The counties of Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath and Wicklow that surround Ireland’s capital city are packed with beautiful heritage sites, welcoming towns and activities. With glistening lakes, tranquil rivers, authentic rural life, scenic pastureland, rolling hills and forest parks, this area is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts with cycling, watersports, walking, angling, golfing, horseriding and cruising all in plentiful supply.

Queenstown, the self-proclaimed 'world's capital of adventures', has, without a doubt, earned this title. The birthplace of bungee jumping, and home to all manner of adrenaline pumping activities, from luge and jet-boating to canyon swinging, attracts thousands of adventure lovers every year. Set on the edge of the giant Lake Wakatipu, in the Otago region, this intimate town transforms itself into a buzzing ski resort during winter, thanks to its two appealing ski-fields that suit sport lovers of any abilities.

Indonesia’s sprawling capital is one of the fastest-growing, most chaotic and most exciting places in South-East Asia. It is the gateway to a vast, vibrant and varied island nation that is home to dozens of fascinating cultures. Formerly the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies--when it was known as Batavia--Jakarta has grown from its original seaport district into a huge modern conurbation of high-rise hotels and apartments, thronged shopping malls and wide, crowded avenues.

Following in the steps of its fellow northeastern cities within the early Colonies, the city of Concord was established around the spirit of unity, harmony, and friendship. As the name “Concord” actually means “with harmony,” these characteristics are seen all over the city. Residential, business, industrial, and historical elements are all blended together to make Concord an impressive cocktail of evolution and tradition. The city is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts many NASCAR races each year, as well as a number of historic sites.

Often called the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Deauville has been the go-to destination for the upper crust of French society for decades. Today, it is a spectacular seaside resort town sporting grand promenades, glamorous casinos, a pair of thoroughbred horse race tracks, golf courses, the American Film Festival, and plenty of chic visitors.