Phoenix, the vibrant capital of Arizona, basks in a sun-drenched paradise known for its warm climate year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F (~38°C)—the dry heat makes it more bearable though. The city is also the most populous state capital in the U.S., which translates to a richly diverse collection of cultures and activities. And perhaps most spectacularly, every drive or stroll through the city is accompanied by a backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, sandy mountain ranges, and eternal blue skies.

Skopje is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. The city is welcoming and locals demonstrate a hospitable attitude towards visitors. Despite the fairly recent political turmoil in the Balkans, Skopje has blossomed into a thriving, stimulating city to explore, defining itself as an exciting tourist destination.

Few places in Europe have remained off the beaten path as much as the Kosovar first city; fewer yet have been at the heart of a political dispute as agonising in recent history. Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states, boasts a youthful populace to match, and exudes a lust for life that's virtually tangible. Still rough around the edges and with no tourist information offices in sight, Pristina remains uncharted territory, a state of affairs foreseen to change as the city attracts a growing number of visitors.

Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, captivates with its romantic bridges and scenic waterways. The city's architecture showcases its rich cultural heritage. The historic centre, at the foot of a hill topped by the iconic Ljubljana Castle, is compact and easily explored on foot or by bike. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the city offers abundant opportunities for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities.