Stretching from the wooded Dordogne to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, this vast region is a popular winter sports destination, but one without the hordes that besiege the Alps. Spring's melted snows lure kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. In summer, amateur and advanced hikers take to the hills.

Step back several centuries and imagine yourself in medieval times. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Cite at Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored medieval walled city on a hill by the Aude River. You'll half-expect to see armed lookouts manning the fortified city's towers. Cross the river to La Bastide neighbourhood for all the charms of a French country town.

An elegant resort town on the southern edge of Lake Garda, Sirmione has attracted holiday-goers for centuries. 13th-century Scaligero Castle and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo are top of the list for most visitors, as is swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.

The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?

Dahlonega sits at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain. It was the site of the first major U.S. gold rush—in 1828, 20 years before the California gold rush. Dahlonega's commercial district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s home to wineries,a thriving performing and visual arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities all year round.

加德滿都為尼泊爾的首都，座落於山谷當中，擁有豐富的歷史景點、古老寺廟、神殿，以及迷人的村莊。此外，你也可以在杜巴廣場的紀念碑前接觸當地人及動物，或是和登山者一同穿梭在熙攘的泰美爾區 (Thamel District)。這裡有許多商店讓你一一探索，欣賞當地藝術家的精美作品，這裡尤以地毯和紙版畫聞名。