hotels in New York City). In the more modern realm, MetraPark offers horse racing, rodeos, concerts, fairs and other types of entertainment everyone will enjoy. And kids of all ages will enjoy the animals and games at ZooMontana.

Some 400 inches of annual snowfall, 85 miles of named runs and loads of room for every maneuver make Montana's spectacular Big Sky a big draw. Flyfishing and time at Solace Spa occasionally lure those with a prevailing passion for powder off the slopes.