It took George H.W. Bush to make Kennebunkport known to most of the country, but New Englanders have enjoyed this quiet coastal Maine town for years. In hot weather, beaches are a major draw, but Kennebunkport's many small boutiques, art galleries and restaurants make a visit fun at any time of year. Inveterate shoppers may want to combine a visit to Kennebunkport with a trip to nearby Kittery, where dozens of outlets and factory stores offer plenty of bargains.

Sitting at the southernmost corner of Maine, Kittery is a charming small town and one of the most historic communities in the state. First settled in 1623, Kittery features some of the oldest architecture in Maine, including the John Bray House, built back in 1662. Nearby Fort McClary has been guarding the entrance to the Piscataqua River for over 275 years, having been manned through five wars. Another nearby attraction is York's Wild Kingdom, the state's largest zoo and amusement park.

With its beaches of soft sand or smooth pebbles, sylvan hiking paths and historic lighthouses, Rockport may be the perfect place to sit down and compose that magnum opus, write your novel or paint your master work. The waters surrounding Cape Ann beckon scuba divers, kayakers and sailors to explore the bay. Watch for whales or puffins on one of many charters; hike through the wilds of Halibut Point or along the breathtaking Headlands. Find inspiration in the glades and bluffs of Cape Ann.

New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam-packed with attractions, and scenic roads make driving between them a delight. Trundle along Conway's Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway, head upwards on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loon Mountain Skyride, plunge down in Polar Caves Park and Flume Gorge, and reach top speeds at Attitash ski resort and summer playground. Offering a wealth of outdoors wonders both in winter and summer, the White Mountains are a thrill for all seasons.

Amarillo is the perfect place to get a big taste of Texas even if you only have a small amount of time. From canyons to old Cadillacs and gigantic steaks to grand scenery, the city is an Old West enthusiast's dream. One of the country's best collections of Western art and artifacts can be found at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Mosey on over to the Amarillo Livestock Auction to mingle with real cowboys as they go about the business of buying and selling cattle. For those with interests that are more modern, the city boasts a great art museum and beautiful botanical gardens. If you're travelling with kids, don't miss the thrilling rides at Wonderland Park. The whole family will be in awe of the fantastic rock formations at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Perched at the Triple Frontier, where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet, Puerto Iguazu is linked to Brazil by the Tancredo Neves bridge. It is home to the Museum of Images of the Jungle, the Mborore Museum, a bird rehabilitation center and the famed Iguazu National Park. The National Park is home to 275 waterfalls, including the world-renowned Iguazu Falls, which plunges 270 feet. A subtropical climate means it's warm in winter and hot in summer, with temperatures soaring up to 104°F.