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