For over two billion people worldwide, Mecca is the holiest site, revered as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the city where the Quran was revealed. Because of its profound religious significance, millions of Hajj 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.

Walking through Xi'an is like stepping back in time. The towering ancient city walls, the quiet streets around the Drum and Bell Towers, and the bustling markets all carry a sense of history. You can almost hear the whispers of ancient merchants who walked the Silk Road or feel the presence of emperors who once ruled here. Xi'an is a place where the past and present exist side by side in a way that feels both natural and humbling.

Bogotá is the sprawling, high-altitude capital of Colombia. Cradled by chilly and lush Andean peaks, the city features the colonial-era historical centre La Candelaria. Colonial buildings and cobblestone streets attract visitors to explore the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Fernando Botero's art and ornate churches. Bogotá’s monumental government buildings and human-scale brown brick houses are a real treat for architecture lovers. Another major attraction is the city's vibrant and varied nightlife.

Örebro is an attractive city boasting well-preserved historic areas along the river Svartån. While the grand Vasa Castle gathers the majority of the attention for its historical significance, Örebro offers a dynamic mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The city's architectural diversity, coupled with an array of entertainment venues, shops, and cafés, creates a lively urban atmosphere. Within a short distance from the city, natural wonders such as Lake Hjälmaren and Kilsbergen, “The Blue Mountains,” provide great outdoor experiences.

“Rio is a beauty. But São Paulo, São Paulo is a city,” said Marlene Dietrich about Brazil's most cosmopolitan city. São Paulo is Brazil’s cultural as well as financial powerhouse, complete with a vibrant music scene, top-designer shopping, and delicious gastronomy, not to mention world-class museums and art galleries. All this is combined with the vibrant local life of Paulistanos, who will surely be easy to make friends with.