During Waterville's cozy summer months, enjoy free live concerts in the Town Square courtyard every Saturday evening from July through Labor Day. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and take in the music from the courtyard, the beach, or even while boating on Corcoran Pond.

Just an hour's boat trip away from Cartagena lie the magnificent Rosario Islands, which belong to Colombia's only underwater natural park (Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park). Abundant marine wildlife (including over 50 species of corals) and some of Colombia's best beaches draw in many in search of relaxation and active pursuits such as snorkelling and diving. Isla Grande is best for kayaking through unique mangrove forests and seeing the phosphorescent plankton light up the waters of a brackish lake at night, while Playa Blanca is Cartagena's most spectacular white-sand beach (also reachable by land). It should be said that the company you choose to tour with has the potential to make or break the experience. Low cost tours can mean multiple intermediate stops en route to your destination, as well as unpleasant surprises such as no transfer back to your hotel. Try and choose a trusted company with consistently good reviews, or opt for a private tour. Mind that seas may be rough at certain times of the year, particularly in December and January, when tours on smaller boats may even become dangerous.

This cultural centre, named after one of the country's best and most beloved authors, Jorge Luis Borges, hosts an astonishing variety of performances and exhibitions. From ballet and tango to experimental theatre and orchestras, indie films, photography and art expos, you are sure to find something interesting during your visit.

Also known as the "Museum of Corruption", this former president's home gives visitors a good idea of the obscene opulence of Ukraine's former leader. This is a slightly alternative day trip but a must-see, for an insight into Ukraine's turbulent political past and present.