Though it might get overlooked in favour of larger, more glamorous cities, like Riyadh or nearby Doha, the discerning traveller will not want to pass up the opportunity to visit Dammam. As if the stunning desert scenery alone was not enough to enchant visitors, the city also offers heaps of fine dining, great shopping, and some of the most pleasant green spaces, parks and seaside walkways you are likely to find at a desert destination.

In addition to being the largest city in the province of Quebec, Montreal is easily the most multicultural metropolis in Canada, if not all of the Americas. It keeps strong marks of its French origins but has welcomed people of so many backgrounds it has become truly cosmopolitan. As night time falls, an orange glow coats the city, and Montreal's vibrant nightlife comes into motion.

Welcome to Sweden's smallest province, and an island of grand adventures. Here, the best things in life don't cost a penny — the distinctive natural landscapes are free for all to enjoy. With over 300 kilometres of coastline, countless beaches, more than 75 nature reserves, the expansive Stora Alvaret, and the World Heritage-listed agricultural landscape of Southern Öland, there's no shortage of natural wonders. An added bonus is the 28 different species of orchids that flourish across the island. Welcomed to Öland!

Chania (pronounced “Hanya”) is considered the loveliest port town in Greece. Swallows soar in sheer blue skies above the semicircle of tall Venetian houses around its picture-perfect Old Harbour. The tables of scores of bars and restaurants line the quayside. Behind the harbour front, narrow, traffic-free shopping lanes thread through the atmospheric Old Town. On either side of the town, sandy beaches stretch along the coast.

Sydney is Australia’s most iconic city, known for the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and beaches like Bondi. But there’s more beneath the postcard views: diverse neighbourhoods, a buzzing food scene, and a strong connection to culture, sport and the outdoors. The weather’s good most of the year, and the vibe is laid-back without trying too hard, which makes it easy to feel at home, even just for a while.