Vanuatu

This picture-perfect island archipelago with its sub-tropical climate, sand-fringed islands and rich marine life fits the bill as a dream Pacific getaway. Vanuatu is suitably photogenic – both naturally and with it’s photo-loving people and hip-shaking festivals. One of the best known, land diving (the original bungee) on Pentecost will have you biting your fingernails to the quick.

You might rub shoulders with the locals at kava bars, where you’ll be offered a bowl of the intoxicating liquid. Traditional life continues on many of the islands and villagers will likely welcome you. Be warned: they may love to eat root vegetables (kasava, taro or yam) but you probably won’t, although you should at least give them a try.

The capital, Port Vila, errs on the touristy side of things, but has colonial charm and dining in its restaurants with water vistas is a treat. Get your fix of live-it-up decadence one day then dabble in adventure sports next by visiting the active volcano on Tanna or diving on the wreck of the SS President Coolidge on Espiritu Santo.

Just remember to leave your city slicker mentality at home. These islands are chillaxed to the max – even in the capital there’s no bargaining or hawkers.

United States of America

From Manhattan to Malibu and everywhere in between, there’s more to America than Starbucks and faux pas-making politicians. There are also vast tracts of breathtaking wilderness, cutting-edge arts and culture, and the supersized glitz and glam of Hollywood and Vegas.

Tap your feet in New Orleans, gorge on barbecue in Texas, swish down mountains in Colorado or get in touch with your inner hippie in San Francisco. And don’t forget about that little island group called Hawaii, or the remote natural beauty of Alaska.

There’s so much to see and do, you can (sort of) understand why many Americans never holiday abroad. So strap on your fanny pack, grab your peeps, and lap it up in the Land of the Free.

Turkey

If there is any other country in the world that quite so magnificently straddles the eastern and western worlds we’d like to hear about it. Most travellers make the mistake of heading to Turkey with 10 days or so marked out in their itineraries and leave wishing they’d put aside a month to delve deeply into the landscapes, history and culture.

Bustling Istanbul, divided by the Bosphorus, deserves 10 days itself. By day, you’ll be astonished by the magnificence of the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace and Sultan Ahmed Mosque (known by most as the Blue Mosque), be stilled by the haunting call to prayer, have your body scrubbed raw at steamy bathhouses and battle against the crowds in the Grand Bazaar. At night, there are hip rooftop bars, sophisticated restaurants, and clubs and pubs to suit any occasion.

Aussies and Kiwis often set out on a sombre pilgrimage to Gallipoli, but, if you’re in the country for Anzac Day and don’t fancy the crowds, put it off till later in the trip (it’s still a haunting spot when ceremonies aren’t taking place) and instead head south. This is the beginning of the summer season, so you’ll discover the beaches near Fethiye and Oludinez blissfully deserted.

The white travertines of Pamukkale (the name means cotton castle) and the ruins of the spa city of Hierapolis are worth a visit. Take your time and check out the ancient theatre before taking a plunge in the Sacred Pool – complete with collapsed columns beneath the surface – of the Roman baths.

Another incredible landscape is Cappadocia, in the centre of the country. Everyone seems to do a balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and they all say it’s something not to miss.

There are plenty of of Roman ruins across the country, but some of the best can be found at Ephesus, a short drive from the beachside town of Kusadasi. Sure, it gets crowded, but even the hoards can’t detract from the sheer scale of the Library of Celcus, the theatre and the other monuments that survive here. The terraced houses, excavated complete with their fresco’d walls and mosaic floors, are a highlight.

Kusadasi itself is a pleasant base for exploring the western Aegean coast, although it can be slightly overrun by tourists on package holidays, who frequent its Irish bars and the cafes serving full English breakfasts. It’s pretty easy to get away from the crowds even here, though – take a boat trip to Izmir or just jump on one of the local buses and head to the beaches in Dilek National Park. Take a bottle of water and a few snacks, paddle in the water and lie in the sun.

