Don’t be fooled by the country’s name. Not only are Reykjavik’s winters milder than New York’s, but its popularity as a destination is growing, due to its fine balance between cosmopolitan style and rough-and-tumble nature.

Your experience here will be as relaxed or lively as you want it to be, and that’s Reykjavik’s real charm: If you seek out the bars, the clubs, and the snowmobiling, it’s a petite little firecracker; if you prefer to stroll the quiet streets and soak in the Blue Lagoon, it’s a refreshingly subdued getaway.

Either way, Reykjavik proves that good things come in small capitals.

Nestled in the valley of the Po River in the Emilia-Romagna province, Parma is widely known as the capital of Italy’s famous “food valley.” But much more than that, it’s a city of ancient history, a city of walking, and a city of people-watching.

Founded in 183 BC as a Roman colony, Parma’s rich heritage can be found in the walls of the old city, catacombs and roads. The varying architecture and different eras speak to a visual history of a city that is a mix of old and new.

Though an important economic center for Northern Italy, Parma isn’t exactly on the radar for first-time visitors. But for those in-the-know, a trip to this city means you can find a more “authentic” Italian experience among the locals, without dealing with hordes of tourists.

As travelers watch gas prices soar higher than ever, some are left with few vacation options. But, don’t let that ominous cha-ching! keep you from traveling. Just get out there and embark on an adventure in your very own backyard.

Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, America’s Scenic Byways promotes, preserves and enhances specific stretches of road—be it urban- or natural-scapes.

These scenic byways provide travelers unique road trip opportunities, with fun stops along the way. And, best of all, 44 states have a byway, so in travelers can find their own close-to-home adventure.

With gas prices topping $4 a gallon nationally, maybe it’s time to take a vacation from driving.

What better way to make that happen and head to a place where cars aren’t necessary—or in some cases, not allowed.

The alternative?

Try bicycling, horse-back riding, carriage rides, sailing, and walking … it’s all part of the experience.

With a three-to-one exchange rate and vibrant, European flair, the South American city of Buenos Aires has made a name for itself as the city to visit. So much so that Matt Lauer made a recent visit!

Buenos Aires is big, bustling and, at times, completely overwhelming (there’s even a 16-lane highway that slashes through the heart of the city!).

But it’s not as hard as you might think to get below its surface of the city. Each neighborhood, or barrio, has its own distinct flavor, making the Argentine capital seem more compact than it is. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with the famously …

Los Angeles and San Francisco may generally get the headlines when it comes to travel, but California’s third city, San Diego, is a hidden gem.

Granted, when most people think of San Diego, they do have a vague idea of what the city might hold - especially the world-class zoo.

But there are plenty of other great activities in the city that calls itself ‘America’s Finest’.

So take a gander at these ideas for great things to do in San Diego that you won’t find in the brochures.