It’s easy to lose yourself in Istanbul's grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still the city where new trends are created.

Where the Nissan river meets the sea lies Halmstad — a delightful mix of vibrancy and small-town charm, salty beaches and tranquil fresh waters. Several beaches, besides the well-known Tylösand, line the four-mile coast. The city centre is cosy, where small shops intermingle with a charming café and restaurant scene. Halmstad boasts a varied and rich array of events for all ages, year-round. Art is ever-present, featuring works by, among others, Milles and Picasso. Whoever you are, whatever you want to do, Halmstad has the experience for you.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the once secluded area of Los Cabos has transformed itself into a popular international resort destination. Tourists flock to the region for its stunning beaches and the Corridor, a 33km strip connecting the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Los Cabos is also the host of several well-known international events such as the Bisbee Black, the Billfish tournament and the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

Macau has a plethora of sites despite occupying just 30.8 square kilometres of the Chinese mainland. From neon-lit casinos to charming markets, cobbled streets to modern cafés, and Baroque churches to Art Deco architecture, there's a wonderful mix of East and West in the city. Many buildings and squares reflect Macau's colonial Portuguese legacy, as does the food, laid-back lifestyle, and the blue azulejo-tiled street names. Yet Macau has a modern Asian look, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong.

Surrounded by the verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes and the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm-fringed white beaches, the island Oahu is an incredibly idyllic holiday destination. With an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of the vibrant and buzzing metropolis Honolulu, Oahu is sure to please all visitors: from beach bums to culture vultures.