There’s so much more to explore in this vast and diverse country. Just make sure you give yourself enough time.

Trinidad and Tobago

The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago has the requisite swaying palms, sun-kissed beaches and deserted coves you dream of while at your office desk during a dreary winter.

As well as being hot from a temperature point of view the country is also hot (smoking, even) in other ways. The islands’ past is checkered with the arrival of a variety of peoples; everyone from Arawak and Carib Indians to the ubiquitous European colonists who brought African slaves and workers from India, the Middle East and China with them. All of which makes for a diverse experience and some rather attractive residents. Then, of course, there are its reefs, birdlife and wildlife, which are also stunning.

If you can make it to Trinidad and Tobago for its annual Carnival (held in late March or early April) you’ll be captivated by the abandon and revelry – oh, and those barely there costumes. You’ll also be oh-so grateful if you can time your trip to get among the variety of other rowdy and vibrant festivals that populate the calendar.

Tibet

We’ve seen so many photos of prayer flags wafting in breeze, the smiling, sun-worn faces and those mountain-perched monasteries that it is possible to think you might not be surprised by a visit to Tibet. Not so. Any trip to the spiritual home of Buddhism will be a soul-stirring experience. Located on the so-called Roof of the World, Tibet boasts breathtaking scenery, high-altitude treks (much of the country is above 4000 metres) and its own part of Mount Everest.

In the city of Lhasa, explore the famous Potala Palace and see pilgrims prostrate themselves in front of Jokhang Temple. Two hours away is the turquoise beauty of Lake Yamdrok. Then there’s Samye Monastery in the Shannen Prefecture. More than a thousand years ago it was the first monastery to be built in the country and is the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s surrounded by a strikingly austere environment of bare mountains and dunes.

Mixing with the distinct cultures, being awed by monastery tours and embracing some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever know combines to make Tibet a visually and experientially fascinating adventure.

Of course, some people argue that travelling here puts money straight into the hands of the oppressive Chinese government, but as the Dalai Lama says, “Go to Tibet and see many places. Then tell the world.”

Thailand

Sunshine and spice and all things nice. Thailand is truly a tropical paradise and an ideal destination to spend some time losing track of it all. It’s a pity that such a peaceful place has been slightly tainted by some recent unrest, but don’t let that deter you. The Thailand you’ve come to see isn’t centred around government buildings, but instead in the plethora of seemingly disparate landscapes that echo the mishmash of cultural influences to be found in this golden kingdom.

The capital, Bangkok, bustles with all the self-importance and trappings of a modern westernised city while, further north, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle await with villages and people possessing a charm and tranquility that is undeniably traditional and authentic. The islands – Koh Kood and Koh Lipe are just a couple of our favourites – are unforgettable for all the reasons you can imagine: serenity, luxury, revelry and chaos. What you discover has a bit to do with where you are and a lot to do with the lunar calendar. The locally brewed rum can also be blamed for the latter characteristics. Overall, Thailand is (literally) bucket loads of fun.

Taiwan

While officially and administratively part of China, Taiwan is a destination in its own right – a burgeoning self-contained getaway or stopover. The Chinese influence combined with the population’s following of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism makes for a mix of festivals. Events like Buddha’s Birthday, Dragon Boat Festival and cherry blossom season are interesting, but Spring Scream, an outdoor rock festival held each April, will get you going hard or going home.

Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung are certainly stereotypical of many of Asia’s densely populated, neon-lit cities, where night markets are a staple of entertainment, shopping and eating. Yet the island is also home to high mountain ranges, which do see snow fall despite the tropical climate, and it’s possible to get away to beaches boasting palm trees and all. The otherworldly Taroko Gorge will wow and, as an antidote to the urban jungle, you’ll find serenity in the national parks, many with hot springs.

Tahiti

Explorers wouldn’t have believed their luck when they landed in Tahiti, the crown jewel of French Polynesia. In time, islands like Bora Bora would become renowned as a honeymooner’s barefoot bliss. But it’s not all snogging and snorkels – you don’t need to be loved-up to escape here.

