Phoenix, the vibrant capital of Arizona, basks in a sun-drenched paradise known for its warm climate year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F (~38°C)—the dry heat makes it more bearable though. The city is also the most populous state capital in the U.S., which translates to a richly diverse collection of cultures and activities. And perhaps most spectacularly, every drive or stroll through the city is accompanied by a backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, sandy mountain ranges, and eternal blue skies.

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

European explorers took what today is Praslin Island's nature reserve to be the original Garden of Eden, and no wonder — the primeval forest of Vallee de Mai has changed little over millions of years, and giant Aldabra tortoises still roam the archipelago populated by an incredible diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Out of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 12 are inhabited by humans, making for splendidly pure natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, and some of the world's most fantastic diving spots.

Montpellier, one of Europe's emerging holiday gems, draws travellers with its Mediterranean proximity, enchanting medieval core, and lively nightlife fuelled by its large student community. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, Montpellier beckons exploration, whether it's the nearby Mediterranean beaches or the adventurous allure of the Cévennes mountains just an hour's drive away.