The Welsh capital may have begun its life as a Roman fort, but it's since become a bustling city. Where the fort once stood, Cardiff Castle has held court since the 11th century. It remains a central presence in the city, now full of lively art and music venues, hip boutiques, fun bars and modern hotels. Even with so many new and exciting things to see, the National History Museum is still the most visited attraction in Wales. Don't be the only visitor who plays hooky!

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

Rebuilt from the ground up after World War II, Le Havre is Normandy’s architectural showcase. Unlike its medieval neighbours, a modern grid-like layout makes it easy to navigate the centre of this UNESCO-listed port city at the mouth of the Seine.

Experience the richness of Aberdeen’s proud history and culture — from the sound of residents’ traditional Doric accent to the sights of glittering granite buildings lining the city’s streets. Explore the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen, then take a stroll along the nearby sandy beach and watch for dolphins in the busy harbour. Afterward, find your way to the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee, and lose yourself among its tiny cottages and colourful gardens.

Celebrate the wonders of the land and sea in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and home to Liseberg amusement park, the country’s #1 tourist attraction. Visiting Gothenburg Archipelago is a must, as is sampling everything from modern gastronomy to ‘fika’ to the fresh-caught wonders at Feskekörka (Fish Church). Be sure to take in the Gothenburg Museum of Art, stunning contemporary art at Röda Sten Art Centre, and – if you visit in August – the incredible Way Out West music festival.

Located on an island between Trieste and Venice, the beachy town of Grado is popular among holiday-goers. Celebrated for its medieval centre, Grado is also known as a spa resort, and its sand is said to have curative properties.

The bubbling, turquoise crystalline pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park comprise one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations. Just a two-hour drive from Zagreb, the national park offers 50 acres of forest and lake. In winter, it's a wonderland of frozen waterfalls. In summer, the park is lush with greenery. Wooden walkways and hiking trails traverse the porous karst limestone. This World Heritage Site is a veritable wildlife haven, home to everything from birds to boars and even bears.

Costa Adeje, on the southern side of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is home to many newly-developed hotels that draw chic European guests. You’ll find great shopping (in boutiques and markets) and upscale restaurants, as well as plenty of sunny weather.