When most people think of Norway, the Western Fjords area is what they picture, with its stunningly beautiful deep waterways carved through rugged mountains by ice age glaciers. Several of the world’s tallest waterfalls are here too, adding to the splendor. An incredible region for cruising, hiking, fishing, biking, rafting, canoeing and summer skiing, the region is also home to fascinating cities like Bergen, Stavanger and Alesund, each chock-full of unique and interesting urban activities.

Lying at the heart of Norway’s Western Fjord area, Hordaland is home to culturally rich Bergen, the country’s second largest city. Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord (and the third-longest in the world), is here too, and cruising along its scenic 110 miles is a top area activity. Leirvik, the second-biggest town in Hordaland, has the interesting open-air Sunnhordland Folk Museum. Set atop one of the country’s biggest glaciers, Folgefonna National Park has a popular summer ski center.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

Between Biarritz and the Spanish border, the Atlantic fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz combines Basque charm with pleasant, family-friendly beaches on the bay. July and August are the high season here, so if you'd rather avoid the tourist crunch, either book outside of those months or plan to arrive at the beach first thing in the morning.