You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

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.

Just ten degrees north of the equator, Quepos offers a rich mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and the Pacific coast. Named after the Quepoa people who once lived here, the town serves as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its mangroves, lagoons, and beach-lined forests. Quepos is a place where nature’s variety and beauty invite outdoor lovers to explore and soak in its wild charm.

Discover Washington’s Ocean Shores, a coastal paradise where pristine beaches meet endless adventure. Gallop along the shoreline on horseback, cast a line into the Pacific for a fresh catch, or explore the vibrant birdlife in local parks. As the sun dips below the horizon, immerse yourself in Ocean Shores' lively nightlife. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of activities, Ocean Shores is Western Washington's premier beach destination.

Hectic, bustling, chaotic — Dhaka is an enormous city of endless possibilities with energy to spare. Though it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, visitors who take the time to explore will find the experience most rewarding. Delicious food, bustling markets, serene parks and gardens, lazy river cruises and death-defying rickshaw rides, fascinating museums, temples and mosques to ease the soul, and tantalising musical and dance performances; all this and more awaits the adventurous traveller who dares to venture into this unique city.