This medieval city looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its bustling market square, spiralling Gothic towers, castles and legends of dragons. Explore the city's narrow backstreets, hidden courtyards and the network of underground cellars and tunnels. Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland through its love of music, poetry and theatre. After years of occupation and struggle, Krakow has emerged a proud city with a strong sense of identity, yet has still maintained its artistic and fun-loving soul.

Curaçao is an unquenchable source of natural wonders: the island is enriched by dozens of beaches, secret coves and inlets, and is made vibrant by unique tropical vegetation. Just as colourful is the capital, Willemstad, a true jewel box with Dutch flair and plenty of history — in case that famous blue liquor alone does not set you off.

Vibrant, ever-changing, multi-faceted Johannesburg flings contrast at you from every angle. Trees line streets where houses hide their manicured gardens and pristine blue swimming pools behind high white walls, miles of shacks tell of the effects of the apartheid years — still to be overcome. The air of Africa’s most dynamic city vibrates with music and buzzes with business while its stylish restaurants, elegant shops, art galleries, and theatres delight the international visitor.

It is easy to overlook this small island nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours like Qatar and the Emirates. However, ignoring Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing art scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one.

Tirana is a mixture of Western Europe and old Russia, interspersed with influences from the Middle East. The city has overcome its recent troubled past and risen as a gem of Eastern Europe. The modern Tirana is full of restaurants, nightlife and hotels, and has rediscovered itself and become an energetic, vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is worth exploring.