Atlantic City draws tourists by the car- and bus-load, topping more than 20 million visitors per year! Stroll along the famous Boardwalk with its numerous amusements and eateries or visit the historic Absecon Lighthouse and the new Wheel at Steel Pier. Several championship golf courses are within a 30 minute drive to attract golf enthusiasts. In summer, the local free beaches are popular with families. Beach bars are peppered throughout the resort and you can dig your toes in the sand and enjoy your favourite cocktails. Water-based activities include parasailing, charter fishing and dolphin-watching cruises. Casino hoppers have 9 establishments to choose from and there is something for everyone's taste. Those who remember Atlantic City in its pre-gambling days can wax nostalgic with a taste of saltwater taffy and iconic rolling chairs which have been Atlantic City favourites for over 100 years.

Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.

Delaware's Dewey Beach is a spectacular sandbar community - on one side is Rehoboth bay, and on the other side there are the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dewey Beach itself is a small town of less than 400 people, but it has become a popular tourist destination for anyone interested in water sports and beach holidays, and is the perfect spot for a relaxing family getaway. If you get tired of Dewey Beach, which is pretty much impossible, Cape May is only 30 miles down the road and Brandywine Zoo and the historic Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard are right around the corner.

One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Let the Gulf Shore breeze carry you to a weekend of sun-kissed fun. The Tampa-St Pete area is Florida's second-biggest metropolitan area. Not as flashy as Miami or as crowded as Orlando, the region has grown as a tourist destination, and it's easy to see why: miles of waterfront, sandy beaches, cultural attractions and exciting amusements. Busch Gardens has been drawing visitors for years, but the city also has another zoo, an aquarium and several major museums for those who need some time in the shade.

Crystal clear waters beckon from the south part of this tranquil Caribbean islet, a hundred miles south of Havana and known for its17 miles of stunning white sand beaches, mangrove forests and scuba diving to the black coral reef. The largest of the 300 keys and islets in Los Canarreos Archipelago, waters in the north are much cloudier. Cayo Largo also offers excellent deep sea fishing. Rent a jeep to explore the islet’s few roads and paths or trot across coral sand beaches on horseback.

More than 30 miles of beaches plus a wealth of cultural and historic institutions make this island a Gulf of Mexico holiday hot spot. If you go, don't forget your walking shoes: With 14 museums and 20 art galleries, plus several historic homes and mansions, there's a lot of ground to cover. Armchair pilots will love the Lone Star Flight Museum and those with more of a nautical interest can check out the Texas Seaport Museum. Families will enjoy the many child-friendly attractions, including Moody Gardens, with its replica of a tropical rain forest. It's easy to get caught up in all the activities, but don't forget to spend some downtime in the sun and on the beach.

Puerto Aventuras mingles tropical beauty with the riches of the sea. Beaches are fantastic, with powdery, white sand, and there's excellent fishing as well. For a fun day, explore the eco-archaeological park Xcaret, or snorkel at Xel-ha, a natural inlet water park. The Mayan ruins at Tulum, only 25 minutes away, are another must-see.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly island holiday, consider the Bay Islands. Each one appeals to different travellers—Roatan’s the most developed (but still not as built-up as, say, St. Thomas), Guanaia’s rustic and Utila’s in between. All three have great dive spots and beaches.