Australia’s highest peaks are in the Snowy Mountains, where there’s thrilling downhill skiing and snowboarding during the snow season. Lively towns and resorts in this alpine region in the Southwest NSW are also popular destinations in warmer months for hiking, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. When spring melts the snow into cascading waters and wildflowers bloom, streams shelter trout and attract many fly fishermen. Vineyards in this beautiful region produce excellent cool-climate wines, and fresh produce is on sale at farm gates.

As the poet Umberto Saba wrote: “Trieste has an unsociable grace. Located between the sea and the mountains of Carso, beautiful and fascinating, she does not like to show off, although she conquers her visitor at first sight.” Tergeste, as Trieste was named during the Roman era, is to be discovered on foot, to fully taste her richness and to breathe, through her streets, buildings and monuments, her 2000-year-old history.

The Sunshine Coast is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most beautiful regions with amazing beaches, stunning sunlight, picturesque hinterland and plenty of breathtaking views. The vast area, which extends along the golden Pacific coast for nearly 60 kilometres, offers a wonderful and immense mix of cultures, cuisine, nature and outdoor activities that are all ready to be explored.

Nîmes is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is also the city of spring, named after the Roman God Nemausus. In recent years Nîmes has been rediscovered as a weekend destination, thanks to, in large part, its beauty, rich architectural heritage and proximity to both the Mediterranean and Provence. There are also many exciting restaurants in the city, including Aux Plaisirs des Halles by Nîmes’ large indoor food market.

Tivat feels like a town that’s caught in between—between old fishing days and shiny new marinas, between quiet corners and glamorous yachts. It’s small, but the kind of place that makes you want to stick around. Wander the cobbled streets, grab a coffee by the water, and you’ll get a sense of its easy-going rhythm. The Bay of Kotor stretches out before you, and while Tivat has its share of sleek, modern spots, there’s a certain charm in the old stone buildings and the salty breeze that still gives the place its soul.