I really like to research an area before I go there. TA is my first choice always. Then I talk to others who have been there. Might also look at cruise critic; frommer; fodor; lonely planet and then the own tourist boards. On the beach, I like to chill, listen to jazz and blues, eat great food. In the cities, I want to get out and explore, have made lifetime friends this way.I often combine a music event with a weekend trip , esp. jazz. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can. It will be over soon enough.