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.

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.

Named East Asia Culture City in 2018, Busan has recently risen to prominence internationally, with visitors now flocking to South Korea's second city even outside of the busy International Film Festival week each October. There is more to do and see than can fit in a space of a few days: traditional spas, local eats and endless shopping all leave but a little time to take in the rugged Busan coastline on seaside nature hikes.

Called "the Flower of the East" by the Venetians, Zakynthos is still one of the lushest and most-loved Greek islands, with green hillsides covered with flowers in spring and early summer, steep cliffs dropping to dazzling turquoise waters, and some of the country's best beaches.

Port Macquarie is a vibrant coastal city known for its outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches, and delicious fresh produce. The area also has a rich convict history that adds depth to its charm. Located on the mid North Coast of New South Wales, it’s home to Australia's largest population of coastal koalas. The region is celebrated for its Hastings River oysters and award-winning wines from local vineyards, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both natural beauty and culinary delights.