Having survived almost three decades of conflict and division, Belfast has emerged from its chrysalis with a newfound freshness and vibrancy. Carrying a deep sense of its history, yet boldly striding into the future, Belfast is an exciting juxtaposition of old and new. Stroll by the River Lagan and see the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, visit the famous political murals in a black taxi or kick back with a traditional music session in one of this lively city’s beautifully preserved old pubs.

There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. Vanuatu is the only place on earth where you can officially post your mail from an underwater post office and from the ash plain on the summit of a volcano.

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.

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.