This spectacular urban Buddhist temple (the head temple of the Jogye Order) is a highlight on any Busan itinerary. A pleasant uphill hike through quiet nature will take you to temple grounds, with beautiful ornate pavilions, Buddhist statues and worshippers, which include both temporary visitors and monks who reside here permanently. Temple grounds tend to get busy during holidays and weekends. You can either make a few hours' trip or – for full cultural immersion – book an overnight stay that includes an introduction to monastic life, complete with joining a formal dinner and pre-dawn chanting. Stays must booked in advance via the website, and there are several different programmes available. If you opt for the full experience, do mind that the (silent!) wake-up hour is at 5am.

Located along the scenic Flagler Drive Waterfront, Meyer Amphitheater is a popular open-air venue that hosts concerts by national award-winning artists, as well as festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year.

Valencia welcomes spring with its most colourful and famous festival. Gigantic papier mache monuments, known as fallas, with effigies usually representing celebrities or politicians in a satirical way, are set up on streets and squares throughout the city and burnt to a cinder in spectacular bonfires on the last day of the celebration. The Flower Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, when thousands of falleras and falleros in traditional costumes parade through the city, is also a sight to behold.

CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches is a 160-acre sports and event complex, home to Spring Training for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. Baseball fans can catch games in a 7,700-seat stadium, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy soccer and lacrosse events on the park’s versatile fields. Beyond sports, the park hosts concerts, festivals, and community events year-round.