The City of Lights shines bright for kids of all ages. Living up to every pre-trip fantasy, Paris has a constellation of starring sights from the atmospheric Notre Dame to the elegant Eiffel Tower to thrilling Parc Asterix, DisneyLand Paris and the wonders of the Louvre. Prepare to be dazzled.

History is as easy to come by in Paris as fresh croissants. Just strolling along the Seine is a walk through the ages. But don't miss Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur basilica, Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, the once-bohemian cafes of Montparnasse, the Louvre and Orsay museums and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

The world capital of Haute Couture, Paris is a shopper's dream. Legendary addresses like Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore tempt the glitterati. Ancient flea markets perch at the city's hems, offering chaotic atmosphere and fascinating treasures, plus a peek into the real personality of Paris.

On the second-largest natural bay on the continent, Puerto Vallarta has miles and miles of world-class beaches. The coastline is dotted with quiet coves and spectacular islands, and the water caters to all sorts of beach activities, from sunbathing to snorkeling to windsurfing.

Thanks to the steady stream of cruise ship passengers passing through its harbor, Puerto Vallarta is geared toward the shopper, with virtually anything Mexican-made being readily available. The marina boardwalk, its nearby market, and the surrounding streets are full of shopping opportunities.

All the right ingredients for a fabulous family getaway are on offer in, Puerto Vallarta; wonderful weather, beautiful beaches, great resorts and welcoming people. Perched between the ocean and the jungle, PV offers all the sports and activities of a perfect Pacific playground.

Once one of Italy's famous and powerful city-states, Venice is one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities. Get lost amid ancient canals and alleyways. Explore majestic Doge's Palace, the architectural flourishes of St. Mark's Basilica, the picturesque Piazza San Marco and the Naval Museum.

History lovers will find much more to Honolulu than the beaches at Waikiki. Visitors should not miss Pearl Harbor and the accompanying USS Arizona Memorial. Those interested in the story of the islands will enjoy the displays of Polynesian artifacts at the Bishop Museum.

Honolulu has more than history and tropical beaches. The entire family can delight in the astounding views from the short hike to Diamond Head crater, splash about in any of the water parks, investigate Hawaiian marine life in nature reserves and aquariums and indulge wonder in the many kid-friendly museums.

Aruba has a good hand to play, with fine powder sand beaches, amazing surfing and big-name casinos. High-rise hotels house such casinos as Allegro Aruba Beach, Aruba Concorde and the vast 8,000-square-foot Alhambra Bazaar, where Caribbean Stud Poker is the big draw.

Clear waters and great weather are merely two of Aruba's draws. A smorgasbord of activities, from snorkeling to banana boating, entertains families above and below the waves, while jeep safari and quadracer tours are offered inland. A glimpse of the island's personality and past can be viewed at the Aruba Panorama.

Spectacular for water sports or just sitting on the sand and admiring the tides, Aruba's beaches are truly special. Swimmers and sunbathers will enjoy the calm waters and white sand at Palm Beach, while water-skiers and surfers love the surf at Eagle Beach.

Beckoning alluringly from the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the clear, calm waters and dramatic reefs around Sharm el Sheikh offer spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving. Ras Mohammed National Park contains sensational Red Sea dive sites, considered some of the best in the world.

Claimed, bought and sold by the French, Spanish, Haitians and Americans, the resulting melange of cultural identities give the Crescent City its distinct flavors. New Orleans' irrepressible spirit can best be experienced during February's exuberant Mardi Gras celebrations, festivals and Cajun, Zydeco and jazz music.

The neon-lit casinos on The Strip, the gaming heart of Las Vegas, just keep getting more opulent as they replicate Euro landmarks, add thrill rides and celebrity chef-driven restaurants, and incorporate new Cirque du Soleil shows. Gamblers who prefer vintage Sin City head downtown to Fremont Street.

Bring your sunglasses and cool clothes to Playa del Carmen, where the hot sun lights up the white-sand beaches. This is heaven for beach-loving kids and those who enjoy swimming or just lounging under the sun.

