In 1715, margrave Karl III Wilhelm decided he needed more space than he had in Durlach, so he moved his capital to Karlsruhe and had it designed in circular spokes around his new palace. Because of its unique radial shape, Karlsruhe is sometimes called the “fan city.” Home to Germany’s most important federal courts, the city accordingly teems with civil servants. Karlsruhe Schloss (castle) was badly damaged in World War II, but was rebuilt and is now home to the Badisches Landesmuseum.

Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest in South Germany, Baden-Baden is a chic destination for those who fancy a dip in its famous salt- and radon-rich thermal hot springs. The town has been a popular destination for so long that it's starting to show its age, but not to worry. It's still very classy, picturesque and well-maintained. (The Dame Julie Andrews of German spa towns, if you will.) Sporty types will find an abundance of opportunities to enjoy golf, tennis, horseback riding and skiing nearby in winter.

Like Rothenburg, Dinkelsbuehl is one of the smaller mediaeval fortress cities. With its walls and towers still intact, it has the look of a typical German town of the 15th to early 17th century. Sample the famous German cuisine served in larger cities, but without the crowds. Don't miss the annual summer celebration, marking the city's surrender to Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War. The event is emphatically reenacted by many of the town's residents. And really, who doesn't love amateur theatre?

Walk atop Rothenburg’s city walls or climb to the top of the town hall for great views. The Night Watchman tour is an unforgettable way to learn the city’s history. And our travelers also recommend the Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum)—it’s gruesome but fascinating.

You view great wine as the essence of a good holiday. Your travel companion, however, is a beer aficionado. Will it be Paris or Munich? Stop arguing and go to Strasbourg, where you can have the best of French and German cuisine, including the booze. The entire central island is a World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the 12th-century cathedral or the storybook "la Petite France" neighbourhood.

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular cities. It’s also one of the cleanest and most metropolitan. The dynamic Danish capital features progressive modern architecture, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park, stunning palaces, and all the activities and amenities you would expect in a world-class destination. Explore the canals and pretty narrow streets, appreciate beautiful old homes, and find great shopping and people watching on The Ströget.

So-called because of the honey-coloured stone used to build its villages, the Cotswolds offers visitors the quintessential English experience. The area spans five counties and boasts some of England’s most impressive country houses, castles, and landscapes. Plus, plentiful pubs make it easy to experience authentic English hospitality.

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.

The rock citadel of Uchisar is a weird and wonderful structure, resembling some kind of Jim Henson creature emerging from a pile of stones. Spend some time exploring its hand-carved hallways and chambers before climbing to the top to admire the surrounding view. Or take it all in from a completely different angle and hire a hot air balloon to transport your Uchisar experience to new heights.

From the heights of the Bay of Fundy tides to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Acadian coast, New Brunswick is home to spectacular natural wonders and first-class attractions. The Canadian province is also renowned for its outdoor adventures, natural and recreational parks, pristine rivers, lively cities, picturesque towns and vibrant culture. Add a dash of Acadian joie de vivre and its people’s legendary friendliness and you have the makings of a truly unique Maritime experience.

Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. The compact city centre is safe to walk in and taxis make other areas accessible.

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.