Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean view sunset. Either way, the Beach is calling.

Miami is known for its glamour and cosmopolitan vibe, but what truly sets this city apart is its miles of sandy beaches, which coupled with year-round sunshine and pleasant warmth have cemented Miami's position as a top travel destination. Describing it merely as an international metropolis would be a gross understatement, given its North American core infused with Caribbean flair, a generous dose of Latin American influence, a hint of African heritage, a touch of Asian influence, and a sprinkle of European charm. All these elements and their fascinating blend give Miami a vibrant and exhilarating cultural life.

Golden domes and shimmering spires peek out from the wooded hills rising above the wide Dnipro River. Leafy-green Kyiv, with its traffic-packed boulevards, shopping malls, countless churches, brilliant music and lively nightlife, has embraced capitalism, yet held firmly to its heritage. The Caves Monastery is the spiritual heart of Ukraine, and nearby, a gigantic Brezhnev-era Motherland statue bearing sword and shield casts her all-encompassing eye over the city, the river, and its island beaches.

Unjustly overlooked by travellers en route to Tunisia's celebrated seaside resorts, the nation's capital certainly deserves more than a just a quick glance outside the shuttle bus window. The city lives and breathes history, and has a lot to offer in the way of art and culture. Ancient Roman ruins, palpable traces of French colonial presence and an Oriental flair well-preserved in the Medina all constitute major elements of Tunis' eclectic charm.