Raglan, on New Zealand’s North Island, is a coastal town that has earned international renown for its surf culture while retaining a bohemian, community-centered spirit.

Branson, Missouri may be tucked into the Ozark Mountains, but there's nothing quiet about its entertainment scene. Since the 1960s, the town has built its reputation on live music, with more than 100 shows running at peak season. From country and gospel to comedy and magic, Branson’s theaters offer family-friendly entertainment nearly every night of the week. The Presleys' Country Jubilee, the first show on what is now 76 Country Boulevard, still packs the house after more than 50 years.

France’s city of Reims, located in the heart of the Champagne region, is a place where history and celebration meet. Known for its towering cathedral, Reims played a central role in French royal tradition. Nearly every French king was crowned at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that still dominates the skyline. The cathedral’s intricate facade and famous stained-glass window continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down.

Les Andelys, a picturesque town on the banks of the Seine in Normandy, France, is best known for its dramatic setting beneath the ruins of Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, stands high on a chalk cliff overlooking the river, a reminder of the region’s turbulent past during the wars between England and France.