You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

Primarily known as a financial hub, George Town is also a prime destination for cruise ships. The capital city of the Cayman Islands is just 10 minutes away from the long crescent of the famous Seven Mile Beach with blindingly white coral sand. There is no better place to enjoy submarine and glass-bottom boat tours, try snorkelling, scuba-diving or parasailing. Get your credit card ready for some serious tax-free shopping, and don't leave without trying the remarkable sunken rum.

Randers, on the Jutland peninsula, is the sixth-largest city of Denmark, and a destination with many attractions, events, and exhibitions to choose from. While the city has already been a thriving market town in medieval times, it kept its importance for trade along with its beautiful 15th-century half-timbered houses that today make for a peculiar atmosphere. The main tourist attraction, the Randers Tropical Zoo, with its largest artificial rain forest in Northern Europe, attracts many visitors every year.

Forever immortalised as the setting for Don Quixote's misadventures, the beautiful medieval city of Ciudad Real is just a short train journey from Madrid or Seville. Remnants of ancient city walls, churches galore and spectacular cuisine based primarily on cheese, cured meats and wine are but some of the reasons to visit.