The Coolest Places on Earth

A visit to Ireland includes stops in Dublin and along the Wild Atlantic Way. Among the activities featured: biking, paddling, hiking, climbing and dancing.

Exploring some unconventional places to tour in the Mediterranean.

A visit to islands in the South Pacific known as New Caledonia. Included: snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and relaxing.

A journey across the globe in search of answers to travel trivia.

Outrageous races on the water.

Exploring some radical versions of extreme sports, including kiteboarding in the snow; swimming with sharks; playing volleyball with one's feet; fishing while wakeboarding; and playing hockey underwater.

A road trip on the Alaska-Canadian Highway includes stops at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Kluane National Park and Reserve.

A tour of Mexico includes popular destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as some lesser-known spots.

Lesser-known cities in Europe are toured.

Top-notch ski resorts and mountain retreats are visited. Included: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; Colorado's Telluride Ski Resort; and the Swiss Alps of Switzerland.

A tour of beaches in the Bahamas, the South Pacific and the coasts of North and South America. Included: sunbathing, snorkeling and surfing.

An exotic cruise includes stops in Spain, France and Greece after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar.

Vacations for animal enthusiasts are spotlighted, including safaris, zoos and underwater explorations.

The top spots for conservation lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts are spotlighted.

Highlights of a tour of lesser-known parts of the American Southwest include gunfight contests, small-town fairs and an engineless aerial tour. Also: learning about the art of the cowboy boot.

Fun water activities include riding an antique schooner on Lake Michigan and taking a cruise around the Greek Islands.

Exploring America's quirky side. Included: barrel rides over Niagara Falls and ghosts tours in the Deep South.

Exploring limited-time seasonal wonders. Included: an echo on a lake in Alaska; a hike through Michigan ice caves; and an enormous flower bloom in an incredibly dry place.