Mirissa, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a seaside town that blends golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its crescent-shaped bay fringed with palm trees, it offers one of the island’s most inviting spots for swimming, surfing, and lounging by the sea.

The land and seascapes of the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, are perhaps one of Europe's best kept secrets. Portrush has a beautiful position on Ramore Head peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, with sandy beaches running east and west. The resort has the usual amenities of a seaside resort.

Sitka is accessible only by air or sea, giving visitors a real taste of this wild frontier. Sitka offers incredible scenery, fishing, hiking, and abundant wildlife. 22 of Sitka's buildings and monuments appear in the National Register of Historic Places.

Seclusion is the name of the game on Lizard. It's a large national-park island and surrounded by Osprey Island, Seabird Islet, South and Palfrey islands. Lizard has special historical interest due to Captain Cook's visit. It also has fine diving and fishing possibilities, 23 superb beaches (among the reef's best) and great swimming and snorkelling.

Kansas City, Kansas offers more than meets the eye. Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, this city blends its industrial roots with surprising pockets of creativity, flavor, and local pride. Food plays a big role in the city’s identity, and no trip is complete without sampling its barbecue. While its Missouri neighbor may get more attention, Kansas City holds its own with iconic joints like Slap’s BBQ, a local favorite known for brisket that draws lines out the door.