Shopper's Paradise

Better known as ‘Motor City’, Detroit is popular worldwide for its cars, Motown history and as an important center of African-American culture in the US. Birthplace of the Ford Motor Company, Detroit received its nickname of ‘Motor City’ thanks to its mass production of motor vehicles on an assembly line. The city has thrived despite its somewhat negative reputation in recent times, developing into a dynamic metropolis with heaps to offer visitors. Artists and singers have celebrated Motortown for its charm: the city is a landmark in the history of the music and it has to be thanked for discovering some of the most talented artists of all time.

Milan is all about design and high fashion, so the range of shops and trendy bars can be almost overwhelming. But Milan also boasts the impressive Duomo cathedral, da Vinci’s "Last Supper" and the simple neighbourhood restaurants where no long lunch is complete without ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese. Take a lesson in elegance from the city's fashion-conscious citizens, and let the glitz and glamour of Milan overwhelm your senses.

"Every man should be allowed to love two cities – his own and San Francisco," once said author Gene Fowler. San Francisco, also known as the City by the Bay, is a diverse, colorful, and intriguing destination luring visitors from all corners of the world with its beauty, culture, history and dynamic ambiance. It is best known for its steep hills, beautiful panoramic vistas, and excellent cuisine. The eclectic mix of architecture, sandy beaches, ethnic and cultural diversity, and entertainment for all ages makes San Francisco a great choice for a vacation.

“Rio is a beauty. But São Paulo – São Paulo is a city” said Marlene Dietrich about Brazil’s most cosmopolitan city. Today São Paulo still does not disappoint. The city is Brazil’s cultural as well as financial powerhouse complete with a vibrant music scene, top designer shopping and delicious fusion cuisine, not to mention museums and galleries on a par with any other world city. Paulistanos (São Paulo inhabitants) work hard and play hard, making "Sampa" one of the world's most exciting places to visit whether you are taking it all in from the rooftop pool of the iconic Hotel Unique in Jardins or discovering São Paulo’s 400 year old history in Praça de Sé.

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is an exhaustive introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beach-side settlements, but easily warrants a few days of its own.

Casablanca is a heady mix of architecture treasures that glisten with gold in the sunshine and dusty, old buildings. A sprawling city that brims with a cosmopolitan flair, Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and most hectic port. Sitting on the country's Atlantic coast, it blends a frenetic lifestyle with stylish restaurants and vibrant shopping opportunities, opening up in a destination that slowly starts living up to its Western counterparts.

Founded nearly eight centuries ago, Indonesia’s second largest city has seen empires come and go. The founders of the Hindu Majapahit Empire arrived in late 13th century and remained till the 17th, being shortly followed by Muslim rulers of Mataram. Later came the colonialists of the Dutch East India Company. In recent decades, Surabaya has grown into a cosmopolitan seaport and conurbation where 21st century hotels, apartment towers and shopping malls stand next to historic mosques and palaces.

Newcastle is the hub of the Hunter Valley wine region, located right at the mouth of the Hunter River. It is home to stunning beaches for all kinds of activities, a rich heritage of Victorian architecture and plenty of live music events for all tastes. There are also lots of places for recreation, hiking and outdoor adventure nearby. Whether you are looking for vibrant city life or a spectacular natural retreat, in Newcastle you will get it all.