The home of swing and bebop for some, "The City of Fountains" to others, Kansas City is different things to different people. Music enthusiasts are drawn to the jazz clubs and old haunts of famous musicians such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie. With more fountains than Rome, there is ample opportunity for scenic strolling from fountain to fountain. Stop along the way to discover interesting neighbourhoods and browse through eclectic shops. Families are particularly attracted to the city because of its child-friendly events and venues. Science City features hands-on exhibits including a mock television studio where kids can deliver a weather forecast, while the Zoo houses impressive African and Australian exhibits plus an IMAX Theatre. The city's museums cover everything from the history of jazz music to a celebration of African American baseball players. Once a trading post for pioneers heading to the Western United States, today Kansas City is a burgeoning metropolis with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.

It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighbourhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.

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.

The beautiful little town of Hanalei could almost have been designed as a holiday island paradise. Its stunning beach, mountain scenery and its mostly fabulous weather conditions mean that you are going to want to spend most of your holiday outdoors. The bay on which Hanalei is located boasts beautiful white sands. Hanalei beach is perfect for lazing around or taking part in traditional beach games, as well as for enjoying a dip in the clean, warm waters. The conditions are often perfect for surfing, with locals and visitors alike keen to engage. When the water in the bay is rough, there remains an area towards the west of the bay which is reasonably sheltered for bathing. The pier at Hanalei is very important to the culture of the town and is used for fishing, as well as social and musical gatherings. The pier was featured in the musical, South Pacific. Hanalei Town: The small town that is Hanalei is famed for its dedication to Kauai’s island history and culture. Its art galleries contain carvings produced by indigent tribes people from local wood, with many souvenirs available for purchase. The Waioli Mission House and Church date back to the early part of the nineteenth century and were established by Christian missionaries to Kauai from the US mainland. Regular music and celebratory events are held, where you will be given the opportunity to taste poi, a locally produced Hawaiian delicacy. The freedom of your holiday rental will also allow you to sample the local island cuisine at the town’s traditional restaurants.