The Curú Wildlife Refuge is situated on Costa Rica’s lush Nicoya Peninsula, thick with primary forest and fringed by tiny coves and beaches. It’s a real haven for wildlife, where you might spy ocelots, anteaters or capuchin monkeys rustling about in the foliage.

Chiapas is Mexico’s southernmost state, and this busy commercial port is situated close to the border with Guatemala. The nearest town, Tapachula, doesn’t have a lot going for it, but nearby attractions include beaches, coffee plantations and the impressive pre-Hispanic ruins of Izapa.

Huatulco, on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, was developed for tourism with a low-rise, eco-friendly approach, a far cry from the likes of Cancún or Acapulco. Four of Huatulco’s nine beautiful bays have been designated as ecological reserves, and there are several villages showcasing traditional Mexican crafts.

The resort town of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has bags of charm in spite of its popularity. Spend some time exploring the pretty old town, with its cobbled streets and quirky boutiques, or relax on the beach. Humpback whales breed out in the bay during the winter months, and dolphins can be spotted year round.

Situated in the northwest corner of the USA, eclectic Seattle is a jumble of different neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive character, and the city enjoys a stunning natural setting, surrounded by forests, mountains and the broad sweep of Puget Sound.

Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a city that rewards exploration, an eminently liveable place and an easy gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia. The culinary scene here is a particular draw, with seafood galore and some fantastic Asian restaurants.

Ketchikan is a great introduction to Alaska’s natural attractions, situated at the foot of towering Deer Mountain and within easy reach of the Misty Fjords. The colourful wooden buildings of Creek Street, the old red light district, are a reminder of Ketchikan’s former status as a rough and ready frontier town; these days, things are rather more civilised!

The breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument is a 3,570-square-mile swathe of virgin forest and plunging fjords, just to the east of Ketchikan. As the name suggests, the fjords are often cloaked in a fine mist, and the wilderness is home to bears, bald eagles, whales and more.

Back in its 19th century heyday Wrangell was a lawless gold rush town, and it's still a little rough around the edges, but it's also a very welcoming place, ideal for exploring the surrounding Alaskan wilderness. Take a trip to the nearby Anan Wildlife Observatory for the chance to see black and brown bears at close proximity.

Sitka was founded by Russian fur traders in 1799 as the city of New Archangel, and there is still a discernible Russian influence here, including the distinctive St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The town also enjoys spectacular natural surroundings, facing the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Mount Edgecumbe.

Beautifully located next to the longest fjord in North America, Haines is one of the most attractive cruise ports in Alaska, surrounded by mountains, forests and glaciers. It’s also home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, and a great place to spot grizzly bears.