Hidden gems

Toulon is a genuine incarnation of Provence, as it is not one of those garishly painted souvenir shops some other Riviera towns have turned into, smelling of synthetic lavender and selling unauthentic goods. This area features wonderful smells for real: of real lavender and thyme in the market places, of salty sea breeze that wafts the whole coastline, and of a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere that attracts locals and people alike.

Windhoek is at Namibia's centre in more ways than one: apart from being the country's main political hub by design, it also happens to sit in its very heart geographically, making the city an easy stop over on the way to Namibia's spectacular natural attractions. Some of those include the Namib-Naukluft National Park, with its striking Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Etosha National Park with free-roaming indigenous animals, and the endless stretch of ghastly, striking Skeleton Coast.

Alice Springs, or 'The Alice', lies romantically in the heart of Australia, and it is unofficially considered as the Outback's capital. While it was regarded as a 'dead heart' during colonial times, thanks to the surrounding barren landscapes, today both residents and visitors recognise the physical and spiritual importance of Australia’s Centre, and it indeed is beating alive with Aboriginal traditions and sacred sites, a vibrant local art culture with a fascinating pioneering history, and for sure incredible landscapes still. Alice Springs is one of the most interesting places on the continent, and most people agree on that you have not seen the Outback at all until you will have seen Alice for once.

Prosperous and lively, Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town with a modern business area (Brescia Due). Located between two of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as Brescia boasts one of the most beautiful historic centres in the region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in northern Italy.

Liberia, both the capital and largest city of Guanacaste province, is – despite its lower profile – the country's major center for tourism, as well as a regional hub of Costa Rica's northwest. The town attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings, interesting architectural heritage, and a rich culture that is yours to be explored.

Randers, on the Jutland peninsula, is the sixth-largest city of Denmark, and an internationally renown destination with many attractions, events and exhibitions to choose from. While the city has already been a thriving market town in medieval times, it kept its importance for trade, and also its beautiful 15th-century half-timbered houses that today make for a beautiful appearance and atmosphere. The main tourist attraction, Randers tropical Zoo with its the largest artificial rain forest in Northern Europe, attracts many visitors every year, and they not only experience the venue's variety but also the city's manifold shape. As to both nature and people, a warm welcome awaits you, so do your best and enjoy it the most.

Sun-drenched beaches awash with tourists sit next to desert wilderness in Aruba, one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. With warm and sunny weather all year round, the island seems frozen in a timeless holiday atmosphere, with turquoise ocean waters washing over Aruba's soft warm sand. The nightlife bursts with Latin music and exotic sounds, and exciting shopping and dining experiences await at every corner. Stronger waves break against the eastern coast, deserted and swept over by wind – exploring it will lead the most adventurous visitors to breathtaking natural beauty.