Shanghai is the shiniest gem in modern China’s jewel box. It’s a hip, contemporary city that charges into the future with all the energy of its famous Maglev train. At the same time, if you veer away from the sleek highways and glitzy shopping streets, you can still stumble upon a more traditional Shanghai, with all its character and flavour. In the tiny back streets, wet-market vendors peddle their wares — buckets of bright green vegetables, fish flapping in shallow plastic bowls, and heaps of crayfish crawling over each other.

Long known for its old-world charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig” that buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. Boston is destined to grow ever more beautiful as more and more of the ungainly elevated highways are replaced with lush parks.

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

Once a mysterious island of tribes, Maui, the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, has transformed itself into an immensely popular tourist destination where everyone can find something to their taste. From hiking the mighty Haleakalā to driving through the breathtaking Hana Highway to simply sipping on a cocktail at one of the pristine beaches in Kaanapali or Wailea, Maui is sure to spoil you with unforgettable natural beauty. No matter your preference, Maui offers a remarkable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

The state of Maine sets its own pace in the otherwise bustling New England. With an eased temperament that stems from lakefront breezes and whispering forests, the town of Rangeley does not stray from its state’s tempo. Known as "Maine's Four Season Playground," the town offers a wealth of outdoor activities centered around Mooselookmeguntic Lake. In warmer months, the lake beckons visitors to fish, boat, kayak, and explore its pristine waters. Come winter, the landscape transforms into a wonderland for skiing and snowboarding.