The Estonian capital is also the country's largest city and, with a blend of Scandinavian, Russian and European influences, its streetscape makes for a vibrant crossroad of cultures. Start by making tracks to the 14th-century Old Town, where you'll find Town Hall Square - most likely already familiar thanks to its Christmas markets, which pop up on Pinterest every winter. From there, we'd suggest joining one of the free walking tours to best get a feel for the city - picking up a bucket-load of fun trivia facts as you go. Insider tip: trying the traditional bread soup, leivasupp, is a must.

Where to stay: Merchant's House Hotel

Sitting in the central Anatolia region of Turkey, Cappadocia was formed four million years ago when violent volcanic eruptions tore through the region, leaving behind an army of rock structures. Today, its jagged formations remain unspoilt and otherworldly - somewhat reminiscent of a scene from a Marvel animation. Head here for the ultimate backpack adventure: hikers will discover underground cities and hidden valleys galore. Visiting in summer? On 3-7 July, the annual hot-air-balloon festival brings visitors from near and far, with more than 160 colourful participants plastering the sky at sunset.

Wheere to stay: Mithra Cave Hotel

The Big Easy should be a destination on any creative's radar. Back in 1718, French colonists found this marshland on the mouth of the Mississippi, and it wasn't until 1800 that Napoleon sold Louisiana to the US. Today, the city's complex history is clear to see in its thriving communities and diverse ethnic mix. Don't visit without heading to one of its funky dives for a night of traditional and contemporary jazz. We're ranking Preservation Hall, located in the French Quarter, as the most happening. After which, you'll want to swing by Café du Monde - the perfect pit stop for a caffeine-based pick-me-up.

Where to stay: The Drifter Hotel

Slotted between the Adriatic Coast and Slovenia, this lesser-known Italian city is often overlooked, losing out to the canals of Venice or Rome's picturesque piazzas, which is a shame, because Trieste has a distinctive vibe all of its own. Art lovers should set aside time to visit the Revoltella Museum. Stuffed with Roman relics and artefacts, it's the ideal place to discover Trieste's fascinating history and cultural medley. Thanks to the city being home to one of the Mediterranean's main ports, café menus here feature a line-up of some of the world's most coveted delicacies.

Where to stay: Seven Historical Suites

Seen Kathmandu? Pokhara should be next on your list. Situated 193km from the hustle and bustle of the Nepalese capital, it's home to the tranquil Phewa Lake, and a stepping-off point to three of the world's 10 tallest peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. If you're looking to take on the challenge of trekking the Himalayas - specifically, the notorious Annapurna Circuit - Pokhara makes the ideal base. If, like us, you break into a sweat at the thought of a treadmill and would rather opt for something a little less intense, a stroll to the Devi's Fall (aka the Devil's Fall) should suffice.

Where to stay: The Pavilions Himalayas, The Farm

On the hunt for a long-weekend getaway steeped in history? Kraków - Poland's former capital and second-largest city - ticks a lot of boxes. Renowned for its rich blend of architectural styles - think medieval houses slotted alongside gothic churches - it's also home to a diverse culinary scene. Cobbled streets are lined with quirky cafés and fine-diners, the majority of which serve good grub at great value. After eating your fill of pierogi - thinly rolled-out dough filled with a variety of fillings - we suggest making the 35-minute drive to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you'll discover all sorts of carved salt structures. Superstitious? Licking the salt walls supposedly brings good luck.

Where to stay: Balthazar Design Hotel

If you fancy a less-obvious French adventure - one that doesn't look like sailing down the Seine or trotting up all 1,665 steps of the Eiffel Tower - then Saint-Malo awaits. Sitting pretty on Brittany's Emerald Coast, the town was once a stronghold for privateers - pirates approved by the king. Today, you'll find all sorts of creative businesses and independent boutiques within its medieval ramparts, and, dotted along its coast, beaches that have long drawn crowds for their powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters. To soak up the scenery, we'd recommend heading to the harbour, from where you'll be able to set sail on one of the boats up for hire.

Where to stay: Villa Louisa