Sitting proudly on the shores of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka is a city ablaze with the neon glare of the 21st century, moving at a slower and much more manageable pace than its better-known siblings from Honshu. There are plenty of Japanese flavours to be had here, both figuratively and in the very direct sense of the word, along with a lot of uniquely local flair for those looking to cast their nets wider than the staples of Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

The low-rise Gambian capital might not be as advanced of a visitor hub as one would, perhaps, expect from a city of such national significance, but it certainly boasts some raw appeal contained within its pulsating and often rather hectic streets. Beyond Banjul proper lies the sprawling Serekunda — Gambia's most populous area — and the vacationer-favoured coastal settlements of Kololi, Bakau, Koto and Fajara.

Bodrum, with its picturesque crescents and white-washed houses, is a year-round travel destination. This port city, nestled on the western coast of Turkey, has earned its reputation as 'Turkey's Saint-Tropez', and lives up to it with flair. But there's more to Bodrum than just sun, sand and sea. Today, it stands as a key centre of trade, art and entertainment. This coastal gem effortlessly weaves the traditional and the modern, crafting a harmony that is quintessentially Bodrum.

The coastal gem in Southern Italy offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes. Explore the historic Old Town and wander through the winding streets, where laundry flaps in the breeze and locals chat over espresso in lively cafés, savour the local cuisine known for its fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and delicious street food, and soak up the Adriatic's beauty along its picturesque coastline.

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.