Bali's breathtakingly beautiful scenery makes it easy to just settle for the imaginary cliche of the island as a tropical paradise and nothing more. But behind the luxury resorts, picture-perfect rice fields, and idyllic beaches lies a rich culture, steeped in tradition and spirituality, and one of the friendliest and most welcoming places you're likely to find anywhere. Dare to go beyond the comforts of the resort areas to truly explore all the island has to offer and let yourself be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

European explorers took what today is Praslin Island's nature reserve to be the original Garden of Eden, and no wonder — the primeval forest of Vallee de Mai has changed little over millions of years, and giant Aldabra tortoises still roam the archipelago populated by an incredible diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Out of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 12 are inhabited by humans, making for splendidly pure natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, and some of the world's most fantastic diving spots.

Set against a backdrop of historical buildings, Matsuyama is a vibrant city of living traditions. Here, haiku poetry still holds a significant place in daily life. With a jam-packed calendar of seasonal festivals, visitors are guaranteed to find something captivating to experience all year round. Getting around the city is easy with a network of vintage trams and steam trains at your service. In addition, Matsuyama boasts miles of sandy beaches, which provide a scenic view of the Seto Inland Sea, filled with beautiful islands.

Drop anchor in Karlskrona, the city founded in 1680, when Charles XI decided to build the country's new naval base here. 340 years later, the naval base remains, and the well-preserved architecture and city plan impressed Unesco, which gave Karlskrona World Heritage status in 1998. Wherever you go, you can see magnificent churches and squares, parade streets and fortifications that attract visitors from all over the world. All this on several islands in an archipelago that Unesco has designated as one of seven biosphere reserves in Sweden.

Nestled on the emerald coast of the Netherlands, The Hague stands as the country's administrative capital and international headquarters for worldwide justice and peace. The sweeping verdant forests, winding canals and rolling sand dunes that serve as the city’s beating heart and lifeblood invite activities like walking, cycling, rowing, or simply relishing the serene ambience. Savour world-renowned Dutch cuisine at Scheveningen Beach, marvel at Dutch Masters in the city's art museums or hop on a tour to learn about the rich history The Hague has to offer.