Sitting in the heart of the Kansai region is Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan. It could be the proximity to Korea, China, and the coast that has made it become known as the "Kitchen of Japan". Osaka's people have a true zest for life. They promote a casual ambience and are slightly, unconventionally boisterous. Osaka is regenerating, now recognising its past beauty and working hard to re-establish it. This stimulating city is now more than ever a must-see.

Few Greek islands boast an immaculacy comparable to that of Astypalaia — a butterfly-shaped cloistral haven rising from the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea. Captured at certain angles, Astypalaia bears a striking semblance to its not-so-distant yet far more glamorised cousin of Santorini. With its pristine beaches, whitewashed houses, and uncharted walking paths, the island is an explorer's heaven, and a find for those looking to escape the madding crowds of summer vacationers.

Located in the deep south of France, Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées Orientales. Its geographical and cultural identity is directed naturally toward Spanish Catalonia since it's a border city, looking out onto the Mediterranean coast and the highest mountains of the French Pyrenees at once. Perpignan is a busy place greatly influenced by Mediterranean cultures and benefiting from 2,500 hours of sun per year. No wonder Salvador Dali saw it as the “Centre of the World”.

It is easy to overlook this small island nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours like Qatar and the Emirates. However, ignoring Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing art scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one.

Referred to locally as the 'Queen of the South', Cebu, the country’s oldest city, has now become its favourite tourist destination. With a wide choice of historical sights, long stretches of white sand beaches, excellent year-round scuba and water sport activities, diverse dining options, exciting nightlife, and, of course, the famous warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that visitor numbers, new hotels, and tourist attractions are on the rise.