"The city in its setting and entire surroundings may be said to have something ideal." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1797). Scarcely any other European city has had its praises so often sung as Heidelberg. The mysterious Heidelberg Castle, the picturesque Old Town, and as Goethe himself stated, the perfection of its setting – in the nineteenth century, all of this attracted the German romanticists, who immortalized Heidelberg in poetry, music, and art. Today the charm of Old Heidelberg is combined with a future-oriented and international focus.

South African Durban, known as eThekwini in Zulu, has to be one of the continent's most appealing cities, especially after the 2010 World Cup breathed new life into the area by revamping the waterfront; the splendid Moses Mabhida Stadium remains one of Durban's primary attractions to date. Durban moves to the beat of gqom, its own home-grown music genre, which is slowly making its way onto global charts from South Africa's sunny, tropical melting pot of eclectic cultural influences.

Colorado’s dominance as a ski resort state continues with the vivacious Steamboat Springs. Boasting activities for all the seasons, Steamboat Springs also nods to an extensive western heritage that encompasses ranching traditions. After exploring the city’s historical sites, visitors are elated to partake in world-class skiing, biking, fishing, hunting, relaxing in the natural hot springs, and more. The Springs play host to popular annual events, fine cuisine, and shopping centers as well.

As the capital of the north, Groningen has its fair share of cultural and historical treasures, interwoven by inviting parks and scattered patches of water. This varied landscape is made even more exciting by the student atmosphere, which manifests itself in an exciting bar and café scene.