Liberia may fly under the radar, but it’s the heart of Guanacaste—both a gateway to Costa Rica’s wild northwest and a place with a rhythm of its own. With sun-drenched streets, colonial buildings, and easy access to beaches, volcanoes, and national parks, it draws travellers looking for more than just a pretty view. This is where the adventure often begins—and where everyday Costa Rican life quietly unfolds.

Few Greek islands boast an immaculacy comparable to that of Astypalaia — a butterfly-shaped cloistral haven rising from the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea. Captured at certain angles, Astypalaia bears a striking semblance to its not-so-distant yet far more glamorised cousin of Santorini. With its pristine beaches, whitewashed houses, and uncharted walking paths, the island is an explorer's heaven, and a find for those looking to escape the madding crowds of summer vacationers.

Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking masterpiece straddling the California-Nevada border, is a stunning mix of crystal-clear waters and towering mountains formed by ancient volcanic forces over a million years ago. Divided into North and South, each with its own charm, Tahoe entices locals and visitors year-round with world-class ski resorts, warm-weather adventures, glitzy casinos, exciting nightlife, and an impressive culinary scene.

Valladolid breathes history. This is the place where King Felipe II was born, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were married, and Christopher Columbus died. This was once the capital of Spain, and although it has lost this title, it's still the principal city of Castilla y Leon, the land of castles from which the word ‘Castilian’ is derived. Today, Valladolid is a bustling university city that thrives on its manufacturing industries. It is a down-to-earth, lively place that blends the old with the energetic new.

Despite being Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor has the charm of a small town where nature and city live in close proximity. Embraced on all sides by lush green hills which in winter turn white and are excellent for skiing, forests and vineyards, most within an easy walk from the centre, you can sample the cafes and restaurants and stroll through the vibrant streets of the old town. But the nearby hills are a constant reminder that nature is just a few steps away and a whole world of leisure awaits you.