The region of Al-Qassim is a land of palm trees and festivals, the fertile land of plentiful agriculture, particularly dates — the cornerstone of the province's economy and culture. The yearly date festival, which takes place in the autumn, is a sight to behold. No matter the time of year, you are sure to find a festival underway. Rich in nature, heritage and handicrafts, Al-Qassim makes for a wonderful visit, whether you are looking for delicious fruit in the countryside or culture and shopping in the cities.

Lanzarote has it all: sunny skies, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. But its natural wonders go beyond the obvious. With over 300 volcanic peaks, the island boasts a lunar landscape with shades of pink, purple and ochre. Hidden beneath the surface lie caves, tunnels and lakes, begging to be explored. Surf enthusiasts will find a paradise here, with perfect waves throughout the year. Rumour has it that Lanzarote was once part of the lost city of Atlantis. Come discover this unique gem of Spain's Canary Islands.

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident in the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, and wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

The narrow and often steep granite-paved streets of Cagliari’s Castello District are a reminder of a bygone age when the town was dominated at first by Pisans, and later by the Aragonese. Built from white limestone, the walls and towers of the Old Town shimmer in the sun and are a magnificent sight, especially if you are lucky and approach the city from the sea, as the English novelist D.H. Lawrence did in 1921 when he described the Old Town as looking like a "Jerusalem without trees".

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.