Byzantine churches, crumbling ruins, modern architecture, intense nightlife and the stunning sea, this is the essence of Thessaloniki. The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history, with a young student population. The city is the perfect destination for urban explorers and a favorite vacation destination for locals. Pristine beaches and charming villages aplenty.

Few places in Europe have remained off the beaten path as much as the Kosovar first city; fewer yet have been at the heart of a political dispute as agonising in recent history. Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states, boasts a youthful populace to match, and exudes a lust for life that's virtually tangible. Still rough around the edges and with no tourist information offices in sight, Pristina remains uncharted territory, a state of affairs foreseen to change as the city attracts a growing number of visitors.

Stare in the eye of a wild beast, visit an indigenous tribe village, discover the city's colonial landmarks, and let yourself be spoilt for endless entertainment by a modern metropolis: Nairobi, the safari capital of the world, is an incredibly diverse place where the vibrant city core lies a stunningly short distance away from untamed wildlife.

Nicknamed 'Village by the Sea,' Carlsbad enjoys seven miles of tidy, serene beaches along the Pacific coastline. This makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, all paired with a mild climate. Furthermore, Carlsbad has three lagoons, a lake, an aquarium, museums and shopping districts. As if that was not enough, the town's proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles provides a multitude of additional options within a short drive.