Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.

Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital of Transylvania, and though you (probably) won’t find vampires here, you can explore castles, fortresses, botanical gardens, museums and parks. Cluj-Napoca has a vibrant arts scene that embraces both the traditional and the progressive. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy classical concerts, theatrical performances, puppet shows and music of every genre, from jazz to modern pop to electronica.

On the Polish border, Usedom is an island that holidaymakers adore. Soft sands and beautiful views of the sea make it a delight for sun-seekers. For the elegant experience, tour its coastal towns; for the rugged view, rent a bike and explore the nature park. (Tip: If you love to shop, cross over into Poland for better prices on just about anything.)

The Rhône-Alps town of Morzine is a skier’s paradise, its alpine village atmosphere emphasized by mountain ranges and chalets. Morzine has hosted the Tour de France several times, and is also home to the Avoriaz ski resort, part of the Les Portes du Soleil. The pistes and valleys are the main attractions here, and you may enjoy an après-ski soak in the unique Aquariaz, an indoor tropical waterpark.

Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.

With its Victorian hotels, 19th-century pier, and wide promenade fronting a stretch of quintesentially British shingle beaches; Eastbourne is one of England’s most elegant seaside resorts and within day-trip distance of London.

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 largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word "safari." Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger is the country’s flagship national park. Adventurers can explore the park in a 4x4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon.