Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.

Rockhampton is known by many as the unofficial capital of Central Queensland and as the official beef capital of Australia, with three million head of cattle calling the region home. With its historic buildings and tree-lined streets facing the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is a great place to visit. Its location on the Tropic of Capricorn gives the city over 300 days of sunshine a year. Enjoy the beaches of the Capricorn Coast, or explore the region’s national parks and caves.

As the capital of the north, Groningen has its fair share of cultural and historical treasures, interwoven by inviting parks and scattered patches of water. This varied landscape is made even more exciting by the student atmosphere, which manifests itself in an exciting bar and café scene.

A Swedish ski resort comparable with the mountain villages in the Alps, Åre has seen an increasing number of visitors every year. With a total piste length of 95 kilometres, around 100 descents, 40 lifts, almost 50 restaurants and over 30 bars and nightclubs, it is arguably Sweden’s number one ski resort.

There’s something very special about Gotland. It might be the light, the beaches and the ever present sea. The fact that the island is one of the sunniest places in Sweden – even in November – certainly helps. Or it could be the cultural heritage, the history you can see and feel everywhere. Or the people: down-to-earth, hospitable folk who make the most of life. Perhaps it’s the bustling street life in the walled city of Visby, or the scenery, the open and inviting landscape. You’re welcome to discover and explore this one-of-a-kind island.