For some, a tour of the Queen Mary, docked here since its retirement in 1967, evokes waves of nostalgia for the days of the huge ocean liner with its opulent rooms, 1930s deco décor and teakwood decks. Others, particularly the younger set, are entranced by the spine-tingling haunted ship stories on the nighttime ghost tour. But for everyone, a visit to this floating hotel and museum is a must on any trip to Long Beach. At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. Feeling romantic? Cruise the canals of Naples (that's right, Naples Island in Long Beach) in a genuine Venetian gondola. One thing is for sure: tensions and stresses dissolve in this laid-back, friendly city.

Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbour, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.

About an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has a spectacular clifftop setting above some of the finest beaches in California. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. A centre for artists, there are a number of special events and festivals,such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Plein Air Painting Invitational. The Laguna Art Museum focuses on California artists. Window shoppers and collectors will enjoy strolling the village’s quaint streets, as well as visiting galleries spotted along Pacific Coast Highway.

喜歡電影的旅客，千萬別錯過荷里活喔。你可以到電影製片廠參觀、到中國戲院前面的大道摸摸明星們的手印，或是到洛杉磯最受追捧的幾個夜店，一睹巨星風采。到 The Grove 購物，說不定可以看到你最喜歡的明星；不想碰運氣等待明星出現的話，可以直接到保羅蓋帝中心欣賞曠世巨作。如果想來點不一樣的追星之旅，那就得去葛瑞菲斯天文台，用天文望遠鏡觀星吧。

聖塔莫尼卡的一切都熱力十足，這裡有數百家酷炫商店和餐廳，也有綿延超過 3 英里的白色沙灘，而當地機場和蒙大拿街上則有很多名人出沒。 這種與眾不同的獨特氛圍，成為熱門歌曲、電影和電視影集經常取材的對象，＜海灘遊俠＞(Baywatch) 就是在此地拍攝的眾多知名影集之一。 好萊塢高級時裝、衝浪時尚、嬉皮休閒等，各種不同風格在這裡相遇，居然還很協調。 給你一個良心建議： 不要開車，用走的。 聖塔莫尼卡很小，而且以對行人和環境友善為傲。 第三街徒步區禁止汽車通行，因此車子根本派不上用場。這個步行者的天堂，擁有許多電影院、餐廳和活力四射的街頭藝人。 來到知名且歷史悠久的聖塔莫尼卡碼頭，速食攤位傳來陣陣香味，這裡還有一座以太陽能發電、9 層樓高的摩天輪，是這座城市的象徵。 如果腳開始痠了，可以跳上沿著海灘運行的電動海潮公車，沿途欣賞美景，並前往充滿藝術氣息的貝嘉莫車站、聖塔莫尼卡美術館或是任一處同樣洋溢聖塔莫尼卡式熱情的景點。

從 19 世紀晚期卡利斯托加發現這座礦物泉以來，大批的 SPA 愛好者便蜂擁而至。時至今日，你仍然可以到訪當年發現溫泉的那口水井，除了喝一口井水，卡爾斯巴德的 SPA 亦提供許多世界級的服務，供你選擇。

在舊金山，每一個社區都有各自與眾不同的特色，從嬉皮時尚的上葛蘭特大道 (Upper Haight)，到高級豪華的 Mission 都有。濱海區有時尚的小酒館，還可以看到與明信片完全一樣的金門大橋，而諾埃谷則到處盡是古樸寧靜的時裝店。到 39 號碼頭跟海獅們打個招呼，然後到渡輪大樓市場品嚐當地出產的芝士和熟食。你可以到 Dolores Park 做瑜伽，或者亦可以欣賞 Ocean Beach 對面壯觀的荷蘭風車。

Gatlinburg, at the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an ideal base for a family looking to explore the park's numerous offerings. After you've gone hiking, fishing, rafting or horseback riding, ride an elevator 342 feet to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning views of the Smokies. There's also an amusement centre next door with nifty rides and games.

Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatan's native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.

Jamaica is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. You'll experience this diversity in its strong crafts tradition, performing arts and distinctive dining options, like ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit. Take your holiday to new heights at famed cliff jumping spot, Negril Cliffs. Jamaica offers long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine and chances to play in the surf, ride horses and swim with dolphins. Jump in!

Visit Aruba once and you'll instantly start planning your next visit. The island wins you over with gorgeous weather, serene beaches, exciting land and sea activities (ATVs in the outback, anyone?), and terrific nightlife, from restaurants to casinos and nightclubs. Don't miss the live music scene, featuring Aruba's own Tumba music.