Where the Nissan river meets the sea lies Halmstad — a delightful mix of vibrancy and small-town charm, salty beaches and tranquil fresh waters. Several beaches, besides the well-known Tylösand, line the four-mile coast. The city centre is cosy, where small shops intermingle with a charming café and restaurant scene. Halmstad boasts a varied and rich array of events for all ages, year-round. Art is ever-present, featuring works by, among others, Milles and Picasso. Whoever you are, whatever you want to do, Halmstad has the experience for you.

The provincial capital of Jiangsu in eastern China, Nanjing, has served as the country’s capital for six dynasties and has long occupied a prominent place in Chinese history and culture. The overwhelming neon lights along Qinhuai River, the abundance of greenery in Zhongshan Mountain National Park, and the remnant architecture from the time of the fledgling republic are all facets of the richness of various stages in Nanjing’s development.

Speaking of Parma, the first things that come to mind are probably the ham and Parmesan cheese. Indeed, Parma is one of the most important culinary centres of Italy — but this city is so much more than that. Parma was the capital of a very powerful duchy, which left a legacy of stunning monuments and palaces. In addition, the splendour of that period created fertile grounds for the flourishing of art. In fact, Parma became one of the main centres for opera, thanks to its amazing theatres and its fine citizen Giuseppe Verdi.

Tivat feels like a town that’s caught in between—between old fishing days and shiny new marinas, between quiet corners and glamorous yachts. It’s small, but the kind of place that makes you want to stick around. Wander the cobbled streets, grab a coffee by the water, and you’ll get a sense of its easy-going rhythm. The Bay of Kotor stretches out before you, and while Tivat has its share of sleek, modern spots, there’s a certain charm in the old stone buildings and the salty breeze that still gives the place its soul.