Chania (pronounced “Hanya”) is considered the loveliest port town in Greece. Swallows soar in sheer blue skies above the semicircle of tall Venetian houses around its picture-perfect Old Harbour. The tables of scores of bars and restaurants line the quayside. Behind the harbour front, narrow, traffic-free shopping lanes thread through the atmospheric Old Town. On either side of the town, sandy beaches stretch along the coast.

The Lone Star Flag of Texas is one of the most recognizable state flags in the United States. Now travelers have the chance to explore its birthplace. Montgomery, Texas, is rife with state history, with July of 2012 marking its 175th anniversary. Founded around the Lake Creek Settlement in 1837, Montgomery now finds itself surrounding Lake Conroe. The lake serves as a focal point for much of its attraction: visitors take advantage of the friendly waters for boating, fishing, swimming, and other fun activities year-round.

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.

Sylt, often referred to as the 'German Hamptons’, has been a longstanding playground for Germany's rich and famous. Pronounced 'Zoolt,' Sylt is a stunning 40-km-long island on Germany’s North Sea coast, which has one of the longest unbroken stretches of immaculate sandy beach in all of Europe. Apart from the sparkling sea, Sylt is celebrated for its invigorating sea air, idyllic Frisian houses, and endless fields of bright-yellow flowering rapeseed.

Salzburg, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997, is a rich tapestry of experiences just waiting to be explored. Nearly everything, from art and culture to historical landmarks and modern attractions, is within a short stroll. Boasting over 4,000 cultural events a year and a stunning collection of 20 baroque churches, Salzburg is a city that invites deep exploration and complete cultural immersion. Whether you're after pleasure, relaxation, or culinary delights, Salzburg presents a wealth of choices for an unforgettable city break.