Boats travel along the shores of the Bosphorus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.

It’s all here, whether you go for the big names or those cute little boutiques you find nowhere else. And whether you prefer an upmarket department store or a covered shopping centre for your whole new wardrobe, or enjoy running from shop to shop in search of that one perfect item. Here in the Maastricht city centre, there’s something for every shopaholic, young or old, boy or girl. Comb the Grote Staat and be dazzled by all the known and lesser-known chains you find here. Take a peek at the shopping centre Entre Deux, worth a visit for its architecture alone, and for the huge shops for famous labels you’ll find here. There are still a few surprises for you in store at the shopping centre Mosae Forum, just next to the Markt. And don’t overlook the basement floor, where you’ll find some hidden gems (of the edible kind!). But it’s not all fashion, beauty, and lifestyle; there’s also a special place for books, in the amazing bookshop in the medieval Dominican church, a highlight of the city centre not to be missed. Need a breather? When you’re ready to take a break from your shopping adventure, you’ll be pleased to find that the amazing array of shops is interspersed with pubs, cafés, and charming restaurants.

Take off your shoes and walk right on the warm sand of Las Olas Beach. Should you ever get tired of relaxing in the sun or swimming in the azure blue sea, you can always grab a bite at the various restaurants along the beach or check out the luxury boutiques nearby.

Alnö, known as 'Norrland's Hawaii', is a volcanic island just outside Sundsvall that formed approximately 570 million years ago. As a result, Alnö features unique rocks and minerals not found anywhere else in the world, including the eponymous Alnöite. Around the turn of the 20th century, Alnö was a true sawmill island with 19 sawmills operating simultaneously. Today's Alnö is a summer paradise with cosy bathing coves, fishing villages, restaurants and cafés.