European explorers took what today is Praslin Island's nature reserve to be the original Garden of Eden, and no wonder — the primeval forest of Vallee de Mai has changed little over millions of years, and giant Aldabra tortoises still roam the archipelago populated by an incredible diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Out of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 12 are inhabited by humans, making for splendidly pure natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, and some of the world's most fantastic diving spots.

In his first trip to the stupendous region, Christopher Columbus noted the silver-tipped appearance of the area’s prominent mountain. As “plata” is Spanish for “silver”, Columbus christened it “Monte de Plata”, and the city became known as Puerto de Plata. Luring vacationers much as it had Columbus, Puerto Plata is one of the Dominican Republic’s most renowned cities. Lending to a bright culture of friendly people and recreational activities, Puerto Plata will exceed even your wildest and greatest of expectations.

The Blue Mountains get their name from the natural blue haze created by vast eucalypt forests in this World Heritage area. Tiny droplets of oil released from the trees mix with water vapour and sunlight to produce the distinctive colour. Enjoy crisp mountain air, beautiful panoramas, charming villages, one of the world’s oldest cave systems, and exhilarating adventures in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney. You can even see dinosaur trees in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. This is a great Australian escape and a natural wonder of the world.

The City of Dubrovnik buzzes with life all year around. The astonishing beauty of the marble-clad Old Town is contained within the city walls; people flock to its squares, picturesque narrow alleyways, cafés and bars. The clean beaches and the crystal-clear blue water surrounding the city walls of Dubrovnik captivate visitors with their charm.

The small Mediterranean island of Corsica encompasses a bewildering diversity of landscapes, experiences, and delicacies. Though its southern counterpart often steals the spotlight, the region of Upper Corsica lacks for nothing in terms of entertainment, character, and natural beauty. And savvy travellers would do well not to ignore its unmistakable allure, from the peak of Monte Cinto to the island's numerous picture-perfect coastal and hilltop villages.