The more adventurous will be rewarded for leaving their, albeit seductive, villas with the chance to crawl through lava tubes and swim with sharks. The dramatic peaks and valleys of the main island beckon climbing, the cascading waterfalls yearn to be abseiled and rocky outcrops need someone to catapult off them. After all that, camping on a deserted beach is a delicious flirt with isolation.

Or Frenchophiles will love the ability to practice their French and cycle around Papeete with a baguette in the basket.

However you spend your time here, the Tahitian catch cry “‘aita pea pea” meaning “not to worry” will infect your way of being.

Switzerland

Is this the most beautiful country in the world? In all likelihood, especially if sunshine, lush meadows and snowy peaks are your idea of postcard perfect.

And the chocolate! Oh, the chocolate. It alone makes a visit worthwhile.

There’s no doubt this is a nation that will bring out the outdoors in even the most committed homebody. Cruise across Lake Geneva, jump on two wheels to explore the country’s 20,000 kilometres of cycle trails, and paraglide over the magnificent mountainous landscape. Come winter, everyone heads to the snow for those quintessential alpine conditions. Switzerland has 57 peaks higher than 4000 metres (the most of any country in Europe), world-famous resorts and plenty of opportunities to partake in winter activities beyond downhill skiing. Try the cross-country variety, snowshoeing, airboarding (for the uninitiated, they’re like inflatable boogie boards) and tobogganing for a little diversity in your cold-climate adventure.

Each of its cities has its own personality. Bern revels in its old-world charms (part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site). There’s shopping aplenty in the six kilometres of arcades known as lauben, museums and galleries like Albert Einstein House and Centrum Paul Klee, and beautiful Bear Park (yes, it is home to a family of bears) with its elevated rose garden.

Don’t be put off by Zurich’s reputation as Switzerland’s financial centre because there’s plenty more on offer, including international design, a mass of art galleries and museums (more than 150 all together), hip nightlife and an idyllic setting where the Limmat River meets Lake Zurich.

Then there’s Geneva. With people from across the world living and working at its multitude of diplomatic organisations, including the United Nations and Red Cross, it fairly hums. Built along the shores of Lake Geneva, it offers cultural highlights, international cuisine and, at stores like Favarger and Teuscher, some of the finest chocolate you could possibly wrap your lips around.

Sweden

The Swedes have a reputation; they’re Europe’s denizens of style. Wandering the streets of Stockholm everything looks as though it’s been ripped straight from the pages of either a fashion or lifestyle magazine. It doesn’t hurt that everyone seems to be tall, blonde and the picture of good health. But there’s another side to this Scandi nation, with its stretches of windswept coastline, cascading waterfalls and frigid expanses of the tundra high up in the Arctic Circle. (Fun fact: the world’s oldest living tree, a five-metre spruce called Old Tjikko, can be found in the Dalarna province in central Sweden. It’s thought to have sprouted about 9500 years ago during the last Ice Age.)

For the adventurer, there’s a bit of everything: ice yachting on frozen lakes, diving on wrecks in the Baltic Ocean and climbing frozen waterfalls in the Abisko canyon. Of course, there’s the famous stuff as well, but having seen a million photographs of the Icehotel, rebuilt each year when winter comes to the village of Jukkasjärvi, or the glowing aurora borealis doesn’t make them any less impressive when you finally experience them in real life.

On the other side of the coin, urbanistas should beat a path to the country’s south and the city of Malmö. Plotted around picturesque Gamla Staden (Old Town), the rest of the city is contemporary and dynamic, with a population formed from a huge range of nations (some 150 in all). Marvel at the Turning Torso, Santiago Calatrava’s 190-metre-tall building at Western Harbour. Gather with the locals at Lilla Torg, a popular city square, at the beginning of a night out. If you’re travelling solo, sign up for a guided tour for singles at the outstanding contemporary art gallery, Moderna Museet. This is a city worth more than a perfunctory overnight stay.