Few Greek islands boast an immaculacy comparable to that of Astypalaia — a butterfly-shaped cloistral haven rising from the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea. Captured at certain angles, Astypalaia bears a striking semblance to its not-so-distant yet far more glamorised cousin of Santorini. With its pristine beaches, whitewashed houses, and uncharted walking paths, the island is an explorer's heaven, and a find for those looking to escape the madding crowds of summer vacationers.

Before rising to global and national importance with the arrival of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Park City, Utah was a relatively unknown gem of the west. Residents adored the area for its abundance of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking, to skiing and snowboarding. This opportunity was capitalized upon during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, which was consequently deemed the most successful in Winter Olympics history.

This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Bergerac, in the heart of the Périgord Dordogne region, is an ancient and compact city, characterised by its elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings. Gourmet restaurants, street entertainment, and the fact that the whole city can be explored on foot are all part of its charm. Bergerac is also renowned for its wine, and a short trip to the outskirts of the city reveals a landscape of vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest vintages.