Playa del Carmen, on the Mexican Caribbean, is home to sandy beaches, Mayan archaeological sites and child-centered theme parks. Kids and adults enjoy clambering through Discovery Jungle Park's authentic rope bridges and exploring Xcaret's underground rivers, butterfly pavilion and aquarium.

Cancun calls with its stunning aqua-blue waters and white-sand beaches. Despite its reputation as a spring-break paradise, anyone will find plenty to do here, too. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, the Xel-Ha waterpark and the thrilling Interactive Aquarium, or just enjoy beautiful beaches.

Cancun is one of Mexico's most famous destinations, and despite its reputation as a spring-break paradise, families will find plenty to do here, too. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, the Xel-Ha waterpark and the thrilling Interactive Aquarium, or just enjoy beautiful beaches.

The epicenter of cool has all the shopping options a fashionista could ever want. The Collins Avenue Fashion District boasts designer labels from Armani to Versace. Ocean Drive caters to the younger, funkier beautiful people, while Lincoln Road draws the artistic crowd to its galleries and boutiques.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favorite of models and celebrities.

Although a fairly small island, Bora Bora offers visitors a multitude of activities. Go on a 4x4 safari, sunbathe and swim on white sandy beaches, dive in a natural underwater park among fish and corals, experience thrilling shark feedings or circle the turquoise lagoon by boat.

Whether on beautiful island beaches or volcanic craters, families will have a hot time enjoying all that Maui has to offer by foot, bike, car, helicopter or submarine. Kids will especially enjoy a Trilogy trip to Lanai, exploring Haleakala crater and visiting Maui Ocean Center's Turtle Lagoon and Hammerhead Harbor.

Tropical trade winds cool Maui's thirty miles of glorious black, white and red sand beaches. With a constellation of splendid sandy spots ranging from secluded secrets to bustling beaches with restaurants and board hire, Maui has a beach to suit beachcombers, surfers, picnickers and swimmers.

Going to the seashore at Cozumel is fascinating because of the island's diverse beach offerings. Although it has its fair share of typically beautiful white-sand beaches, it also boasts a number of rocky beaches that are not great for sunbathing or swimming but are ideal for snorkeling.

Latin America's shopping capital offers exciting experiences along its grand, wide boulevards. Galleria Pacifico and Patio Bullrich are upmarket malls, crammed with Argentine fashions. You'll find fabulous shoes, bags and other items for appealing prices throughout the city, known for its leather goods.

Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city's tycoons and presidents, as well as still-beloved first lady Eva Peron. Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908.

The picturesque streets of Charleston charm visitors with 19th-century architecture and scenery. Historic sights abound: the old gardens at Middleton Place, Drayton Hall, many other historic houses and plantations and Fort Sumter National Monument, the very spot where the American Civil War began.

With about 50 miles of beaches, Kauai has plenty of shoreline to explore. Swimming is great just about anywhere, but most people prefer the beaches on the north and south coasts, where the white sands stretch on and on and surfers refine their craft.

The least developed of Hawaii's major islands, Kauai offers big fun to young families. Take a boat ride to Fern Grotto, explore the Children's Discovery Museum or go wild at the Makalani Playground and Lydgate Beach Park, wandering a labyrinth, snorkeling or swimming in pools safe enough for your littlest ones.

Whether petting crocodiles, feeding hummingbirds or bobbing down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft as calypso bands play bankside, families can have a wonderfully wild time in laid-back Jamaica. Adventurous souls can hike by waterfalls and coffee plantations, clamber up Dunn's River Falls, or splash and sun on glistening beaches.

Island heritage overflows in Jamaica, from the former seaside banana capital of Port Antonio to reggae legend Bob Marley's former Kingston home. Even natural attractions come with cool history: The age of stalagmite-filled Green Grotto Cave at Runaway Bay is estimated at 500,000 years.

Blessed with miles of stunning natural coastline, Jamaica is a paradise for beach-lovers. Among the island's best offerings are Negril's Seven Mile Beach--rife with great snorkeling and diving, Treasure Beach on the South Coast and Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, which has sand that looks like sugar.

