The Greeks and Romans did it, as did rich lords, film stars, artists, and thousands of tourists. They were just going to pass by but instead remained in Nice and along the Riviera. Some for just a few weeks, others for months and years. They were too captivated by the light, enchanted by the scents, and charmed by the taste of olives and wine. Additionally, a Nice Nouveau has evolved – a sassy Mediterranean metropolis with pulsating nightlife, modern hotels, and daring art galleries. All this with a chance to dabble their toes in a turquoise sea.

Newport, Oregon is a beachcomber's paradise. The bustling port town is one of Central Coast’s prides, set in proximity to 6 beaches. Newport’s unique fishing and maritime identity flows with Yaquina Bay (featuring the largest commercial fishing fleet in the state of Oregon), the Marine Science Center, Undersea Gardens, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It doesn’t end there, though: Newport also flaunts a downtown “Deco” district replete with Art Deco buildings, art galleries, creative shops, and cute restaurants.

Located at the foot of the Massif Central and less than a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean, Rodez is the capital of the Aveyron Region. This picturesque region is one of the best kept secrets of France, offering more attractions than you would expect. Rodez is surrounded by several village communities, all rich in cultural and historical assets, which contribute to making the town a prime tourist destination.

Sharjah, the not-so-obvious UAE destination for many, unjustly remains in the shadows of its glistening immediate neighbour of Dubai. In the meantime, few are aware Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture (2014) and Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO sixteen years prior. Sharjah's Heritage Area is home to multiple historic sites and museums, and the Emirate itself boasts recent, modern additions to its art and entertainment scenes enough to compensate for the strict "no-alcohol" regulations.