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Bucharest is Europe’s best kept secret. While visually it can't quite compete with the likes of some of the other grand Eastern European capitals, it leads the pack in dynamism, energy and forward momentum. While the remnants of Communism are still palpable throughout, the city has its sights set firmly on the future, though never forgetting its history. Trendy outdoor cafes and high-street shops live side-by-side with gorgeous Orthodox churches and world-class art galleries in the old town, all overlooked by the imposing Palace of Parliament.

The unofficial capital of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is a place significantly less grim than its ominous administrative status may imply. Named European Youth Capital in 2015, the city is home to an estimated 100,000 students (who make up about a fifth of the population) – a statistic that partly explains Cluj's current cultural Renaissance and well-deserved reputation of a party town.

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, an enchanting island lying off India’s southern tip. These city folks go about their daily business with a cheerfulness born of optimism in this chaotic, noisy and traffic-congested metropolis.

Often called the “queen of the south,” Cebu, the country’s oldest city has now become its favourite tourist destination. With a keen choice of historical sights, long stretches of white sand beaches, excellent year-round scuba and water sport action, choice of dining, exciting nightlife and, of course, the famous warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that visitor numbers, new hotels and tourist attractions are increasing.

Tricity is a special complex of three different urban bodies connected by their unique location on Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska) and separated from the rest of the World by post-glacial moraines. Gdańsk is a thousand years old, and is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship with high architectural and cultural values, joined with Sopot, the most famous health resort and spa, which is located next to Gdynia, a modernistic, cutting-edge city.

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

Bratislava - the little big city. With fewer than half a million people, Bratislava ranks among Europe's most relaxed capitals, because everything is in close vicinity, reachable within a few minutes walking distance. It even has two capital cities nearby - Vienna (80km) and Budapest (200km) - reachable also by a boat on the river Danube. The city itself has its old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, stylish people, and a human scale which means that as a visitor you will not spend half your day trekking in and out of underground stations or getting from the airport into town. All this with Central Europe's greatest river as a backdrop.

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in India. This comes as no surprise, since Cochin is known for its rich history, culture, and attractive nature. Many centuries ago, the city was a hub for international merchants who traded various products for aromatic spices, the finest fabrics and shiny jewellery. This is why you can still see Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Italian influences run through Cochin's architectural styles. The city is filled with museums, temples, shops, restaurants and so much more; you will never grow bored of one of the most amazing cities in India.