Although some of Nice's beaches are owned privately by hotels and resorts, there is also a good offering of public beaches. No need to worry about getting sand in your hair--there is no sand on these beaches, only pebbles. Nice's seaside is just another taste of France's diversity.

Blessed with crystal-clear waters and gorgeous white or golden sands, Puerto Rican beaches have a lot to offer. Swimming is great at Luquillo Beach and Playa de Ponce, Playa Higuero is perfect for windsurfing and the breathtaking scenery and vegetation is everywhere.

The chances of a good gambling trip to Puerto Rico are high, as elegant, atmospheric casinos abound. Considered the most enjoyable gaming destination in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has hotel and resort casinos across the island, from old San Juan to Dorado and Mayaguez.

Rich with history, Puerto Rico offers countless sightseeing and learning opportunities for the entire family. Visit El Faro--a 316-acre ecological reserve, shop Fortaleza Street, tour the Mayaguez Zoo or visit the largest radio telescope in the world at the Aricebo Observatory.

Visitors to Savannah will not find any dearth of history; some of the city's best attractions are historic homes and final resting places. These include the Owens-Thomas House, the Bonaventure Cemetery and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

Situated on Mexico's left coast, San Jose del Cabo delivers a delicious taste of the Pacific. Go snorkeling at El Estero, the renowned estuary where exotic marine life and vegetation await, or take a dip in the pools and soak up the sun on the shore at Playa Hotelera.

Fascinating for its transition after the fall of the Soviet Union and its colorful past prior to that, Budapest has plenty of history. Visit the ghosts of communism at Heroes' Square and Statue Park, and see what Hungary was like before at the Opera House, National Museum, Buda Castle and ubiquitous baths.

Over 15 million gallons of water bubble into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes daily. The city of spas offers an astounding array of baths, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-Baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture.

A glittering constellation of casinos is scattered across the vibrant Dutch side of St. Maarten. Some are Vegas-style, themed casinos, such as underwater-themed Atlantis and the Ancient Rome-inspired Coliseum. There's no shortage of hot entertainment options to add to the excitement.

The island of Saint Maarten/Saint Martin offers twice the international flavor of a single vacation. Swim in the calm, clear waters of Le Gallion or Pinel Island beaches, hike through rain forest-like landscapes at Loterie Farm, or chase fluttering, colorful creatures at the Butterfly Farm.

Dutch on the south and French on the north, St. Maarten/St. Martin is an entirely duty-free island, rendering it a playground for shoppers. Jewelry, high-end clothing and local and European crafts are especially popular. In St. Maarten, Philipsburg is the main shopping town; in St. Martin, it's Marigot.

There is no shortage of beautiful shoreline on St. Martin, which boasts some 37 beaches. What sets these apart from other Caribbean beaches is their breathtaking environs--visitors will not only be stunned by the white sand and gorgeous water but also by caves, cliffs, palm trees and rock formations.

With some of the best waves in the world and reliably great weather, Bali is a surfing paradise. Beach lovers can take their pick from a wide array of choices from crowded to deserted, with white sand or black.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, an influx of Indians in the 1st century gave the island its predominantly Hindi culture. Bali's exotic and distinct Indian-influenced culture can be experienced during dance performances, near daily festivals or by visiting its horde of centuries old temples.

Take in the lush, volcanically active landscape of Bali while whitewater rafting on the Ayung and Unda rivers. Or get the heart pumping off-shore with an ocean-rafting sightseeing and snorkeling tour in boats that reach 44 miles per hour. Surfers hit the island's western side for big-time swells.

Acapulco's wild nightlife is matched by its wild beaches--the waters can be wavy and dangerous, but that also makes them great for surfing. However, there are lots of places with calmer waters where swimming is safe and fun, especially Caleta Beach, a favorite among families.

