While in Cologne, you can visit Germany's oldest city hall, with parts dating back to the 11th century. Over time, it has picked up a mix of styles—Gothic tower, Renaissance loggia, some modern touches. The 61-metre tower is covered in carved figures, including some cheeky ones from local history, and the bells chime four times a day. There’s also a mechanical face called the Platzjabbek that sticks its tongue out on the hour. Inside, the Hansasaal is the main historic hall—worth a look if it’s open.

Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, one of the U.S.'s five great lakes, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a natural wonder that has been marked for preservation for its awe-inspiring beauty and natural resources. It takes its name from a Native American legend concerning its formation. It consists of Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs that overlook the lake, and Manitou Islands, which are located about 15 miles offshore. There are numerous activities available to visitors of the park that include camping, hiking, kayaking and canoeing, biking, skiing, fishing, or simply exploring the myriad of ecosystems that are home to a diversity of plants and wildlife.

If you're passionate about history and want to use every occasion to learn more, even on vacation, visit the local museum in Oranjestad. The displays focus on the pre-colonial period and Amerindian culture, and it's located inside an elegant colonial house. Some of the artefacts in the exhibition were crafted millennia ago.

The coastal towns along the Fraser Coast offer plenty of in, on and high above water activities like diving, jet skiing, hang gliding, deep sea fishing, paragliding and more. You name it, it is all here!