Seoul is a city of contrasts in which the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. In one sense, it is a hi-tech 21st-century city awash with neon lights and the sights and sounds of a 24-hour metropolis, while at the same time, a city retaining the majesty and graceful ambience of ancient dynasties that once ruled over it. Like the river Han on which it sits, Seoul is constantly moving as it strides boldly into the future, yet simultaneously managing to keep one foot firmly entrenched in its historical past.

Bathed in sunlight year-round, Seville has a charismatic and upbeat vibe. The mix of Roman, Moorish and Colonial influences have sculpted Seville's reputation as a cultural cornucopia. Tangled alleyways, labyrinths, exquisite cathedrals, and animated tapas bars line the Guadalquivir river, which winds its way through the Andalusian capital.

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.

Karlstad is a wonderfully compact Swedish city, built on a grid pattern with wide, tree-lined streets, avenues, promenades, and squares. Karlstad has a "big city" feel, with many quality hotels and other accommodation options, with the advantage that the city’s many attractions are just a short walk away: shopping streets, malls and arcades, culture, historical sites, urban nature activities, parks, transport, and amenities. Don’t forget that this is child-friendly Sweden and children are welcome everywhere in Karlstad.