This beautiful fishing town on the Mediterranean Sea glimmers with sunshine and charm—so much so that Vincent van Gogh captured the streets and seascape of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer. In between lunching and shopping, visit the monolithic Church of Three Saints, a stone Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century. That, plus museums and bullfight arenas, will stimulate your cultural yens. Savour fresh fish and plump shellfish at any one of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer’s exquisite cafes and restaurants.

Surrounded by golden sands, oyster-filled lagoons, and ancient salt flats, the Mediterranean port town of Sete offers a tranquil change of pace from the busy resorts of the Languedoc. Effortlessly photogenic, the picturesque canals are lined with fishing boats, traditional markets, and seafood restaurants.

Lourdes, nestled in the majestic Pyrenees mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The famous shrine of Notre-Dame de Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims every year, offering hope and inspiration. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing in winter, thanks to the exceptional opportunities offered by the surrounding nature. Lourdes also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with unique architecture, captivating history and delicious local cuisine to sample. Located in Occitanie, the south-west region of France, Lourdes offers easy access to top sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pic du Midi and the diverse flora and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

In progressive Berlin, the old buildings of Mitte gracefully coexist with the modern Reichstag. Don't miss top historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The city's great zoo makes for a fun break from touring the staider attractions.

Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to this prized piece of land. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring Istanbul’s mahalles (neighbourhoods). From the holy sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyoğlu to the high fashion of Nişantaşı, the vibrant café society of Kadıköy and the football-loving streets of Beşiktaş, it’s easy to see why travellers say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but many cities within one.

Mount Desert (pronounced “dessert”) Island is the largest isle in Maine and the second largest on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Though it boasts a small residential community, Mount Desert claims more than two million visitors each year; all of whom are enamored with its quaint feel, stunning beaches, and access to saltwater and freshwater lakes. Popular water activities include kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, though many prefer to take in amazing sunrises and scenic vistas while exploring one of the island’s 25 trails.

Collingwood is more than just a neighbour of Blue Mountain Ski resort. This town on Nottawasaga Bay has its own delights to discover, from historic homes to parks and trails, a marine heritage museum, and its own annual Elvis Festival.

There's more than one way to enjoy the spa experience in St. Lucia. One is to book a treatment at any of the luxury spas or resorts on the island. The other is to visit Sulphur Springs, inside the bowl of an extinct volcano, where you're welcome to try a volcanic mud bath or the 31°C/88°F Roman bath.