Lying near the Hungarian and Serbian borders, Timisoara is the gateway to the West and has a long history of cosmopolitan multiculturalism. It's the birthplace of the 1989 Romanian Revolution that ended the Ceauşescu's dictatorship, an important centre in recent Romanian history. It is a green, pleasant and walkable city with cosy cafes, lively markets and interesting museums, offering plenty of entertainment to fill your time, whether you are visiting for a day or a week.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".

Located in the Canterbury region, Christchurch — the largest city on the South Island — is a compact city, easy enough to explore on foot or bicycle, with stunning nature never more than a stone's throw away. In the wake of the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged brighter and livelier than ever. It's a city where creativity and innovation run wild, and the hospitality and arts scenes are buzzing with energy. Truly, it's a unique destination that's positively thriving.

Darwin is a thriving, prosperous and multicultural city with lively bars and wide-ranging international cuisine. It is lush, tropical, and the gateway to top-end outback adventures through the world heritage Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Darwin boasts an eclectic cultural mix: Asian music, food, and languages live side-by-side with aboriginal artistry, Australian beach culture, love of the outdoors, and a profound appreciation of cosmopolitanism.

Bristol, the unofficial 'Capital of the South West', has an independent spirit and a great sense of fun. You’ll find lots to make you smile here, from street art tours and music festivals to night markets and boat bars. And then there are the city’s iconic attractions: engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, plus world-famous events, such as the International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival.