Nestled amidst the Ozark Mountains is Table Rock Lake, a Mecca for aquatic enthusiasts and fishermen. Swimming, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, racing, and diving can all be done in the lake, while hikers will find the endless trails and wildlife alluring. Underneath Table Rock is the massive Missouri cave system—which is also open for exploration. Fishermen will be interested to know the record largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and other fish that reside at the lake. And all of Branson’s attractions lie just beyond the hills.

Monserrate is a dramatically high mountain over 3,152 metres (10,000 feet) high that dominates the city centre of Bogotá. You can reach the top on foot, but be warned that it won't be the easiest trek of your life because of the altitude. Alternatively, take the cable-car or the funicular. They will safely deliver you to the church with a shrine devoted to El Señor Caído with astonishing views over the city. If you are superstitious, be warned: Colombians believe that couples who visit Monserrate together will never get married.

The Nîmes Arena was inspired by the Coliseum in Rome, built under Emperor Augustus, and is the best preserved amphitheatre of the Roman era in the world. It has seating capacity for an amazing 20,000 people over 34 tiers and is used for bull fights, pop concerts and sporting fixtures. There is also audio guided tours where you can relive the Roman gladiator games.

The Beitou area of Taipei is renowned for its high concentration of thermal spa centres. There are establishments to fit any budget, from the low-priced open-air Public Hot Spring (modest swimwear required) to private hotels and resorts uphill, all offering hot spring baths at various price points. One option most resorts offer is renting a private room with a large bath that can be filled with hot spring water. The Spring City Resort in Beitou is a great mid-range option. A session here includes access to about a dozen thermal pools of varying water temperature (from seemingly boiling-hot to rather chilly), plus robe, towel, and slipper rental. They even offer a free shuttle bus to the metro station. For a luxurious spa treatment, look into the offerings of Hotel Regent Taipei, for example. Wellspring Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments including massages, body wraps, skin polishing and facials. Take the elevator to the top floor and unwind at this urban sanctuary.