Cuba's quintessential holiday destination is steadily regaining former glory, striding forward to the future where it will once again rank among the finest beach resorts in the Caribbean. Varadero is far from a synthetic vacationer theme park some hold it for - the town is home to nearly 20,000 Cubans and exudes local flavour despite being primarily known for its first-class luxury hotels.

Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with 300 annual days of sunshine, the Mile High City is a year-round destination that seamlessly blends a rich Western heritage and passion for the outdoors with urban excitement. Downtown Denver is home to an array of chef-owned restaurants, brewpubs, shops, and family-friendly attractions. Denver serves as the gateway to the most breathtaking national parks in the Western USA, including Mesa Verde, one of Colorado's four national parks, as well as Wyoming's Yellowstone and Utah's Canyonlands.

Faro serves as the Algarve's historic capital, where traditional Portuguese architecture meets the region's natural coastal beauty. The compact old town features whitewashed buildings, mosaic pavements and quiet plazas shaded by mature trees. Beyond the city limits, the Ria Formosa's lagoon system creates a protected habitat for migratory birds, while sandy barrier islands stretch along the Atlantic coast. While day trips beckon, don't overlook Faro's own golden beaches and the wildlife-rich lagoon.

Located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of the country, modern Dortmund is vibrant and cultural, known for its good shopping, beer and football. But there is another, altogether gentler, side to this former industrial powerhouse. Dortmund has great theatres and cultural centres, a range of fascinating museums and, with half the city given over to parks and gardens, enough green areas to sooth the senses.

Just ten degrees north of the equator, Quepos offers a rich mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and the Pacific coast. Named after the Quepoa people who once lived here, the town serves as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its mangroves, lagoons, and beach-lined forests. Quepos is a place where nature’s variety and beauty invite outdoor lovers to explore and soak in its wild charm.