You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

La Manga del Mar Menor, also known simply as La Manga, is a stunning summer vacation destination that attracts both local and international travellers. Nestled between two seas, the area is comprised entirely of beaches, including the western shore, where the warm waters of Europe's largest lagoon provide healing properties. The strip is also famous for its top-notch golf courses.

Few Greek islands boast an immaculacy comparable to that of Astypalaia — a butterfly-shaped cloistral haven rising from the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea. Captured at certain angles, Astypalaia bears a striking semblance to its not-so-distant yet far more glamorised cousin of Santorini. With its pristine beaches, whitewashed houses, and uncharted walking paths, the island is an explorer's heaven, and a find for those looking to escape the madding crowds of summer vacationers.

Far up in northern Europe is a place where 20,000 years nature's forces have shaped a dramatic landscape with the world's highest coastline. Mountains plunging straight into the depths of the sea in a way that leaves you breathless. Here, you will get to experience the real, unexploited, and genuine Sweden. Bold visitors can try fermented herring and climbing, but the High Coast of Sweden on the Gulf of Bothnia is more about harmony than adrenaline. Through endless opportunities to be active in nature with your loved ones, you will regain the strength to return to your urban, busy everyday life.