Situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine white sandy beaches, and the fertile Pioneer Valley. It is home to one of Australia’s richest sugar cane growing regions. Beyond its shores, the Great Barrier Reef's awe-inspiring coral formations, diverse marine life, and serene islands offer a tropical paradise for all. With its outstanding dining options, picturesque parks, and thriving art scene, Mackay caters to every taste and budget.

This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Trapani is one of the most romantic places in Sicily, and arguably all of the Mediterranean littoral. Characterised by long stretches of coast and coastal plains, this city is littered with lavish monuments and palaces, historical sites, windmills, near islands and a countryside that begs to be explored. By night, the region should be enjoyed over a glass of Marsala wine and fine food at a beachside restaurant, ideally facing west so one can enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets in Europe.

Olbia is the gateway to the pearly white beaches of Sardinia's northeast coast and the sparkling Costa Smeralda. This is where jet-setters, film stars and the ‘glitterati’ arrive to indulge in 'la dolce vita' Sardinian-style. With a Greek name meaning ‘happy’, Olbia used to be a little fishing village but has now grown to become Sardinia’s busiest ferry port, complete with an international airport and tourist amenities. The countryside is cloaked in aromatic wild herbs, the macchia, and the surrounding sea glows in every hue of electric blue, in a little known and exclusive place waiting to be discovered.

Toulon is a genuine incarnation of Provence—no over-the-top souvenir shops, just markets full of lavender and thyme, a sea breeze that rolls in from the harbour, and a mix of energy and laid-back local life. It’s a working port with a bit of grit, but that’s part of the charm.