Enjoy a compelling glimpse into the epic history of Stirling and its surrounding area by going back in time at Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Then explore other family-friendly attractions and the vibrant, independent boutiques around the Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade. And be sure to budget time to visit majestic Loch Lomond – Britain’s largest body of water – and the Trossachs National Park, just a short ride away.

An extensive waterfront regeneration and the addition of the V&A Museum to the banks of the River Tay has spruced up Dundee considerably, but it hasn't gone to Dundonians' heads. With plenty of wit and character, the locals are some of the friendliest in the UK.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.

A jumping-off point for ferries to the Hebridean Islands, the port town of Oban offers a picturesque bayside setting. It's worth catching a later boat to take in the town's stately Victorian architecture, bounty of seafood restaurants, and good pubs.

Lille is an architectural feast with strong Flemish influences from the Grand Place to the basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille to the quiet streets of row houses and gardens. For art buffs, Lille is home to the Musee d'Art Moderne and the Palais des Beaux Arts. Children will enjoy the Parc de Zoologique. Savvy travellers know that Lille has a fine public transit system, making this historical hotspot a pleasure to visit.

The winding country lanes and vine-covered hills that lead the way to Beaune offer a first look at the town’s storybook charms, and its medieval architecture, cobbled paths, and ancient wine cellars make it so this capital of the Burgundy wine region never disappoints.

Munich was almost completely destroyed in two world wars, yet it's managed to recreate much of its folkloric, Bavarian past. Oktoberfest is legendary, but you can visit the Hofbrauhaus any time of year for an immense beer. Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 games, is not to be missed (you can skate on the Olympic ice rink and swim in the pool). On a somber note, take time to visit the concentration camp at Dachau—it's an intense, yet unforgettable, glimpse into the not-too-distant horrors of the Holocaust.

Corsica is a laid-back French island, with a breezy vibe that’s part European weekend and part tropical honeymoon. The port city of Bastia flings its arms wide open to weary travelers disembarking from a long ferry trip. For a truly charming Corsican experience, catch a train through the mountains to the beach, passing by rustic villages and grazing cows along the way. Take a few hours or even a few weeks to explore the island’s famous walking trails, including the varsity-level GR 20.

Founded in 1565 by the Order of St John as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, Valletta is now the capital of Malta and a piece of living history. With an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular Co-Cathedral of St John, which features intricately carved stone vaults and a famed painting by Caravaggio, it is no wonder that this smallest of European capital cities is a world heritage site.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

You may have all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, Dallas does its best to fulfill that promise. You'll find several museums with vast art collections and fascinating specialty museums like The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, which, though small in size, offers an immense amount of information about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And of course, visit a local steakhouse for a terrific (and enormous) meal.