Just 250 kilometres north of the polar circle, the summer sun shines for almost two months without going down, while the polar nights offer the most intense Northern Lights that can be seen. In Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, you can go slalom skiing until midsummer or spend the night in a magnificent hotel built from ice. The phrase "kingdom of contrasts" is overused, but Kiruna truly embodies it.

With the tiny rivers and narrow alleys, extraordinarily varied architecture, and the poetry which emerges from the magnificent historical centre, the Alsatian capital is simply delightful. A rich cuisine, a plentiful cultural life, and a position in the heart of Europe are also important parts of the city's identity. Both in winter and summer, Strasbourg, which is classified as a world heritage site by the United Nations, is one of France’s most attractive and romantic destinations.

Although it is Malaysia’s smallest state, Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) is one of Asia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations, reflecting the influences of half a dozen cultures. Located off the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula and connected by road bridges, the island is the birthplace of tourism in Malaysia. Come for great beaches, a mellow climate, and a colourful collection of attractions, many claiming to be the largest, tallest, longest, or oldest of their kind.

The Republic of Panama has a privileged geographic position bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean and the south by the Pacific. Therefore, it has a plethora of islands varying in sizes and includes uninhabited pristine islets, national marine parks, as well as up-and-coming hipster and backpacker islands with a buzzing nightlife. The most popular islands in Panama are Bocas del Toro, San Blas (Guna Yala), Taboga, and the Pearl Islands. The latter is an archipelago comprised of 90 islands and 100 islets.

The coastal barrier city of New Smyrna Beach is “Florida’s Secret Pearl” for good reason. Consistently given recognition on numerous “best surf town” lists, New Smyrna Beach was even ranked as "one of the world's top 20 surf towns" by National Geographic Magazine. Water sports remain its most popular feature, with swimming, scuba diving, kite-surfing, and surfing at the forefront. Outdoors enthusiasts have little fear, however: you’ll discover myriad opportunities to fish, sail, motorboat, golf, hike, and more at New Smyrna Beach.