Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".

Known as the Granite City because of the locally quarried stone, Aberdeen, the capital of northeastern Scotland, is one of the most distinctive cities in Great Britain. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it mixes rich history, beautiful granite architecture and traditional industries with a flurry of leisure and entertainment amenities. It has a vibrant arts scene, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and one of the most buoyant economies in the country. Scotland’s third largest city truly has something to offer to everyone.

Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful 'morna'. The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.

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.

With its breathtaking beaches, secluded waterfalls, bustling night markets, and electric nightlife, Koh Samui offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—maybe that explains why this small island in the Gulf of Thailand attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.