Located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of the country, modern Dortmund is vibrant and cultural, known for its good shopping, beer and football. But there is another, altogether gentler, side to this former industrial powerhouse. Dortmund has great theatres and cultural centres, a range of fascinating museums and, with half the city given over to parks and gardens, enough green areas to sooth the senses.

Palm trees provide a periphery of greens and browns as shadows run along the otherwise snow-capped contours of the mountain ranges. It is clear to visitors why Hollywood stars took Palm Springs as their refuge during the 1920s. The resort town has long remained a getaway for the upwardly mobile—garnering the nickname of “Hollywood's Hideaway”—and has since blossomed into an accessible vacation destination for those seeking lavish leisure among a host of natural and man-made attractions.

La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), is the greenest of the Canary Islands. Its ecological diversity ranges from dense forests to dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches, offering endless discoveries. While sunbathing spots tempt you to stay motionless by the lapping ocean waves, many visitors choose to explore volcanic trails, wander through ancient laurel forests, or marvel at the stars from the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. You’ll never be bored!

Part of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is a jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. Famous as the world’s clubbing capital, the island also offers stunning natural beauty, a perfect climate, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you’re here to dance to world-class DJs, relax by crystal-clear waters, explore hidden coves, or unwind on vibrant beaches, you’ve certainly come to the right place.

Situated picturesquely on the River Foyle, surrounded by hills and a stone’s throw away from the rugged Northern Coast, Derry is a city steeped in history. The famous Free Derry Corner and the murals of the Bogside and Fountain areas serve as reminders of Derry's tumultuous political past turned mindful present epitomised in the "Hands Across the Divide" monument. Today, 20 years after Bloody Sunday, the 2013 UK City of Culture has a lot to offer visitors in the way of art, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.