Palm trees provide a periphery of greens and browns as shadows run along the otherwise snow-capped contours of the mountain ranges. It is clear to visitors why Hollywood stars took Palm Springs as their refuge during the 1920s. The resort town has long remained a getaway for the upwardly mobile—garnering the nickname of “Hollywood's Hideaway”—and has since blossomed into an accessible vacation destination for those seeking lavish leisure among a host of natural and man-made attractions.

Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s, vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps, this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean-view sunset. Either way, the beach is calling.

Close your eyes. What do you see when you think about Skåne? Undulating fields of rapeseed, villages where the roads winds its way between half-timbered houses and long sandy beaches. If so, then you're quite right. But here in Northwest Skåne we have a little bit more of everything. There's drama here, too. Söderåsen features wild primeval forests and Kullaberg draws visitors who come to marvel at the precipices and caves.

Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa is a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its history is a fascinating tapestry of triumphs and setbacks, as reflected in the city's rich architecture. As the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Genoa boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has also good shopping, the best nightlife in the region, and excellent restaurants. And for those looking to explore beyond the city limits, day trips along the picturesque Ligurian coast come highly recommended.

More than 26 miles of lakefront frame Chicago's stunning urban skyline. Here in the heart of the Midwest, the nation’s third-largest city boasts soaring skyscrapers and colorful neighborhoods against a backdrop of sandy beaches and beautiful parks. This cosmopolitan playground bursts with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons — such as Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel — to fascinating history and architecture tours.