New York's many zoos, museums and landmarks make the city a perfect destination for families of all ages. Explore Times Square or take the kids to FAO Schwarz, take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty or an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building, eat lunch at Carnegie Deli or picnic in Central Park - the choices are endless.

Though it is not the oldest city in America, no place has more history or culture than New York. One visit can't fit all the highlights: the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, Natural History Museum and, of course, the moving site of Ground Zero.

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 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.

Under the bridges of Paris your dreams can indeed come true. Like countless other lovers in the French capital before you, share a drink at an outdoor cafe, hold each other tight at the top the Eiffel Tower or take a cruise on the Seine you are in the most romantic city in the world.

History lovers should know that Milan is not all about trendy shops and designer clothes. Among the city's many historical attractions are La Scala Opera, the Milan Cathedral, the National Museum of Science and Technology and Santa Maria della Grazie, the church that preserves da Vinci's "Last Supper".

Tokyo can't be judged from the outside, since those expecting ancient monuments will instead be greeted with modern drabness. The Imperial Palace, still home to the Emperor, shouldn't be missed, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum details the city's history. Sensoji Temple is the city's oldest, and the Tokyo National Museum holds the largest collection of Japanese art in the world.

The Golden Gate Bridge is just one sight among many in the historic maritime city of San Francisco. Visit Alcatraz, explore Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf, ride a cable car to the Cable Car Museum and discover the city's Spanish roots at Mission Dolores and Asian influence in Chinatown.

Lovers of history will fall in love with London. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Buckingham and Kensington Palaces and the Tower of London are must-sees, as are the Tate and National Galleries and British Museum. Military history devotees can spend hours at the Imperial War Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.

Offering the irresistible combination of atmosphere, history and the thrills of a vast, fast-paced city, London makes a majestic destination. From the ghoulish Tower of London and the pomp of Buckingham Palace to the buzz of a big wheel, the London Eye, this is a city that will have you in a spin.

Miami Beach makes an utterly irresistible destination for those with romance on their vacation itinerary. Fabulous famed beaches, celebrity-owned eateries, alfresco dining, legendary bars, star spotting and spectacular shopping offer inspiring opportunities to indulge with loved ones.

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.

With sights guaranteed to impress even the most jaded teen, the Italian capital makes for a captivating getaway. From the ghoulish bone-decorated Santa Maria della Concezione to the delicious slew of ice cream stops around the city, Rome is sure to have something unforgettable for everyone.

Besides delicious food and delightful Italian culture, the best thing about Rome is its history. At its peak, Rome was the greatest, most powerful city and civilization in history. Today, sights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps remind us of what Rome once was.

You will not find any shortage of history in Barcelona, a city that is more than 2,000 years old. A trip through Europe's best-preserved Gothic Quarter turns the clock back to ancient and medieval times, and visually stunning churches and outstanding art museums also make excellent sightseeing.

The winning combination of culture, coastline and a great climate make Barcelona a top choice for the whole family. Gaudi's astounding architectural creations amaze. Some appealing beaches provide daytime diversions. Sights such as the aquarium and Las Ramblas provide yet more entertainment

For those willing to see and explore, a visit to Bangkok can be a fun and enriching lesson in Thai history and culture. Some key attractions include the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Temple of the Dawn, the Jim Thompson House and the two-century-old Grand Palace, featuring a majestic emerald Buddha.

The Bahamas boasts an enticing array of gambling destinations. Grand Bahama's big draws include Freeport's Bahamia and Lucaya's Isle of Capri, while Paradise Island, adjacent to Nassau, boasts the thrilling, glittering Atlantis Resort, a fairy-tale destination with a 7-acre lagoon, towers, glass sculptures and fantastic gaming.

The Bahamas offers families 700 islands of fun, sun and nature. Marvel at the tropical wildlife, plunder away at Pirates in the Bahamas, or explore the Adventure Learning Centre's petting farm, planetarium and nature trail. Of course, there are always relaxing beaches for family fun.

Whatever you look for in a beach, the Bahamas has it. With sands that range from pink to white to sugary, waters that are blue or crystal clear, waves that cater to water sports or swimming and sunsets that are always romantic, the Bahamian shores are brilliant and unforgettable.

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.

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.

Puerto Vallarta has the ideal setting for a luscious romantic escape. Banderas Bay, the site of Elizabeth Taylor's and Richard Burton's big romance, offers fabulous beaches, some of the country's best restaurants, proximity to Old Mexico and boat rides to the charming fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan.

One of the best places to go with family in tow, Chicago absolutely teems with attractions. Choose from the fun of touristy Navy Pier and photo ops at the mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture to riding a tandem along the hem of Lake Michigan, the (free) zoo or the wonderful Shedd Aquarium.

