Catherine Kinsey

Munich: the postcard image of Bavaria and one of my all-time favorite cities in Europe. Beer culture prevails here, but there is so much more to this lively and sophisticated metropolis than golden lagers. Although, if you’re not drinking from steins and eating würst while you’re there, you’re doing it wrong. When in München, mein Schatz. Home to about 1.5 million people, the capital of Bavaria is geographically closer to Salzburg and Zurich than to Berlin. If your image of Germany involves dirndls, lederhosen and sausages, you’ll find it here in spades. You’ll also find exceptional art museums, beautiful historic architecture, upscale shopping and fine contemporary cuisine.

About an hour south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast encompasses 34 miles of breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. This region evokes the best of la dolce vita: coastal cliffs, colorful villages, abundant lemon groves, chic Italian restaurants and picturesque beaches. Can a place so immortalized by Slim Aarons and Gray Malin live up to the dreams of a seasoned traveler? Sì, certamente, senza dubbio! Whether it’s your first time to Italy or your tenth, the Amalfi Coast is calling you.

The urban jewel of British Columbia, stunning Vancouver rises from the Pacific coastline on a backdrop of mountains. This vibrant city has been shaped by its rich indigenous history, seaport location and diverse population. Vancouver offers picturesque harbor views and outdoor adventure opportunities, plus city sophistication and a fantastic, Asian-influenced culinary scene. The perfect long weekend destination, Vancouver is also an ideal addition before or after an Alaska Cruise, or as part of a larger Whistler or Vancouver Island itinerary.

Few places are more glorious in summer than Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Adjacent to Grand Teton National Park, this valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges is blessed with some of the most majestic scenery in the lower 48. Warm, sunny days and chilly nights make for an outdoor adventure paradise, while the once-quaint cowboy town of Jackson offers a host of sophisticated dining and shopping. Whether you have just a few days or a whole month to spare, you’ll never run out of things to do and you’ll likely start planning your next visit to the Tetons before you leave.

While winter sport enthusiasts revere Jackson Hole for cold-weather recreation, I prefer Jackson Hole in the summer. The bitter cold has abated, wildflowers bloom on the mountainsides and trout jump in the rivers. Hiking trails abound in Jackson, Wilson and Teton Village, before you even enter Grand Teton National Park and explore its vast trail network. The Snake River swells with the runoff of melted snow, yielding opportunities to fly fish, whitewater raft or simply float along and enjoy the views. Wildlife is everywhere, particularly in the national park, and you’ll see creatures great and small, from bison to mountain goats to grizzly bears.