On a hill just to the south of Thimphu, on the site of the ruins of the Kuensel Phodrang palace, stands the majestic Great Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world (54 metres tall). Gape in awe at both the shine of the bronze statue gilded in gold and the magnificent views of the surrounding areas from the hilltop. The walk up and down the hill takes about 1.5 hours.

The Ria Formosa wetlands gained protected status in 1987, safeguarding this crucial breeding ground for wetland birds from tourism development. Thanks to this protection, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.

Surfing is one of Durban's favourite pastimes, and multiple international tournaments held here serve to show the sport's essential role in local culture. Learn to surf at uShaka Beach or head straight to New Pier and Bay if you are no stranger to the board. North Beach, along with Oasis Beach, are bodyboarding hotspots.

The collection of streets between the city centre and the Jeker quarter is known as the Stokstraat quarter. It’s that historic corner of the city between two statues, ‘De Mestreechter Geis’ and ‘Slevrouwe’. All of these streets ultimately lead to the ever-charming, intimate and romantic Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. In this part of the city, you can find the warmth and charm of a classic Maastricht pub on virtually every corner. The quarter takes its name from what may be the city’s most famous (or infamous) street. Today, Stokstraat is known as the place for the most exclusive and luxury shops in the Netherlands, but it was not always so. If there’s any street that has seen its fortunes turn over the years, it’s this one. In the Middle Ages, its reputation was dubious thanks to its many bathhouse-brothels; later, the street enjoyed a renaissance with many reputable merchants established in it, until, as the Industrial Revolution took hold and the city centre became overpopulated with wave after wave of migrants from the countryside, the street became synonymous with grinding poverty. Living conditions here became so dire that there was even talk of demolishing the entire street. The Stokstraat quarter of today is the result of a dramatic redevelopment between 1950 and 1973, which succeeded in preserving its historic character but transforming it into a fashionable address for living, shopping, and dining.