Edinburgh effortlessly balances its weighty history with contemporary energy. The Royal Mile’s weathered cobbles lead past medieval closes and modern whisky bars, while the shopfronts of Princes Street mirror the jagged skyline of the Old Town. By day, you can hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramas that stretch to the Firth of Forth; by evening, join the animated crowds at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or browse the shelves of independent bookshops. Scotland's compact, hilly capital is a city where every alley holds a story waiting to be uncovered.

Portlanders respond eagerly to the summons of the city's unofficial motto: "Keep Portland Weird." While the real Portland differs from the exaggerated version famously portrayed in Portlandia, some quirky traits do hold true. Known for its thriving food, beer, and coffee scenes, Portland blends creativity with whimsy. It's the hometown of culinary legend James Beard and offers unique experiences like weddings at doughnut shops, 'brew 'n' view' theaters, and even a vegan strip club.

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., is known for its iconic NASA center, the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, and its lively annual rodeo. But in recent years, the city has evolved into a must-visit destination for the savvy traveler. With a vibrant mix of cultures—no one ethnicity holds the majority—Houston boasts an eclectic blend of top-notch cuisine, world-class culture, exciting entertainment, and unbeatable shopping.

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.