Once overlooked by visitors, Valencia is coming into its own, offering a growing gastronomic scene and laid-back Mediterranean vibe — and it makes an easy side-trip from Madrid or Barcelona.

Heading to Barcelona? Whether you’re gaga for Gaudi, got a fetish for designer espatrilles or want to discover your inner foodie, here are five ways to entertain yourself in the Gothic capital of Catalonia.

Toronto-based freelance writer heads to notoriously expensive New York City with her pals and soaks up the scene on just $390 … Find out how she did it!

No longer the little sister to Seattle, Portland offers a long-weekend getaway of good coffee, innovative food and gorgeous vistas. Find out where to stay, what to do and the best spots to eat and drink.

Italians know how to live. From the caramel-coloured swirl in a morning espresso to a fresh bowl of spaghetti topped with a basil leaf, food is taken seriously. Swimming in the azure Mediterranean Sea surrounded by mountains is a daily activity. Wearing skull earrings and colourful stilettos is typical style. They know how to live.

St. Simons Island blends the best of the Deep South with the East Coast. Halfway between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia, fly into either airport and make the hour drive to the island.

In Cambodian Khmer, “taxi” must be synonymous with “delivery truck.” In my (now extensive) experience, this is a lot like confusing French champagne with boxed wine. After getting no sleep at all the previous night lying on a bare, bedbug-ridden mattress in a cement room in the border town of Prek Chak, my nerves were fraying.

Santa Marta and San Andres Island, homes of the Playa Blanca and Parque Nacional Tayrona, are considered some of the top beach destinations in South America. But consider coordinating your trip with one of the country’s many colourful festivals.

I had a stunning realization the day I came home from a two-week vacation in Spain — I didn’t eat enough. If you’re a foodie like me, I advise you to add San Sebastian to your travel destination list. Bordering the south of France, San Sebastian is a small Basque-speaking town known globally for its cuisine and Michelin-star restaurants.

Memphis is more than Graceland. No, really. It’s also the home of blues, barbeque and rock and roll.

Before filling up the gas tank, cruise through these five spectacular all-American road trips recommended by Yahoo Travel! Then create the perfect iPod playlist, roll down the windows and let the scenery unfold before your eyes.

Liquid sunshine — I would all too soon come to know the true meaning of this Scottish phrase for rain as I stepped off the plane to a drizzle-soaked morning in Edinburgh after leaving an otherwise pleasant morning in London only a few hours earlier.