Saline Beach is St Barts’ untamed coastal masterpiece — a crescent of powdery sand where turquoise waves meet rugged hills in perfect harmony. The journey begins with a 200-metre trek through scrubland and over a low dune, rewarding visitors with a vista of undeveloped shoreline where the only distractions are seabirds and the rhythmic crash of surf. On a clear day, direct your gaze past the green dot of Île Coco and you'll just be able to spot St Kitts on the horizon. Come prepared: shade is scarce and facilities nonexistent. What you’ll find instead is raw beauty; the kind that draws naturists and photographers, all chasing that rare blend of wildness and tropical splendor. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light gilds the salt pond’s edges (the same salty pound that gave the beach its name), and you’ll understand why this beach remains the island’s best-kept escape.

You can’t really miss it—Florence’s cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates the skyline with that massive red-brick dome. Construction began in the 13th century and continued for nearly 150 years, which is evident in the diverse styles. The outside is covered in pink, green and white marble—oddly beautiful up close. Inside, check out Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco under the dome. If you’re up for the climb (and it is quite a climb), the view from the top is worth the leg burn.

Christchurch’s historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre in style. The route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas. At present, there are 18 stops along the route.