Turquoise waters, fine and soft sands and picturesque rows of palm trees make the beaches of Barbados a true pleasure. Stick to the south and southwest coasts for calm waters and good swimming; for a surfing thrill, don't miss the massive, competition-caliber waves off the south and east coasts.

Jacobean and Georgian buildings built from pink and white coral, Gothic churches and pirate castles with ornate ceilings dot the Barbados landscape. Two of the must-see buildings are stately St. Nicholas Abbey in St. Peter and the sugar plantation Drax Hall in St. George, both dating to the 1650s.

Shanghai's Pudong district looms on the Huangpu's east bank, a soaring, futuristic marvel of a modern city. On the west bank, atmospheric Puxi boasts sights such as the waterfront Bund, with its colonial buildings, and the French Concession, with its bustling, leafy streets and lovely Art Deco architecture.

With one of the longest stretches of beach in Mexico, it's no wonder Mazatlan can offer such an enviable variety of beach experiences. Surfers can find big waves, sunbathers can relax on secluded swaths of golden sand and everyone can party or dine at casual palapa restaurants and bars.

Most St. Lucian hotels are right on the island's best attraction--its beautiful beaches. Visitors will find sands that vary from white to gold in color, waters that range from calm and placid to rough and dangerous and locales that can be crowded and lively or peaceful and romantic.

Grand Cayman is known as a scuba diving paradise with more than 130 dive sites surrounding the island, including its most famous one, Stingray City. Deep-sea fishermen enjoy the island's "national sport," and the coral reefs can be explored in many ways. The island also contains one of the Caribbean's best strands of sand, 7 Mile Beach.

Everyone is a kid again in Grand Cayman. Ride a submarine, visit Stingray City on a glass bottom boat, walk the plank or join a sword fight on The Jolly Roger replica, or enjoy the safety of snorkeling and the experience of scuba diving when you snuba.

With as many beaches as there are days in the year, Antigua and Barbuda make quite a splash. The northwest coast jostles with beach resorts, while harder to find, secluded spots dot the south and southwest coasts. Amazing pink and white sand beaches confetti the family-popular southeast coast.

From the world-famous beaches of St. John's to the megaliths of Greencastle Hill, Antigua offers families both adventure and relaxation. Swim in clear waters, build sand castles and explore ancient geological formations, petroglyphs, nature trails and plantation ruins.

In the capital, St. John's, the baroque towers of an 1845 cathedral dominate the skyline; an 18th-century courthouse holds a museum of island artifacts. Antigua's historical district unfolds around English Harbour, the world's only Georgian dockyard, and Shirley Heights, a colonial observation post.

Known for its amazing coral reefs and fascinating wildlife, Turks and Caicos is the ideal destination for the avid scuba diver or birdwatcher. The island's crystal-clear waters will also not disappoint those who enjoy snorkeling, surfing and swimming, and visitors will find plenty to do ashore, from sunbathing to shopping.

A small archipelago of adventure and relaxation awaits your family at Turks and Caicos. Go whale-watching, take a glass bottom boat to see iguanas running on the beaches of Little Water Cay, visit the popular Caicos Conch Farm or cool off in calm and shallow Sapodilla Bay.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, Anguilla offer a tranquil retreat of more than 30 beaches, seven marine parks and numerous diving sites where you can explore shipwrecks, caves and marine life. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, the beaches warm and the water dazzling at this Caribbean getaway.

From the Peloponnesian War to World War II, Corfu has been in the middle of military conflicts since ancient times. Walk in the village of Kassiopi where great emperors have set foot, see art and artifacts at the archaeological and art museums and explore the fort of Paleo Frourio.

Villages of whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and vibrant nightlife lure visitors from the resorts and beaches of the most popular Ionian island. Ermones beach attracts many from Corfu town, while picturesque Paleokastritsa, 17 miles Northwest, is definitely worth the drive.

The real Bermuda triangle comprises pink beaches, inspiring marine life and family fun. Even on rainy days, kids love the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and its 140,000-gallon replica of a living coral reef, as well as the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute's shipwrecks, artifacts and shark cage.