A rare combination of age-old tradition and a dynamic modern state, Hong Kong boasts many remarkable historical attractions. Be sure to visit the Peak Tower, the Po Lin Monastery with the largest outdoor bronze Buddha in the world, the Man Mo Temple and the Hong Kong Museum of History.

With its European ambiance, Quebecois joie de vivre and its elegant architecture, Montreal is ideal for romantic escapes. Intimate bistros, perfect for tête-à-têtes, nestle on cobblestone streets. Patio tables give views of Montrealers strolling their streets. A thrilling slew of hot hotels and nightlife make for exciting nights.

Since Cartier landed in Montreal in 1535, it has evolved from a small village into a major world metropolis. Trace its development from the days of Champlain as you walk through Old Montreal's Parisian-style streets, explore the Botanical Gardens and visit the renowned Notre-Dame Basilica.

Tourists have shown an increased interest in the past, so Singapore has restored much of its Chinatown district, including the Thian Hock Keng temple, with its impressive warrior door gods and the city's oldest Hindu national monument. The Kranji War Memorial is a tribute to the casualties of the Second World War.

Vibrant Toronto has a dazzling array of arts and culture venues; more than 200 theater companies tread the city's boards; big name and alternative museums and galleries abound; orchestras and bands thrive in the spirited city; and a seemingly infinite number of festivals confetti the calendar.

Home to indigenous people for tens of thousands of years, Sydney's European history began when Captain Cook laid eyes on Botany Bay in 1770. The discovery of gold in 1851 led to massive growth and Sydney has blossomed into a thrilling, glittering, modern city with world-class arts and culture institutions.

With dozens of stunning ocean beaches within half an hour of downtown, there are few better urban beach destinations than Sydney. Famed Bondi Beach sees up to 40,000 on busy weekends. If quieter beaches appeal, take the coastal walk past smaller strands all the way to Coogee's calmer sands.

Madrid boasts some of the finest art collections in the world, but the city also has plenty of interesting historic attractions. The Royal Palace, the Convent of the Royal Barefoot Nuns, the Museo Naval and Puerta Del Sol trace Spanish history from the empire Francisco Franco's reign to the modern day.

The birthplace of the sensual tango is an incredibly romantic city to sashay to. Atmospheric old neighborhoods present captivating corners and enticing restaurants to linger in. Restaurants and nightlife options are appealingly priced, making it even easier to enjoy any number of romantic meals out.

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.

Among the crowded streets and souks of vibrant Marrakech, ancient hammams beckon. Choose from alluring addresses such as world famous Les Doux Tours and traditional Moroccan bathhouse Riad Mehdi, where both age-old and modern treatments star and comfortable rooms await around the courtyard.

From Maria Theresa to Franz Ferdinand and from fragmented state to world empire, Austria has a history of compelling royalty and influential statecraft. One can find much of this in Vienna's many historical attractions, including the Schonbrunn Palace, the Imperial Palace and the State Opera House.

Paradise for the history lover, Athens is filled with precious ruins of ancient Greek civilization. The most famous sights are the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Agora, the Theater of Dionysos and the National Gardens, but to visit these attractions is merely to scratch the surface of what Athens has to offer.

Athens makes for a marvelous family vacation. Everyone will go away with astounding sights and experiences emblazoned in their memories; buildings the kids have only seen in cartoon form, from the Parthenon to the Acropolis looming up high. Plus towering statues, idyllic islands and stunning antiquities.

With a street grid laid out by Kublai Khan in the 13th century, Beijing is filled with history. Tiananmen Square contains a memorial to the Heroes of the People, the Mao Zedong Mausoleum and the spectacular Forbidden City palace. Slightly outside of town, the Ming Tombs are the burial grounds of 13 dynastic emperors.

The Egyptian capital was founded in 969 A.D. and encompasses a veritable litany of wonders. Seven thousand millennia of history has left astounding treasures on the banks of the Nile, from the Sphinx and the Pyramids to the Orthodox, 3rd-century Hanging Church and atmospheric, medieval Old Cairo.

Perhaps nowhere on earth is the beach so crucial to a big city's culture as in Rio, with its two most popular strips having even been immortalized in song. Of the two, Copacabana is bigger and livelier, Ipanema a bit more upscale and relaxed. For even greater Žlan, try Leblon just to their west.

Lively, exuberant Rio de Janeiro is an excellent choice for an active romantic escape. The city pulses with the throb of sensual samba rhythms, the beaches teem with life, the nightlife scene is searing hot and there's a palpable air of excitement in this vivacious city of seven million.