Festivity carries in the air as much as the sounds of saxophones and trumpets in New Orleans. It is a constant celebration of the human spirit, from the ever-lively Mardi Gras and Carnival to the breathtaking and historic tombs draped in oak canopies and Spanish moss. It is a city going through a kind of rebirth after the destruction of Katrina, reconstructing whole neighbourhoods, but it has lost none of its charm, its spark, its magic, its people's inextinguishable joie-de-vivre, none of what makes it a unique city in the United States and in the world. Steeped in cultural references, first-time visitors will feel somehow familiar with the city, and never want to leave.

Charismatic seaside Catania is a young, dynamic soul, inhabiting a body of narrow alleys and ornate Baroque buildings mounted on top of well-preserved remains of ancient Greek and Roman settlements. Mount Etna defines the cityscape both in terms of the striking panorama and building material - Catania is even referred to as the "grey city" for the colour of lava rocks used to construct many of its buildings.

One of Saudi Arabia's northernmost regions, Al-Jawf (also spelled Al-Jouf) is a treasure ground of historic artefacts and natural beauty. The province's two major tourist routes lie through its rural capital of Sakakah and the ancient town of Dumat Al-Jandal, where most of Al-Jawf's ruins and ancient relics are concentrated. Endless opportunity for exploration, rich cultural heritage and exotic desert adventures await visitors to Al-Jawf at every turn.

Known for its "Kiss-Me-Quick" hats, sticks of rock and the ubiquitous fish and chips, Blackpool has all this and more. With miles of golden sands, stunning Victorian architecture, a host of entertainment for young and old alike and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District right at the doorstep, Blackpool enjoys a scenic setting and easily maintains its status as the unofficial entertainment capital of the North.

San Juan is the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the island of Puerto Rico. Encompassing hundreds of years of history, the city blends Spanish-era historic sites – such as the San Felipe del Morro fortress, with modern entertainment and fashionable shopping districts. More than a million people call San Juan home, while hundreds of thousands of tourists call it their favorite place to vacation each year.