For centuries, Jeddah, where the desert meets the sea, has been a crossroads for traders, travellers and pilgrims in the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, it thrives with eclectic dining, bustling shopping districts, and a uniquely liberal social scene. Yet, its true significance lies in its role as the gateway for millions en route to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Rich in history and brimming with character, Jeddah offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and stepping onto its historic cobbles, it is easy to see why. Cradled between the surrounding hills, the city hosts some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and the whole of the city centre is packed with stunning palaces, churches, and monuments. The surrounding countryside is well-known for its rolling hills and its wine, particularly the Chianti area between Siena and Florence.

Often overshadowed by Montego Bay, Falmouth is a promising destination on the verdant north shore of Jamaica. The city is rich in architectural heritage reflecting centuries of intriguing history, and is surrounded by natural wonders that show just how much life in Jamaica is intertwined with water — from gushing springs and waterfalls to the calm Caribbean embracing the coast.

Tirana is a mixture of Western Europe and old Russia, interspersed with influences from the Middle East. The city has overcome its recent troubled past and risen as a gem of Eastern Europe. The modern Tirana is full of restaurants, nightlife and hotels, and has rediscovered itself and become an energetic, vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is worth exploring.

With its unique mix of Creole culture and European cosmopolitanism, the French overseas territory of Martinique, and in particular its capital Fort-de-France, has just the right blend of tradition and sophistication. A fast-developing city boasting first-class shopping and dining as well as a bustling urban life. But the main draw to this Caribbean island remains its surrounding natural beauty made up of lush tropical rain forests, an active volcanic mountain, and picture-perfect beaches, which have captivated visitors for centuries.