Popularly referred to as Ooty, this gem among southern hill resorts is covered in eucalyptus and pine trees and coffee and tea plantations. On a clear day, it's possible to see as far as the Mysore plateau from Dodabetta Peak, the district's most prominent viewpoint. The Stone House, a landmark 1822 bungalow, and St. Stephen's Church are remnants of the area's first British settlement. Also noteworthy: formal botanical gardens, a children's mini-garden and a contemporary art collection.

Sprawling tea plantations surround the serene hills of Munnar, which attract adventure travellers hungry for paragliding, treks to Anaimudi (South India's highest peak) and hikes originating at the confluence of three mountain streams. The stone Christ Church, built by the British in 1910, is adorned with renowned works of stained glass, and Eravikulam National Park, about 10 miles away, is home to equally colourful wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), ruddy mongoose and 120 bird species.

Kodaikanal has an endangered animal called the grizzled giant squirrel. To us, that alone is reason to book a trip ("grizzled giant squirrel" might be the best animal name ever). Perched on the woodsy southern crest of the Palani Hills, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, this popular lakeside resort town is a magnet for nature lovers. Wander the peaceful slopes, keeping an eye out for birds, exotic flowers and, of course, grizzled giant squirrels.

Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. (Just make sure you heed the local laws—something like spitting in the street might merely be considered rude in your hometown, but here, it carries a severe penalty.) You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping (including gargantuan malls) and numerous beaches.

If you come across "cipolla di Tropea"-flavoured gelato, you might worry that you’ve forgotten your Italian… or are losing your mind. Don’t fret. "Cipolla" does mean onion, and yes, that is indeed onion gelato. The local red onions are so popular that they’ve even made it into dessert. Tropea, like so many towns on the Amalfi Coast, has a gorgeous cliffside setting. Beneath those cliffs, you’ll find beautiful, sandy beaches.

The ideal place to soak up Tuscany's ambiance while bypassing the region’s crowded cities, Arezzo is just over an hour outside of Florence. City highlights include its Piazza Grande, many churches, and even ancient Roman archaeological ruins.

The main city of the northern Tuscan Riviera area of Versilia, Viareggio began as a medieval fishing village, then later gained renown for its shipbuilding. In the mid-19th century, the town was developed as a seaside resort, which it’s been ever since. Today, the city is loved for its long beaches, pine woods, great shopping and lively nightlife. It’s also home to the famous carnival of Viareggio, dating back to the late 19th century and one of Europe’s most important carnival events.

Provence, in southeastern France, is divided into six departments and stretches from Orange to Nice. Many consider the Luberon in Vaucluse to be the "real Provence". Gently sloping vineyards and lavender fields are the backdrops that enthralled Cezanne, Van Gogh and Chagall. An excellent train network makes travel between towns easy. To explore villages, drive or catch a bus. Highlights include the Palace of the Popes at Avignon, the Roman amphitheatre at Arles and the craft centre of Les Baux.