Once the first free settlement in the Americas, founded by those who escaped slavery during the colonial period, the town of San Basilio de Palenque still stands today, and with it the unique culture of its inhabitants. A portion of the population still speaks palenquero, a creole tongue that emerged from a mix of several European and African languages, now used almost exclusively in San Basilio de Palenque. Music and dance occupy a place of paramount importance in residents' lives, with the Drums and Cultural Expressions Festival held annually in October. The palenque cuisine deserves a separate mention — a culinary tradition upheld by inhabitants of a small Colombian village has garnered international acclaim, with a cookbook written in the town receiving the highest prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2014. If your schedule happens to be too tight for a dedicated day trip (which earns our highest recommendation), try some of the tropical fruit sold by palenqueras in downtown Cartagena. The village was named Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

Tyulenovo is a picturesque small village located near the Romanian border in northern Bulgaria. While it’s not accessible by public transport from Varna, its breathtaking cliffs and mesmerising sunsets make it well worth the effort to visit. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Shabla Lighthouse, a historic landmark situated about 6 kilometres north of Tyulenovo.

Middelheimmuseum is a unique place in Antwerp. This stunning park features an impressive art collection and temporary exhibitions. Some of the leading artists whose sculptures are on display in Middelheim Museum include: Auguste Rodin, Rik Wouters, Ai Weiwei and Erwin Wurm. The completely renovated castle — with a reception, café and museum shop — is the open-air museum’s beating heart. There’s always something new to discover!

Completed in the middle of the 17th century, the Wazir Khan Mosque is ornately decorated with traditional architecture additions of the Mughal-era. Moreover, does the complex host several shops and is the resting place to Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazruni, whose tomb is placed in the complex. The different creative expressions inside the mosque, will amaze you and make it hard to take your eyes of the colourful ceilings.