An expansive beach resort on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, lively Sunny beach appeals to young international travellers for its sand dunes, watersports, and thrumming nightlife. Clubs and bars draw crowds of merrymakers, while an amusement and water park offer daytime entertainment.

Tiny Skiathos is packed with pine forests, archaeological ruins, and—most importantly—beaches. Shed your inhibitions at the nudist Banana Beach or have a more modest sun session at Koukounaries, which is peppered with lively cafes. Sail around on a chartered catamaran, hike to the dramatic medieval ruins of Kastro and tap into your spiritual side at one of Skiathos many monasteries.

The Wawel Castle, Main Square, St. Mary's Church and Kazimierz District...Krakow, the city entered into the first list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers a wealth of history and architecture. A city for centuries appreciated for its cultural heritage has also become a European centre of gastronomic heritage. In 2019, the city of Kraków was granted the title of European Capital of Gastronomic Culture by the European Academy of Gastronomy. Krakow is the city living a full cultural life. Each year, the capital of Lesser Poland hosts nearly 100 festivals and other international-scale events.

Though Cefalu is considered one of Italy’s finest resort towns, there’s more to do than just swim and sunbathe. The seaside spot, poised on Sicily northeastern coast, is equally celebrated for its Norman cathedral, medieval old town, archaeology museum, and seafood-heavy fare.

Liguria, or the Italian Riviera, boasts a bounty of beaches and resort towns, such as tiny Portofino and stylish Rapallo. Hiking trails lead from Portofino to the villages of Cinque Terre. The Riviera of the Setting Sun runs north from Genoa to the French border. Connected by an extensive rail network, most towns are an easy day trip from one another. Genoa is the region's principal city and is home to the famous Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale and an excellent aquarium.

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dusseldorf is a regional economic powerhouse straddling the banks of the Rhine River. Altstadt is not just Dusseldorf's lovely old town, but also where the city's nightlife is based and where Altbier, its native dark beer, is plentiful. Dusselforfians take their beer seriously. Königsallee (Ko to the locals), Dusseldorf's famous shopping street, has many high-end stores. And the Museum Kunst Palast has one of the Rhineland's best art collections.

About an hour south of Mombasa, the sparkling white sands and lush greenery of Diani invite you to relax under a beach umbrella with a refreshing drink. Try a camel ride for the tourist experience or book a bike tour inland for a glimpse of life in local villages. Diani is also a base for several safari companies.

You could spend your whole Chiang Mai holiday exploring the famous Night Bazaar. Once you’ve exhausted the art of the cheerful haggle, however, there’s plenty more to explore. The National Museum and Botanic Garden are great places to soak up some local culture and to breathe in the delicate fragrance of Thai orchids. In the city’s centre, the remains of ancient walls embrace over 30 temples. Limber travellers can climb 300 stairs to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, an ornate Buddhist temple in the hills.

Move over, Haussmann and l'Enfant. Beijing's urban planner beat you by a couple of centuries. His name is Kublai Khan. Here, you'll find a wealth of history, both ancient (the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Summer Palace, Forbidden City) and more recent (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Tienanmen Square). For the best market experience, choose the Dirt Market over the touristy Silk Market.

Bangkok is full of exquisitely decorated Buddhist temples—as you go from one to the next you’ll be continually blown away by the craftsmanship and elabourate details. But if you’d rather seek enlightenment in a gourmet meal, or dance the night away, you’ll also enjoy Bangkok—the restaurant and nightclub scenes here are among the best in the world.