The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.

Vibrant Barranquilla is the epicenter of Carnival,a four-day festival of food, music, dance and beautiful party people. For the other 361 days of the year, the fourth-largest city in Colombia offers plenty of opportunities to pursue a balance of epic nightlife and historic sightseeing. The churches alone are their own festivals of architecture, and the impressive Museum of the Caribbean is a great source of political, cultural and social context.

Only real-deal surfers should brave the torrid waters of Puerta Viejo de Talamanca, known both for their beauty and for their dangerously strong riptides. Surf’s especially up at Salsa Brava and Playa Cocles. Not to fear—the rest of you water bugs can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and diving in the calmer waters of Cahuita or Manzanillo. Rent a mountain bike to coast to Manzanillo for a full, fun experience.

Culture-seekers will be charmed be La Isla's heritage and history, from Old San Juan's charms to folk art and festivals in the outlying towns. You can drive round Puerto Rico in a day, but take your time. Coffee plantations, colonial towns, beaches, bars and restaurants wait to be explored. Old San Juan, with famed Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, is an atmospheric place to wander. Experience life at a different pace by rainforest hiking, scuba diving or swimming Vieques' glowing bioluminescent lagoon.

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years, with a warm Mediterranean climate in spite of its place facing the Atlantic Ocean. Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture makes it the perfect place for a family holiday. Things to do in Lisbon: As Portugal's capital, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Even exploring the city centre will take a few days out of a family holiday as there is no real central district, although Praça do Comércio is a good central place to start, in Baxia, or Rossio, the city's main square which has a sort of Trafalgar Square feel to it. Or you might try climbing up the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ with spectacular views across the whole city. The Castelo de São Jorge also offers great views and isn't quite such a steep climb. A short tram ride to the west of Lisbon will also bring you to Belem, where you can explore attractions like the Belem Tower and the Belem Cultural Centre, which features a fantastic art collection including works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. In downtown Lisbon, you'll also want to visit the Gulbenkian, which has to be Portugal's answer to the British Museum full of fascinating cultural artifacts and with some superb gardens in the grounds. It's possible to have a fascinating educational family holiday in Lisbon, and there are also plenty of great beaches to work on your tan.