New York welcomes huge numbers of visitors every year who are attracted to this iconic American city for its shopping, Broadway musicals, cuisine and breadth of visitor attractions. Long Island is situated to the south east of the city and includes the well known metropolitan boroughs of Queens and Brookyln. However, it also contains the more rural counties of Suffolk and Nassau which offer stunning beaches and an insight into the lives of the super rich.

Greenport is a little harbour village in Suffolk County and exudes charm with its bustling marina, tall ships, and 1920s carousel. Kids will love checking out all the boats at Mitchell Park, as well as taking a spin on the historic carousel, and you can also hop onto a ferry for a quick trip across to Shelter Island, which is a safe haven for wildlife due to its large wetlands.

Back in Greenport, make sure you check out the Railroad and Maritime museums which give an insight into the region’s historic past as a centre of whaling and ship building. Suffolk County is also famed for its wineries and there are several within close proximity to Greenport that offer wine tasting and tours. You can also sample the county’s fine wines in one of the local eateries which will be a perfect way to end the day as the sun sets over the harbour.

The area known as The Hamptons is one of the most wealthy in the United States and is comprised of a series of picturesque seaside villages. It’s renowned for its popularity with A-list celebrities and the attraction of the area will become apparent when you see those blue skies and golden beaches and consider its convenient proximity to the Big Apple. If sunbathing and other beach-related activities are your thing, then you’ll be in paradise and, as you’d expect, there’s plenty of great restaurants and drinking establishments to choose from.

Across in Nassau County you’ll find the spacious and hugely impressive Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, which covers over 400 acres and features a stunning collection of greenhouses, gardens, and offers guaranteed colour and pleasant walks.

Also within the boundaries of Nassau you’ll also find Sagamore Hill, which was the home of Theodore Roosevelt the 26th President of the United States. Built in 1884, it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and tours are open to the public. Included within the premises is the Theodore Roosevelt Museum.

Alabama's Gulf Shores provide white sandy beaches which are both perfect for a family holiday, and a quieter alternative to the heavily crowded beaches of Florida. The Gulf Shores provide a family friendly environment full of sunbathing, watersports and golfing opportunities, as well as plenty of theme parks and attractions which are great for kids.