Graz – Austria’s culinary and cultural capital. A practical tip from the start: If you want to explore Graz, wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Why? Even if Graz is actually small — the second-largest city in Austria with a quarter of a million resident by no means a “big city” — you should be prepared for the fact that time also flies in the many short lanes. Comfortable footwear goes easy on busy feet here. In the historic old town with its roads, streets, squares and courtyards there’s lots to explore and even more to enjoy.

Discover Ningbo, one of China's oldest cities and a vibrant international hub with a rich history. The birthplace of the Neolithic Hemudu culture, Ningbo translates from Mandarin as "the Serene Waves". Located on the shores of Hangzhou Bay, it is a long-established international trading port. With the Hangzhou Bridge, the longest trans-oceanic link in the world, Ningbo is now directly connected to Shanghai. Perhaps Ningbo's greatest distinction is the Tianyi Pavilion — the oldest library in all of China.

Beat the crowds in Menorca (or Minorca), the most tranquil of the Balearic islands. The stunning coves and secluded, white sand beaches are matched with the idyllic countryside and historic ruins. This island's charm attracts visitors year-round.

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.