Lying near the Hungarian and Serbian borders, Timisoara is the gateway to the West and has a long history of cosmopolitan multiculturalism. It's the birthplace of the 1989 Romanian Revolution that ended the Ceauşescu's dictatorship, an important centre in recent Romanian history. It is a green, pleasant and walkable city with cosy cafes, lively markets and interesting museums, offering plenty of entertainment to fill your time, whether you are visiting for a day or a week.

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.

Where the Nissan river meets the sea lies Halmstad — a delightful mix of vibrancy and small-town charm, salty beaches and tranquil fresh waters. Several beaches, besides the well-known Tylösand, line the four-mile coast. The city centre is cosy, where small shops intermingle with a charming café and restaurant scene. Halmstad boasts a varied and rich array of events for all ages, year-round. Art is ever-present, featuring works by, among others, Milles and Picasso. Whoever you are, whatever you want to do, Halmstad has the experience for you.

Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking masterpiece straddling the California-Nevada border, is a stunning mix of crystal-clear waters and towering mountains formed by ancient volcanic forces over a million years ago. Divided into North and South, each with its own charm, Tahoe entices locals and visitors year-round with world-class ski resorts, warm-weather adventures, glitzy casinos, exciting nightlife, and an impressive culinary scene.