With a length of just under a mile, El Cardón is a small rocky island off the coast of Corinto. It was once the home of Rubén Darío, Nicaraguan poet whose poems do not lack depictions of this small paradise. Today, the only sign of man is the iconic white lighthouse, so anyone visiting by boat will mostly encounter unspoilt nature, with the backdrop of crashing waves and squawking seagulls.

Surrounded by waters as clear as the Caribbean's, in a fishy haven just off the coast of Corsica, the Îles Lavezzi offer intrepid travellers a world of uncharted marvels. This granite straight separating Corsica from Sardinia was the cause of the famous wreckage of Semillante, a French frigate that crashed into the dense reef in 1855. Make sure to bring essentials like water, food, and parasols as there are no shops on the islands. To get there, either rent a private boat or take the ferry from the port of Bonifacio.

The part of Hoi An most sought-after by visitors is its incredibly photogenic mustard-coloured Old Town, a UNESCO-listed collection of beautifully preserved buildings; some of these still function as private homes, while a total of 22 are open to the public and operate largely as museums. Of particular interest are historic merchant residences, some of which offer short guided tours (the Old House of Tan Ky is among the most interesting), and Chinese assembly halls used for gatherings and celebrations by individual ethnic groups. Visiting each attraction will require one of the 5 admission slips that come with a general Hoi An Ancient Town entry ticket.

Kinsale is a blissful seaside town known for its cuisine, architecture, and local history. However, a visit would not be completed without walking the Old Head. The circular walking route (6km) takes in most of the sights of The Old Head and is gentler than other coastal walks. Beautiful spots such as the sandy Garrettstown Beach (surfing lessons are available in summer) offer a chance to lie back and relax as you bask in this spectacular coastal scenery. And golfers won't want to miss the 19-hole golf course located on the peninsula.