Mirissa, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a seaside town that blends golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its crescent-shaped bay fringed with palm trees, it offers one of the island’s most inviting spots for swimming, surfing, and lounging by the sea.

Portofino, Italy, is a jewel on the Italian Riviera, famed for its colorful buildings, glamorous yachts, and charming harbor. This picturesque fishing village, with its pastel-colored houses that cascade down to the emerald-green waters, exudes a quaint yet luxurious atmosphere. The Piazzetta, the heart of Portofino, is a lively square where visitors can sip an espresso or enjoy fresh seafood while watching the elegant boats bobbing gently in the harbor.

Durban is a big subtropical city in the north-eastern province of KwaZulu/Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country - Mohandas Gandhi arrived here as an indentured labourer in 1893. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlour with a happening nightlife.

Bacalar sits on the tranquil shores of Laguna de Bacalar in southern Quintana Roo, Mexico, and has been a meeting place for people and cultures for centuries. Its name comes from the ancient Maya phrase Sian Ka’an Bakhalal, meaning “where the sky is born,” a reminder of how deeply this place figures in regional history and identity.

Cheltenham is a Regency-era spa town in Gloucestershire known for its elegant streets, welcoming squares and an inviting pace of life that has drawn visitors since the 1700s. The town pulses with festivals through the year, giving travelers reason to return again and again. Cheltenham Literature Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind in the world, brings writers and readers together each autumn for talks, readings and book signings that span many genres.