Rockhampton is known by many as the unofficial capital of Central Queensland and as the official beef capital of Australia, with three million head of cattle calling the region home. With its historic buildings and tree-lined streets facing the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is a great place to visit. Its location on the Tropic of Capricorn gives the city over 300 days of sunshine a year. Enjoy the beaches of the Capricorn Coast, or explore the region’s national parks and caves.

In Östersund, you will enjoy life all year round. The crisp air, the bright, long summer nights, and the white winters with lots of snow make it easy to like not only the city of Östersund but also its surroundings. Home to historical treasures, such as the Frösö Church and Jamtli Museum, Östersund seamlessly marries tradition with modernity. With a bustling city centre, lively markets, and a plethora of outdoor activities, Östersund beckons visitors to experience its charm.

Australia’s highest peaks are in the Snowy Mountains, where there’s thrilling downhill skiing and snowboarding during the snow season. Lively towns and resorts in this alpine region in the Southwest NSW are also popular destinations in warmer months for hiking, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. When spring melts the snow into cascading waters and wildflowers bloom, streams shelter trout and attract many fly fishermen. Vineyards in this beautiful region produce excellent cool-climate wines, and fresh produce is on sale at farm gates.

Nestled within the mountains of the northern Thai countryside, Chiang Mai is a vibrant and modern city that holds close to its spiritual and natural roots. With its spectacular landscapes, delightful food, and hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai has nothing to envy of its sibling Bangkok.

Welcome to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, where giant pandas delight tourists at the Chengdu Breeding Research Base. Though a modern city, Chengdu is where life happens in the back streets, with crowds waiting outside hot-pot restaurants, and tea houses abuzz with mahjong players and their noisy tile-shuffling game.