Claiming to be the sunniest spot in all of Europe, the Croatian island of Hvar is the perfect destination for tourists seeking the beauty of Mediterranean beaches without the crowds associated with more well-known destinations. Pathways lined with lavender vines lead to secluded coves, small fishing villages and local vineyards, and ferries and catamarans carry visitors across the calm, blue waters to the surrounding islands, all worthy of exploration.

The largest city on the Adriatic Coast, seaside delight Split has been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian and Yugoslav control. There is an abundance of restaurants and wine cellars. Sites such as Diocletian's Palace and Mausoleum, the Grgur Ninski Statue and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Domnius justify its position as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. The city's coves offer several lovely beaches, including central Bacvice. Ferries link Split to Dalmatian summer resorts.

Getting its name from the medieval Duchy of Limburg (now split among Holland, Belgium and Germany and the birthplace of the infamously pungent Limburger cheese), Limburg is the Netherlands’ southernmost region. Many of the area’s best attractions are concentrated in the capital of Maastricht, but other sights include the 12th-century Valkenburg castle ruins, the 17th-century Eijsden castle, the 20th-century Glaspaleis (built next to a medieval church at Heerlen), and De Meinweg National Park.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

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.