Most famous for their pink sands, Bermuda's beaches are so good for swimming and water sports that most visitors will find that the Bermudan waters match the brilliance of its shores. Take a dip in the tranquil waters at Elbow Beach or try snorkeling at Warwick Long Bay.

Bermuda's best shopping is in the City of Hamilton, the capital, where Front Street is the main buyer's drag. Fine British and Irish clothing and tableware are among the better finds, with prices cheaper than in their homelands due to Bermuda's lack of sales tax. St. George also boasts some good shops.

Kyoto was spared from WWII air raids and atomic bombing on account of its outstanding beauty. Only Rome has more designated World Heritage Sites than the former Japanese capital. Old Kyoto's alleys of traditional narrow houses, known as "houses for eels", fill historic geisha quarter Gion Corner.

Famous for its golden sandy beaches and its crystalline waters, Mykonos offers something for every type of beach-goer. The populated south beaches are perfect for partying, while the secluded north beaches offer quiet and relaxation. Enjoy a wide variety of activities from skiing, jet-skiing and windsurfing to horseback riding and parasailing.

Tropical Margarita Island is Venezuela's main Caribbean resort, with a few dozen white-sand beaches leading into turquoise waters. Nearby Los Roques archipelago is a pristine coral atoll that offers unparalleled scuba diving.

Crystalline waters, golden sand and the blessing of the sun god Helios make Rhodes a spectacular island for sun-worshippers 300 days a year. Pack plenty of reading material for a lazy holiday, or explore the countless treasures left from centuries of invaders.

Conquered, re-conquered and perennially fought over since its beginning more than 3,000 years ago, the Rhodes teems with ancient history and modern culture. Attractions include the ancient acropolis, the medieval city's streets and walkways and the site where the famous Colossus reputedly once stood.

Manzanillo remains as beautiful as when it was "discovered" by the jet set in the 1970s, but its beaches are now largely deserted. Sport fishers will be in heaven, and the International Sailfish Tournament takes place twice a year. Underwater visibility is high, making snorkeling and scuba diving memorable.

Etruscans set the pace at Tuscany's bubbling waters, and the Romans splashed in their wake, heating up the fortunes of spa town Bagni San Filippo. Those suffering from degenerative arthritis and rheumatism plunge into the restorative waters amid olive groves and vines in nearby Bagno Vignoni's thermal baths.

The crowning glory of the French Riviera, Cannes is the place to be seen on the beach even when it's not film festival time. Inviting sands and 300 days of sunshine a year make sunbathing a popular sport, and you can even rent a yacht for a week if you're really out to impress.

Key West's beaches are at once diverse and similar. Each one has a unique flavor, and some cater more to water sports than others. Almost all are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling, and they are, without exception, beautiful.

Saunter on the shell-speckled sands of tropical barrier island, Sanibel, on Florida's Gulf coast. Quiet, secluded White Beach, with its scurrying sandpipers, offers a respite from the holidaymaking hordes elsewhere, while Turner Beach lures those with their sights on shells or the day’s catch.

Fans of seashell-collecting will rejoice on the beaches of Sanibel Island, where it's possible to find specimens worthy of the local Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Rent bikes and explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Santa Barbara's beaches have palm trees, wide shores, world-class surfing and annual beach volleyball tournaments--what's not to love? Families should fire up a grill at Leadbetter Beach, swimmers should take a dip in East Beach's calm waters and couples should share a view of the sunset at Butterfly Beach.

Santa Barbara's picturesque coast and architecture make a fun backdrop for your family's vacation. Parents and kids enjoy riding the 3.2-mile bike path on bicycles or quadracycles, examining native marine life at the Sea Center, or just exploring the beaches and parks along Cabrillo Boulevard.

The gentle, rolling Cotswolds have a rich history. Fields turn up 6000-year-old arrowheads, and the Romans marked out many roads. Historical Jacobean estates, such as Chastleton House, abound in the affluent rural area. Pubs, antique shops and historic gardens round out the satisfyingly English picture.