Welcome to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, where giant pandas delight tourists at the Chengdu Breeding Research Base. Though a modern city, Chengdu is where life happens in the back streets, with crowds waiting outside hot-pot restaurants, and tea houses abuzz with mahjong players and their noisy tile-shuffling game.

White beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife — these are images Bridgetown, the capital of the Caribbean island of Barbados, likely conjures up in the minds of most. But Bridgetown is so much more! There's the colonial heritage — its entire downtown is on the UNESCO list, after all — lush forests right outside city limits and an abundance of local and international shopping options. An animated buzz sets in as the sun goes down, inviting one to join the famously laid-back and welcoming Bajans on a night out.

Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking a river, Limoges has a rich history associated with top-quality porcelain and an even longer tradition of enamelware. The town's proud heritage is reflected in its many sights and attractions, which were made possible by the wealth generated by these industries. The impressive medieval buildings constructed of local rose-tinted granite are a testament to the prosperity that once flourished here. With its vibrant atmosphere, quality shops and restaurants, and countless things to do, Limoges is a place of endless discovery and style.

Rose fragrance fills the air in Taif, a scenic Saudi town whose fertile lands are dotted with abundant rose and fruit orchards. Nestled amidst the Shafa Mountain range not far from Mecca, Taif was once a major commercial hub for the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it has evolved into a popular summer retreat, boasting excellent infrastructure, breathtaking natural beauty, and a mild climate that offers a refreshing contrast to much of Saudi Arabia.