If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.

This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill.

This quaint port city is breathtakingly beautiful! Surrounded by peaks, Seward fjords are the perfect whale and porpoise habitat, and both seals and puffins fill the Alaska SeaLife Center. Those looking for a challenge can hike the western trail to the summit of Mount Marathon.

Taupō, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is built along the shores of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, formed nearly two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. That eruption was so powerful, it was recorded in ancient Chinese and Roman texts, even though it occurred halfway across the world. Today, the lake is calm, clear, and central to life in the region, offering everything from trout fishing to kayaking and lakeside cycling.

Orvieto, perched atop a volcanic tuff cliff in Umbria, Italy, is a town that effortlessly combines history, art, and striking landscapes. Its dramatic position overlooking the surrounding countryside immediately captures attention.