If it wasn't for Paris, Ghent would be medieval Europe's largest city. Steeped in history both rebellious and industrious, it sits at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers and was once the site of armed battles by its townsfolk, who raged against heavy taxes and restricted civil liberties.

Hammerfest, located above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, is one of the northernmost towns in the world with a population of over 10,000. It’s a place where the midnight sun shines from mid-May to late July, and the polar night sets in from late November to mid-January. Historically a hub for Arctic hunting and fishing, Hammerfest was also the first town in Northern Europe to install electric streetlights in 1891.

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where history and modern life intersect on a grand scale. Ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven reflect centuries of imperial heritage, while the Great Wall lies just outside the city, offering views of one of the most famous engineering feats in the world.

Devil’s Bridge National Park, located on the rugged Atlantic coast of Antigua, is one of the island’s most dramatic natural landmarks. The park is named after its striking limestone arch, carved over centuries by relentless waves and wind.

Portimao is a port city on the southern coast of Portugal and offers easy access to some of the country's best beaches.