Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.

In Memphis, the past doesn’t sit still—it sings and speaks. From the echoes of Elvis at Graceland to the blues-soaked blocks of Beale Street and the weight of history at the National Civil Rights Museum, the city hums with stories. Music spills from bars and porches, carried on the scent of slow-cooked barbecue. Travelers don’t just visit Memphis—they feel it deep in the bones, in every note, bite, and heartbeat.

Antwerp, a busy pocket-sized metropolis, has something for everyone. The city is an inspiring source of culture thanks to its impressive architecture and magnificent museums and churches. Fashionistas can explore the boutiques of Antwerp’s designers, whose stylish creations are revered all over the world. Foodies and people with a passion for life in general will enjoy the warm welcome of Antwerp’s cafés and restaurants. A visit to Antwerp should definitely include the iconic museum MAS, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubens House.

Once a sleepy regional capital, Bangalore today is a modern metropolis that will come as a big surprise to those visiting for the first time. Also known as Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is the technological hub of India and the very place where the country’s new, confident global identity is being forged. Although the city might somewhat lack historical sites, its buzzing and liberal atmosphere provides the perfect base for exploring the beautiful temples and palaces of the Deccan.