For centuries, Zagreb has been a focal point of culture and science, and later also developed into a major centre of commerce and industry. Nowadays, it is a predominantly outdoorsy town with a plethora of cultural and clubbing opportunities, which are some of the many reasons people of all ages flock to this dazzling capital.

The mythical birthplace of the goddess Hera, Samos is the greenest of the Aegean islands and surely deserves its divine reputation. Nature lovers and sun-seekers alike are attracted to its pebbled beaches, green landscapes, and impressive rocky cliffs. The island is also renowned for its vineyards and is home to the impressive ruins of the Temple of Hera, as well as the remarkable Tunnel of Eupalinos, a feat of ancient engineering that once supplied clean drinking water to the people of Pythagoreio.

World-class shows. Neon lights set aglow. Numerous attractions line the strip. But look again — this isn’t Las Vegas. This is Branson, Missouri. Lauded as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson draws myriads of visitors to its theaters, which feature anything from comedic magic acts to Elvis Presley tributes. The natural beauty cannot be ignored either, for the Ozark Mountains provide a terrain of sparkling waters and forested trails.

Porto Santo is an island that moves at an easy pace. Golden sand stretches for kilometres, poncha is poured without hurry, and the Atlantic sets the soundtrack. Part of the Madeira archipelago, yet quietly its own world, it’s shaped by sea, wind, and simple pleasures, from long beach days to bolo do caco still warm from the stone. A hidden treasure, Porto Santo rewards curiosity and slows you down in the best possible way.

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.