Shopper's Paradise

Macau has a colourful palette and a plethora of sites despite occupying just 30.8sq km of the Chinese mainland. From neon-lit casinos to charming markets, cobbled streets to modern cafés, and Baroque churches to Art Deco architecture–there's a wonderful mix of East and West in the city. Thirty buildings and squares are UNESCO listed, and many reflect Macau's colonial Portuguese legacy–as does the food, laid-back lifestyle, and the blue azulejo-tiled street names. Yet Macau has a modern Asian look, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong.

A city with well-known architectural beauties like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the World One skyscraper set against the natural harbour of the Konkan coast, Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, India. It has now become one of the biggest melting pots in the world, boasting an ever-increasing population that is attracted by both the sights and business opportunities available here. Seeing all it has to offer may seem like a daunting task, but you are sure to find something to your liking in this megalopolis.

Located in Texas, the fourth largest city in the U.S. is known for NASA, its annual rodeo, and the largest medical complex in the world, the Texas Medical Center. However, Houston has matured into a complete and downright hip vacation destination for the savvy traveler. The city is a diverse metropolis where no ethnicity comprises a majority of the population. This mix of cultures has contributed to making Houston a city of superb cuisine and world-class culture, entertainment and shopping.

Also known as Canton, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China. It has long been one of China's main commercial and trading centres and is one of the first cities that opened to the world. As one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Guangzhou has also seen fast growth in tourism, attracting visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, world-renowned Cantonese cuisine and its vibrant nightlife.

With glass skyscrapers that reflect the bustle of daily life, magnificent buildings such as the Emirates Palace, its lively souqs, excellent restaurants and long stretches of white beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a city of outstanding contrasts. The throbbing heart of the city lies 250 metres off-shore on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Home to the respected Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the Al Hosn Palace museum, along with numerous venues for the arts, the wealthy city is the cultural as well as commercial hub of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Over a decade ago, Lille was awarded the European Capital of Culture title, marking not its pinnacle but rather the start of its journey. In the years since, it has established itself as a premier cultural destination, rivalling any other in northern France and, according to some, beyond. Once a thriving commercial hub in French Flanders, Lille still exudes a strong Flemish character, both in its cuisine and the ornate buildings of its charming Old Town.

Newcastle is the hub of the Hunter Valley wine region in New South Wales, located right at the mouth of the Hunter River. It is home to stunning beaches, a rich heritage of Victorian architecture and plenty of live music events for all tastes. There are also lots of places for recreation, hiking and outdoor adventures nearby. Whether you are looking for vibrant city life or a spectacular natural retreat, in Newcastle you will get it all.