Shopper's Paradise

Sitting in the heart of the Kansai region is Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan. It could be the proximity to Korea, China, and the coast that has made it become known as the "Kitchen of Japan". Osaka's people have a true zest for life. They promote a casual ambience and are slightly, unconventionally boisterous. Osaka is regenerating, now recognising its past beauty and working hard to re-establish it. This stimulating city is now more than ever a must-see.

Primarily known as a financial hub, George Town is also a prime destination for cruise ships. The capital city of the Cayman Islands is just 10 minutes away from the long crescent of the famous Seven Mile Beach with blindingly white coral sand. There is no better place to enjoy submarine and glass-bottom boat tours, try snorkelling, scuba-diving or parasailing. Get your credit card ready for some serious tax-free shopping, and don't leave without trying the remarkable sunken rum.

Amersfoort is a beautiful city located in the middle of the Netherlands in the province of Utrecht. Through numerous monuments, cosy little streets, canals and architectural details you can really feel the medieval core of the city, established here in the 13th century. The compact city is surrounded with lush swathes of nature. Amersfoort is the conveniently reachable, both by car and by train. It’s only 30 minutes to Schiphol Airport!

Milan is famous as one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals, so make some room in your wardrobe and get ready for a makeover. Milan is a major cultural centre in Italy, with world class museums and galleries, the Duomo cathedral and ancient churches, impressive architecture of opulent Italian villas. After viewing da Vinci’s Last Supper, try Lombardi specials like ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese in one of the neighbourhood restaurants. Milan is the perfect starting point for exploring the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy.

Tokyo's technological leaps and passion for everything new have made the rest of the world sit up and take notice. A city made of smaller cities, Tokyo's neighbourhoods are individual and unique in what each can offer, from cultural sights to vast shopping malls. Get ready for a whirlwind of modernity and tradition in the neon-lit Japanese capital.

Amman was first mentioned as Rabbath Ammon in the Hebrew Bible around the 10th century BCE. Although the Jordanian capital has its fair share of ancient remnants, it is the way Amman experiences modernity that fascinates the most. Often listed among the most progressive cities in the Middle East, Amman is a flourishing capital growing by the hour, inhabited by a culturally diverse and rather liberal populace.

Zürich is distinguished by its unparalleled selection of stores lining the world-famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse, not to mention its broad choice of leisure activities. Numerous gastronomic establishments in the surrounding region pamper food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Almost 500 bars and clubs provide a wide variety of entertainment. Zürich is also the ideal departure point for all kinds of excursions, such as to the Rhine Falls or the chocolate factory.

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.