Irvine — Orange County’s meticulously planned center — has held the title of "America’s Safest Big City" since 2005. Beyond safety, it delivers quintessential Southern California experiences: upscale shopping, diverse dining, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly attractions. While neighboring Los Angeles pulses with urban energy, Irvine embodies OC’s suburban charm — think wide boulevards, outdoor malls, and easy beach access. Minutes from legendary surf spots and major attractions, it offers a polished alternative to LA’s bustle.

Windhoek is at Namibia's centre in more ways than one: apart from being the country's main political hub by design, it also happens to sit in its very heart geographically, making the city an easy stop over on the way to Namibia's spectacular natural attractions. Some of those include the Namib-Naukluft National Park, with its striking Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Etosha National Park with free-roaming indigenous animals, and the endless stretch of ghastly, striking Skeleton Coast.

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.

Graz – Austria’s culinary and cultural capital. A practical tip from the start: If you want to explore Graz, wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Why? Even if Graz is actually small — the second-largest city in Austria with a quarter of a million resident by no means a “big city” — you should be prepared for the fact that time also flies in the many short lanes. Comfortable footwear goes easy on busy feet here. In the historic old town with its roads, streets, squares and courtyards there’s lots to explore and even more to enjoy.