Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.

For more than one billion people worldwide, Mecca is the holiest site, revered as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the city where the revelation occurred. Because of its profound religious significance, millions of pilgrims journey here every year from all corners of the globe, making Mecca one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the Muslim world — a true melting pot of peoples and cultures. Remember, that this holiest of cities, known as “Makkah”, is only accessible to Muslims.

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.

Although Eilat existed already in ancient times, the modern town dates back to 1949. It is Israel’s premier winter sun resort and the heart of the Red Sea Riviera. Thrilling landscapes of red-tinted mountains, sheer blue skies, and crystal clear waters give an exhilarating sense of adventure, pleasure and freedom, with a myriad of things to do and see.