Anchorage rewrites the idea of what a travel destination can be. One minute you’re sipping coffee downtown, the next you’re watching a moose amble down a quiet street like it owns the place. It’s part frontier, part everyday life, with just enough edge to keep it interesting. Summer nights here stretch on forever, and in winter, the dazzling Northern Lights sweep across the sky like something out of a dream. Anchorage isn’t polished, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s weathered, wild, and unlike anywhere else.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the once secluded area of Los Cabos has transformed itself into a popular international resort destination. Tourists flock to the region for its stunning beaches and the Corridor, a 33km strip connecting the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Los Cabos is also the host of several well-known international events such as the Bisbee Black, the Billfish tournament and the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

The capital city of New Zealand rests between rolling hills and a rugged coastline on the southern tip of the North Island. As well as offering some of the best urban views in the country, the city is popular for its arts and culture. Wellington is home to the National Museum (Te Papa), the national opera and ballet companies, and is the heart of the nation’s film and fashion scenes. With more restaurants and cafés per head than New York, Wellington also offers a unique gastronomic experience.

Chosen as a winter refuge by Thomas Edison at the turn of the last century, Fort Myers sits away from busier and more opulent Florida centers, maintaining the carefree, low-key atmosphere of a sea town. Assuming beach life is Fort Myers' only attraction would be a mistake: the town center boasts a vibrant street life, with a plethora of indie art galleries and interesting spots for history and science lovers. The area's natural beauty continues inland, where protected animal species take shelter among mangroves and narrow bayou bends.

Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa is a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its history is a fascinating tapestry of triumphs and setbacks, as reflected in the city's rich architecture. As the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Genoa boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has also good shopping, the best nightlife in the region, and excellent restaurants. And for those looking to explore beyond the city limits, day trips along the picturesque Ligurian coast come highly recommended.