Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s, vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps, this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean-view sunset. Either way, the beach is calling.

Waterville Valley in New Hampshire offers the best of New England's changing seasons, from winter's snowy slopes to vibrant fall foliage. The town's resort is the main attraction, featuring activities for all ages and interests. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding on well-groomed trails or try snowshoeing through the forest. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and watersports, with the Mad River adding to the picturesque scenery.

Hakuna matata is Swahili for "no worries", and this is exactly the spirit that fills the atmosphere of Zanzibar —the Spice Island of Tanzania. A heavenly world sprinkled with charming colonial buildings, white sandy beaches, colourful markets, and flavours of exotic cuisines from all over the world.

Linz an der Donau is a cultural metropolis, and an oasis of green. It is a place where nature, culture and business come together to form a harmonious whole. The 2009 European Capital of Culture sports the slogan 'Linz, verändert' ('Linz, changes'), and lives up to the slogan in full. A successful location for business, the city has emerged as an outstanding destination for culture, offering dynamism and high quality of life. The capital city of Upper Austria is a showcase for theatre and music, contemporary art, history and science.

With fewer than half a million people, the 'little big city' of Bratislava ranks among Europe's most relaxed capitals since everything is in close vicinity or a short walk away. Vienna (80km) and Budapest (200km) — are also reachable by boat through the river Danube. Slovakia's capital boasts an old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, and an urban design that allows you to enjoy your visit without exhausting yourself. All this with Central Europe's greatest river as a backdrop.