Make your way to Los Angeles for a vacation that has a bit of everything. This quintessential California city has all the glitz and glam it’s known for, but it’s also an excellent place to relax on the beach, bike along the water and hike the hills. Dine at world-class restaurants, indulge in a spa experience at the traditional bathhouses in Koreatown or spend the day at one of countless renowned museums. Film aficionados should head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where you’ll find Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” while history buffs will appreciate the new expansion and renovation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, set to open this year.

Yearning for a European vacation without the long-haul flight? Then Montreal is the vacation destination for you, seamlessly blending Canadian culture with French flair. Wander around Mount Royal Park, designed by the same landscape architect who created Central Park; ride La Grande Roue de Montreal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada; or spend the afternoon sipping espresso and eating pastries at the European-style Café Olimpico. Don’t miss out on the world-class museums and awe-inspiring architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Unwind with a trip to Bota Bota, a floating spa in Montreal’s Old Port. A fan of high-octane cars? Visit in June when the city hosts one of the largest racing events in Canada.

With so many unique experiences to be had, an incredible vacation is pretty much guaranteed in Hawaii. Whether you’re in search of the best waves to surf, or you’re swimming underneath a waterfall then hiking up a volcano, the Aloha State offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. Couples will find plenty of room for romance with relaxing massages on the beach, amorous sunset cocktail cruises and candlelit dinners under the stars. First time visitors should consider staying in Oahu, where you'll find Honolulu, the state’s biggest city, the infamous Waikiki Beach and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Venture to Kauai or Lanai islands for fewer crowds and a more laidback atmosphere. Meanwhile on Maui, travelers will find all the amenities of a bustling metropolis mixed with ample opportunity to get lost in Mother Nature.

All eyes are set on Paris as it gears up to host the world’s most important athletic competition. The games will take place between July 26 and August 11, so prepare well in advance to secure your accommodations and reservations during this particularly busy period of 2024. Summer in Paris can be crowded even when a major sporting event isn’t in town, so if you prefer to skip the crowds altogether, plan your vacation in spring or fall, when you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, quieter streets and shorter lines. Snap a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Seine or marvel at more than 35,000 works of art on display in the Louvre. The Notre Dame Cathedral, which was damaged in a fire in 2019, is set to reopen by the end of 2024, but if you visit before then, you can still peruse an exhibit about the cathedral and its ongoing reconstruction work.

Known for its bright lights and big city energy, Jakarta is one of the most popular vacation spots in Southeast Asia. But the capital of Indonesia isn’t just skyscrapers and shopping. It’s also a complex tapestry of Dutch colonial buildings, unique museums and a rich heritage that shows itself through its people, food and culture. For all things art, head to the RUCI Art Space, located in the trendy Senopati neighborhood, and then to the National Gallery of Indonesia. If you have kids in tow (or even if you don’t), you’ll also want to visit the Museum Layang-Layang. Set inside a traditional Indonesian house, this kite museum explores the origin of kite flying and displays an impressive collection, including 2D and 3D kites.