The natural beauty of Yilan flows like an enchanted river. The surrounding county is lush with waterfalls, lakes, rivers and botanical gardens. You can spend your vacation immersed in a watery paradise, swimming, surfing, white water rafting or simply taking in the scenery. If you prefer to soak up culture, Yilan offers museums that highlight traditional crafts and natural wonders, including Bei Guan Leisure Farm, known for its head-scratching exhibits of live crabs that live in boiling volcanic springs. A street snack from the Luodong Night Market is simply a must.

Longtan is suitable for planting tea trees due to its geology and climate. Hence, tea plantations are very popular here, especially in Gaoyuan Village and Sanshui Village. The famous tea brand, TeaKing, uses tea manufactured in Longtan as the main source of tea leaves for its Japanese green tea. Visitors can experience tea-leaf picking and tea manufacturing, and enjoy Taiwan’s famous Longquan Pongfeng tea. Famous landmarks including Longtan Tourist Pond, water slide, riverbank trail, and Yongyi Bridge, all offer a cosy environment surrounded by water. From the 390 metre high Rugu Mountain, you can overlook Guanyin, Zhongli and Linkou, and even Taipei 101, and enjoy the scenic view decorated with the City lights. The century-old Sankeng Old Street retains the characteristics of Hakka houses, such as sidewalk, washing area, etc. Trying the Hakka green cake, Hakka Mochi and kumquat sauce along the old Street is another way of experiencing Hakka culture.

Taoyuan's High Speed Rail Station is located in Qingpu, Zhongli. The nearby recreational facilities include Gloria Outlets, Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium, Taiwan's largest IKEA flagship store, Japan's Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and multi-purpose ecological park: Chintan Park. You can start a mini tour at the High Speed Rail Area once you alight from the train. To enjoy street food, you should not miss Zhongyuan Night Market and Zhongping Road shopping area. Some of the local snacks include triangular vegetable buns, beef noodles, peanut candy, etc., and the creative cuisines, including grilled mocha, rose egg pancake, salty crispy chicken, imagawayaki, etc. Factory tours are suitable for family trips as you can learn more about famous brands such as HeySong, Yakult, etc., as well as enjoy the fun of making the products yourself. If you enjoy cultural tours, why not go to Mazu Village and get immersed in the nostalgic experience of the veterans village with shady old trees, black tiles and brick walls.

Home to nearly nine million and powering an economy that exceeds both Hong Kong's and Thailand's, Osaka packs quite a punch. The confident, stylish city is a shopping hub, with fabulous restaurants and nightlife. It's an ideal base for exploring the Kansai region: Kyoto's World Heritage Sites, Nara's temple and Koya-san's eerie graves are within 90 minutes by train. Top city attractions include the aquarium, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory.

Move over, Haussmann and l'Enfant. Beijing's urban planner beat you by a couple of centuries. His name is Kublai Khan. Here, you'll find a wealth of history, both ancient (the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Summer Palace, Forbidden City) and more recent (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Tienanmen Square). For the best market experience, choose the Dirt Market over the touristy Silk Market.

Bangkok is full of exquisitely decorated Buddhist temples—as you go from one to the next you’ll be continually blown away by the craftsmanship and elabourate details. But if you’d rather seek enlightenment in a gourmet meal, or dance the night away, you’ll also enjoy Bangkok—the restaurant and nightclub scenes here are among the best in the world.

Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.

Coastal paths wind lazily around Nusa Lembongan, inviting travellers to explore the island on foot. Mangrove forests, seaweed farms, and tranquil beaches like Jungut Batu and Dream Beach are prime ways to experience Nusa Lembongan’s natural beauty. The clear blue waters are perfect for surfing and drift diving. Walk the suspension bridge over to neighbouring island Nusa Ceningan and take in a spectacular sunset from Ceningan Ridge for maximum romance.

City slickers, culture vultures and beach bums alike fall in love with Sydney. Hang ten at famed Bondi Beach or stroll the calmer sands of Coogee.  Cash burning a hole in your pocket? You’ll find great shopping in the Rocks district and along George and Pitt Streets. Climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge or take a skywalk on Sydney Tower for a 360-degree view of the city. But whatever you do, don’t leave town without cuddling the koalas in the Taronga Park Zoo—they’re ridiculously adorable.

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.