The largest ski resort in Switzerland and the highest city in Europe, Davos features five separate skiing areas: Parsenn, the largest, with pistes for all levels and the longest downhill run; Jakobshorn, renowned for its snowboarding; and Pischa, Madrisa and Rinerhorn, all family-friendly destinations.

Nestled in a the beautiful Schanfigg Valley, Arosa is the very picture of an Alps village, from its diverse array of ski runs to the charming wooden houses that are so quintessentially Swiss. If you want, you can round out your ski vacation with concerts, architectural tours, and a visit to the 500-year-old Bergkirchli mountain chapel.

Although originally known as a summer destination, when the first snowflakes land in St-Moritz, so do the international scenesters, bundled up in the latest "must-have" accessories. In winter, take a ride on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to arrive in style. Cable cars ascend to three nearby mountain tops. Hundreds of miles of ski trails and a frozen lake comprise the area's most popular sports venues. Follow the Romans' example and try one of the city's mineral springs, such as St-Moritz Bader.

Quaint alpine villages and great skiing entice travellers to the Grisons. The sparsely populated region of eastern Switzerland contains the source of the Rhine and Inn rivers, 140 square miles of glaciers and dense pine forests. Join the ski action at the resorts of St Moritz, Davos and Arosa, or stake a lofty claim with a visit to Juf, which boasts the highest altitude of any inhabited village in the Alps. In summer, hike through the Engadine Valley in the unspoiled beauty of the Swiss National Park.

This Tuscan hill town will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Siena's grand cathedral, built in the 1200s, has treasured artworks and marvellous marble floors. The Piazza del Campo, the main town square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also home to the Palio, perhaps the most infamous horserace in the world. No goofy hats and mint juleps here—this is a mediaeval tradition involving bareback riders racing on cobblestones (so as you might imagine, it's quite dangerous). Siena is an easy daytrip by train from Florence, just 43 miles away.

The Luxor in Las Vegas : the actual CITY of Luxor, Egypt : marshmallow fluff : fois gras. (We’re sure you knew that. We just enjoy analogies.) Sure, the hotel/casino in Vegas might have a beam of light visible from space, but we bet you'll find a hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of Kings much more illuminating. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Anne of Green Gables! There, we got that out of the way. Besides chasing the famous fictional heroine, you'll find Charlottetown's own history, culture and nightlife keep you more than busy. Enjoy outdoor activities from golfing to boardwalk strolls and biking by day, and theatre and performance arts by night.

The Zanzibar Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a breathtaking spot to escape from the world. You’ll enjoy clear, turquoise-blue water; shallow sandbars perfect for wading; and many small, nearly deserted islands virtually unvisited by tourists. Explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter. Or just go beach to beach between tiny fishing villages—each one's better than the next.