Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo’s northern coast. Surrounded by the stunning waters of the South China Sea, mountains, and ancient rainforests, KK is a bustling city known for its lively markets, modern boardwalk and beautiful beaches. The iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and the nearby Kinabalu National Park, home to the towering 4,095-metre Mount Kinabalu, highlight its unique charm. This gateway to Borneo offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and urban excitement.

Sitting proudly on the shores of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka is a city ablaze with the neon glare of the 21st century, moving at a slower and much more manageable pace than its better-known siblings from Honshu. There are plenty of Japanese flavours to be had here, both figuratively and in the very direct sense of the word, along with a lot of uniquely local flair for those looking to cast their nets wider than the staples of Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 24 kilometres along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 240 kilometres inland on the banks of the River Nile.

With 11 kilometres of sandy white beaches, Bournemouth is one of the country’s premier resort towns. Located on the south coast of England, it offers visitors the best in water sports, yachting, beach life, nightlife and shopping. Bournemouth is renowned for its university, specialising in the fields of journalism, archaeology and health. Discover the beauty of this English city and join the countless cultural events in spring and summer, including the long-standing Arts by the Sea Festival.