Shopper's Paradise

Over a million visitors flock to the Kingdom of Crystal each year, an area spanning Kronoberg and Kalmar counties in Småland, within the municipalities of Emmaboda, Lessebo, Nybro, and Uppvidinge. Many return time and again, and it's easy to see why. Watching the glowing hot glass mass transform into delicate crystal or robust bowls is a spectacle that never grows old. Here, you can discover renowned glassworks and brands such as Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Skruf, Mats Jonasson Målerås, among others. Additionally, you can enjoy the best of Småland's nature, with its forests, lakes, stone walls, and a wealth of cultural experiences like Vilhelm Moberg's emigrant route.

Also known as Canton, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China. It has long been one of China's main commercial and trading centres and is one of the first cities that opened to the world. As one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Guangzhou has also seen fast growth in tourism, attracting visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, world-renowned Cantonese cuisine and its vibrant nightlife.

The island of Mauritius lies about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. As part of the Republic of Mauritius, which also includes the nearby islands of Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon, Mauritius has a long history of colonial conquests, disputed by the Netherlands, France and Great Britain. Having gained independence in 1968, the Republic of Mauritius retains its colourful diversity, remaining multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual, giving shape to a very own, unique environment.

Described by the New York Times as “a desert version of Miami's South Beach,” Scottsdale is Arizona’s biggest hit. The city is rich in culture and doesn't lack natural grandeur. The Scottsdale Arts District lends to proud attractions of galleries, studios, and museums, while architectural majesties like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West supplement the city’s Western heritage. Its position on the northern stretches of the Sonoran Desert and the McDowell Mountain Range makes the Scottsdale experience a spectacular one.

“Rio is a beauty. But São Paulo, São Paulo is a city,” said Marlene Dietrich about Brazil's most cosmopolitan city. São Paulo is Brazil’s cultural as well as financial powerhouse, complete with a vibrant music scene, top-designer shopping, and delicious gastronomy, not to mention world-class museums and art galleries. All this is combined with the vibrant local life of Paulistanos, who will surely be easy to make friends with.

Exceptional views, numerous historical attractions, delightful shopping opportunities and some of the best Caribbean beaches nearby — that’s what Charlotte Amalie is all about. Cruise ship passengers disembark daily to explore the idyllic waterfront, buy Caribbean rum and tax-free jewellery. Imagine the days of pirates while sipping a fruity cocktail, or get to know the colonial past of this 350-year-old city.

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.

The small town of Haugesun boasts a broad spectrum of natural beauty, ranging from a vast and wild coastline to snow-capped mountains with cascading waterfalls flowing into the fjords. Haugesund is known as the homeland of the Vikings, as the area used to hold the royal seat of ancient Viking kings. Today, it is a prime travel destination that encapsulates everything Norway has to offer: fjords, waterfalls, mountains, rugged coasts, and an eclectic city culture full of fascinating history and a forward-thinking spirit.