The Berkshires are home to an impressive collection of cultural and historic sights. Get your fill of music, art and theatre at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony's summer home, MASS MoCA, the country's largest contemporary art centre, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Recreational opportunities also abound, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and golf. The Berkshires are an easy drive, just two and a half hours from Boston and New York.

Sitting at a strategic position along the Thames River, water has played a significant part in the growth of Groton, Connecticut. Visit Fort Griswold, a Revolutionary War era base built to defend the port of New London, most infamously known as the site of the betrayal of American forces by Benedict Arnold. Groton is also the "Submarine Capital of the World," home to the US Navy's main submarine base, as well as the Submarine Force Museum, where visitors can board the first nuclear submarine.

Detroit is an amazing destination for your next weekend getaway. If exploring is your thing, hop on a bike and meet new friends on the Slow Roll bike tour (you’ll find a unique perspective on the city, and the slow pace is perfect for all skill levels). And while you may not think of Detroit as wine country, the newly opened Detroit Vineyards is one of the country’s largest urban wineries, crafting superior wines right in the heart of the city. Grab your glass and make a toast to the weekend!

If you tried to imagine a place where the sights, sounds and flavours of Native America, Old Mexico and the Wild West blend effortlessly with the hustle and bustle of a modern city, it would probably look a lot like San Antonio. Visit the Alamo, of course, and explore adobe architecture at Casa Navarro State Park. Kids will love HemisFair Urban Park and SeaWorld.

On the California-Nevada border, Truckee-Lake Tahoe's scenic mountain beauty is perfect for romantic getaways and outdoor excitement. Lake Tahoe is America's largest alpine lake, with beautiful blue water surrounded by 70 miles of gorgeous shoreline. Donner Lake offers a public beach, and Donner Memorial State Park has campsites and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. Boca Dam and Reservoir features magnificent fishing, with rainbow, brook, and brown trout, plus Kokanee salmon.

A mere 45-minute drive from San Francisco lies Half Moon Bay, an idyllic enclave and truly the perfect place to spend some time away from the big city. Horseback ride along a scenic beach, play golf on a spectacular course overlooking the ocean or browse through the numerous shops and art galleries in the historic section. If you decide to stay, as many do, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at any of the town's fine restaurants. Then check into an enchanting bed and breakfast, a charming inn or boutique hotel. Your Half Moon Bay experience will not be soon forgotten.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.