Summer Holidays in the USA

Famous for its huge array of family-friendly water parks, the Dells is set in a beautiful river valley, and offers everything visitors could want from a summer vacation. Stay in town to check out mini golf courses or Baraboo's Circus World, or head out for hikes in Devil's Lake State Park. Expect warm hospitality wherever you go in the northern USA's premier summer destination.

The home of Disney World offers a lot more than the opportunity to meet Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, or tour the Epcot Centre (although if you want to spend a week exploring the park, that's absolutely fine). Seriously hot Floridian summer weather is guaranteed, and attractions like Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Legoland Florida mean that every day can involve a unique activity. Nowhere is better for families.

Thought to be the USA's oldest seaside resort, Cape May remains a wonderful summer destination. The beach is obviously a major draw and is among the best on the east coast. The town itself is charming, with plenty of surviving Victorian houses, many of which are open to the public. Add in seafood buffets of the highest quality at Schellenger's Landing, and it's a hard destination to resist.

This island off the coast of Massachusetts is another excellent east coast option. A favourite haunt of America's elites, the island is tranquil and relaxing - the ideal place to find some serenity away from the stress of home. The beaches are inviting, the views from Aquinnah Cliffs are superb, and the Oak Bluffs Carousel is probably the oldest amusement ride in the USA.

San Francisco never fails to capture the hearts of visitors. Maybe it's the dramatically sloping city streets and the old fashioned streetcars, or maybe it's attractions like Alcatraz Island or Fisherman's Wharf. Either way, San Fran is a great place to spend a summer escape, and it's also a base for wine tours or surfing breaks if you want to mix urban enjoyment and out of town adventures.