Sitting in the Gulf of Aqaba, Tiran Island isn’t open to the public —it’s a military zone—, but the real draw is what’s underwater. Most boat trips from Sharm stop at reefs around the island—Jackson, Gordon, Woodhouse—where the coral is alive, the fish are everywhere, and the current keeps things interesting. It’s a great day out if you want good snorkelling or diving away from the coast.

Great for school or private groups, Marine Discovery Tours offers a great way to see marine animals in their natural habitat. Tours and rates vary by group size and cruise selection.

About 80 km from Hangzhou city and just an easy hour bus ride away, Wu Zhen is a town where time passes without notice. More and more tourists have discovered the time-worn cobbled stone streets, crow-stepped gable, wooden doors and long, narrow alleys of Wu Zhen. Still, the life of the locals seem undisturbed. They still keep to their traditional customs, like drinking Sanbai Wine, making traditional maltose and sipping morning tea until 9.30 am, the same leisurely and pleasing way their great grandfathers did. With the newly created Wu Zhen International Theater Festival, the town shows also a touch of modern culture.