With fewer than half a million people, the 'little big city' of Bratislava ranks among Europe's most relaxed capitals since everything is in close vicinity or a short walk away. Vienna (80km) and Budapest (200km) — are also reachable by boat through the river Danube. Slovakia's capital boasts an old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, and an urban design that allows you to enjoy your visit without exhausting yourself. All this with Central Europe's greatest river as a backdrop.

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

Cuba's quintessential holiday destination is steadily regaining former glory, striding forward to the future where it will once again rank among the finest beach resorts in the Caribbean. Varadero is far from a synthetic vacationer theme park some hold it for - the town is home to nearly 20,000 Cubans and exudes local flavour despite being primarily known for its first-class luxury hotels.

Visitors to Reykjavík are thrilled by the pure energy at the heart of Iceland’s capital city: be it from the boiling thermal springs, the natural green energy, or the lively cultural scene and fun-filled nightlife. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mount Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.

Santander is famous for its fabulous beaches and its elegant holidaymakers: King Alfonso XIII used to spend his summers here nearly a hundred years ago, and the town is still popular among fashionable madrileños who like to be seen sauntering along the El Sardinero seafront with its belle époque architecture. When the sun goes down, the town is busy, with great restaurants and a lively bar scene. It is also a good place from which to explore the pristine countryside of Cantabria.