Don’t expect a booming nightclub scene in Icmeler—but for the travellers who’ve discovered this Turkish beach resort, that’s a huge plus. Take a boat trip to a nearby island, savor fresh seafood in a beachside café, or just soak up the sun.

With its postcard-worthy backdrop of golden sands, forested mountains, and miles of azure ocean, it’s no surprise that Fethiye is among the most-visited cruise ports on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. The town itself is equally attractive, with leafy seafront promenades, lively bazaars, and ancient ruins.

According to the Ancient Greeks, the god Hephaestus used Isolo Vulcano as sort of his own private blacksmith shop. Here you can clamber up volcanoes like Scalata al Cratere and rejuvenate in the warm and gooey sulfur mud baths of Laghetto di Fanghi. Kayaking is a popular way to take in the beauty of Vulcano’s grottoes and coastlines.

Perched on the shore of the Baltic Sea, Roenne was first settled over a thousand years ago. Today, the Danish city is known for its low historic houses and beautifully crafted grandfather clocks. The charming squares and yellow buildings of the Old Quarter set a cheery scene for exploration. The graceful 19th-century lighthouse provides plenty of photo ops, and the whitewashed St. Nicolas Church is jam-packed with ancient artifacts that date back to the 14th century.

The geographical heart of England, Birmingham began life as a sixth- century Anglo-Saxon village. Today, much of this city of over a million dates back to post-WWII redevelopment in the 1950s and 60s. Cutting edge museums and galleries, innovative theatres and excellent shopping have contributed to Birmingham's appeal as a weekend break destination. Don't miss the Balti Triangle, home to the Pakistani food in the UK, the hopping bars and cafes of Gas Street Basin, or the National Sea Life Centre.

Strung below craggy mountains, the Omani capital of Muscat is one of the Middle East’s oldest and most picturesque cities. Between its corniches and modern quarter are Portuguese-built forts, blue-domed mosques, royal palaces, and souks, all heavy with the sense of a lost Arabia.

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people on the city’s hidden gems — then choose from 130+ weekly musical events for a special night out. Glasgow is also the perfect base for exploring more of Scotland, with great connections to the Highlands and the islands.

Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular holiday sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Phuket's south coast offers its most popular beaches. The north is more tranquil. Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Patong Beach are popular spots. Diving, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing are just a few active options. Inland, forested hills, mountains and cliffs wait to be explored.