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An Alberta town full of acclaimed restaurants, breweries, boutiques and art galleries, Banff makes for an exciting vacation in every season. Vacationers can spend their days hiking, relaxing in hot springs and boating on the lakes. Banff's location within the Canadian Rockies also makes it easy for visitors to access Banff National Park, which boasts some of the world's most beautiful vistas. Inside the park, travelers can admire sweeping views of the Bow River Valley from the Banff Gondola or while schussing the slopes at the park's three ski resorts.

Florence offers plenty of world-famous attractions, including the Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria. After appreciating this historic Italian city's Renaissance architecture and art, sample some of the region's delectable Tuscan food and wine at Florence's quaint cafes, gelato shops and ristorantes. Then, cross the Ponte Vecchio to get to the Boboli Gardens, where you'll find verdant gardens and panoramic views.

Sydney offers more than just a dizzying array of landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to name a few. This Australian city boasts a warm, sunny climate that is ideal for relaxing or surfing at world-renowned beaches like Coogee, Bondi and Manly. Sydney also offers a long list of seasonal events, including concerts and food festivals. No visit would be complete without visiting museums like the Hyde Park Barracks Museum and the Australian Museum to get an overview of the city's history and culture.

A visit to the "Lost City of the Incas" is not for the faint of heart, but it is often described as life-changing (once you acclimate to the altitude). While the four-day hike along the Inca Trail is challenging, arriving at the Peruvian site during sunrise is well worth the effort, according to past travelers. If you're not up for the trek, you can also hop on a tourist train to the mountain base for an easier route to the top.

Stunning Persian Gulf views, heart-pumping activities and historical landmarks await you in Dubai. This Middle Eastern city is filled with some of the world's most notable and unique attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and indoor Ski Dubai. But the city still holds onto its heritage, as seen in the Bastakiya Quarter and the traditional Gold and Spice souks. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Jumeirah Beach's sandy shore.