Palawan is a postcard-worthy paradise akin to those you'll find on a glossy holiday brochure, yet has somehow managed to stay somewhat under the radar. This is a landscape characterised by rock-strewn coves, sugar-white beaches and hypnotically warm waters, where days are best spent paddling in El Nido Marine Park's lagoons. Bed down at Pangulasian Island, where you'll find your own slice of nirvana in the form of a sleek private pool and sweeping sunrise views. Early risers should kayak out to the marine sanctuary, then, back at base, take advantage of the in-room massage service.

Cascading down the banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra is a scenic city filled with a mish-mash of architectural influences, where Romanesque monasteries, baroque libraries and Moorish cathedrals sit side-by-side. At its core is Portugal's oldest and most prestigious university - a huge sugar-cube structure perched on a hill with an imposing 17th-century bell tower as its crown. More than just a historical checkpoint famed for its relics, Coimbra has a lively population and an electric energy running through its veins - visitors will find it in the graffiti-splashed streets, serenaded by the sounds of fado singers, and in the bars that line the riverbanks.

This unspoilt town is the southern gateway to Cork and it's our next top spot for a weekend escape. Fringed by a wide bay, Kinsale is crammed with narrow streets and houses painted in shades of fuchsia and marigold that make it as good for those searching for an Instagrammable aesthetic as it is for culture vultures keen to know more about the Emerald Isle. Stroll around the town on foot, stopping for a taste of local fare at one of the Wednesday farmers' markets, or fill your reusable bags in the surrounding boutiques, before heading to the harbour for some dolphin- and whale-watching.

Situated just off the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is nestled within the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, home to pelicans and flamingos. Getting here isn't exactly straightforward. In fact, the only way to reach the island is via a 20-minute catamaran crossing from the mainland town of Chiquila. But those who make the journey will be well rewarded, enjoying dreamy days on Punta Coco Beach, among others. Insider tip: seafood fans shouldn't leave without ordering the lobster at least once - it's incredible.

Beyond myths of bloodthirsty counts and eerie fortresses, Transylvania is brimming with flower-filled meadows, colourful baroque buildings and quaint villages, all framed by the towering, snow-capped Carpathian Mountains. Hop between the ancient cities of Sibiu, Braşov and Cluj-Napoca to get a real feel for the region. Outside of the cities, rolling hills and oak forests will suit those searching for unspoilt nature. While the region is beautifully colourful in spring and summer, we're pegging November as the best time to go. Darker evenings make for excellent castle visits, colder weather makes the hot springs even more inviting and the snowy hills mean days can be spent skiing.

Daycations are a growing travel trend among money-conscious millennials, and few places beckon Londoners away from the Big Smoke quite like Kent's coastal towns, with their pebbled beaches, refreshing sea breezes and pastel-coloured buildings. Whitstable ranks among the best, thanks to its winding, cobbled lanes featuring names such as "Squeeze Gut Alley", beaches perfect for blustery walks and seaside huts offering some of the best British seafood you'll find anywhere. When there's an "r" in the name of the month, it's oyster season, as the old saying goes: visit Whitstable in November, we say, for a less-crowded escape.

Bordered by Isahaya and Saikai, the port city of Nagaski is located on the tranquil island of Kyushu. Japan's largest trading hub during the 15th and 16th centuries, its streets are home to a unique cultural blend. It was in 1570 that the Portuguese sailed into what was then a sleepy fishing village with a dinky population of just 1,500, bringing with them fabrics, textiles and precious delicacies from Europe. Before long, Nagasaki was home to Catholic churches, western-influenced architecture and a dynamic food scene. Fast forward to 2022, and the city is yet to be taken over by big-name chains or hip hotel groups - this remains a destination that honours its heritage. As Japan reopens its borders, we can think of nowhere better for slipping into steamy onsens and resting at elegant ryokans.

Located just off the southeastern coast of Malaysia, the teeny-tiny island of Mabul has long been a utopia for water babies. Deep-sea voyagers have been flocking to the islet since the late 1990s, due to its close proximity to one of the world's best dive sites, the island of Sipadan. Dive in and prepare to frolic with turtles, blue-ringed octopuses and hammerhead sharks, then kick back and enjoy a sundowner on Mabul Water Bungalows' wraparound terrace - cerulean-blue waters surround the stilted abodes, while shores are tickled by swaying palm trees.

Sausalito might only be a 10-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, but, with its steep green hills hugging brilliant-blue bays and array of beachside boltholes, it has a distinct character all of its own. Otis Reading penned the lyrics for Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay here, Fleetwood Mac recorded Rumours in a wood-panelled Sausalito recording studio and Kerouac waxed lyrical about its houseboat community in On the Road. Stroll the wharf at Waldo Point to ogle the various houseboats, then pop into Heath Ceramics to find near-perfect seconds from the renowned pottery studio.

Sitting in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, with some of its unique flora, fauna and landscapes having been brought to the world's attention in the eponymous Disney film. Spend days trekking through sandstone canyons, clambering through forests in search of lemurs (the island's national animal) and stumbling upon pockets of golden sand. This is a hotspot for biodiversity, with around 90 per cent of the island's plant and animal species being unique to Madagascar, so travel with someone eager to spot them all. We suggest going in November, to squeeze in one last shot of sunshine before Christmas.

Picture Morocco and the snapshots that spring to mind will most likely be of dusty, sun-baked streets, donkey-drawn carts, labyrinthine souks and elegant riads housed within ochre-coloured sandstone walls. Sidestepping the likes of Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech, though, we'd like to introduce you to the colourful and calming city of Chefchaouen - an all-blue oasis also known as "the Blue Pearl of Morocco". Wander from the main square of Plaza Uta el Hammam to the medina, where narrow passageways are peppered with local artisans selling handmade crafts. From henna dyes to spices, brassware, ceramics and intricately embroidered garments, a slice of culture is evident in every brimming basket. Also carve out time to visit the Kasbah Museum. The former fort-turned-ethnographic museum and art gallery showcases ancient artefacts and traditional decorations, and has several pristine gardens in which to bask the afternoon away.

Located on Devon's southern coast, the sunny seaside town of Salcombe sits at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary. With its soothing landscape of rolling hills, gin-clear waters and a postcard-pretty high street, it's no surprise that this place is staycation central in the warmer months. But it's in November that we suggest visiting, when the secluded coves are no longer cluttered with buckets and spades, the streets are uncrowded and the weather begins to lend itself to cosy afternoons spent snuggled by an open fire. Active travellers will want to check out sandy hotspots such as Sunny Cove, Mill Bay and Cable Cove, which are accessed either by boat or via a hearty hike across steep hills. Later, dip into seafood platters at The Crab Shed, then bed down at the sublime Harbour Beach Club spa hotel.

Lithuania's second-largest city, the charming Kaunas covers some 15,000 hectares, 9,000 of which are greenery, groves, gardens and nature reserves. It's the thriving cultural scene, however, that is turning the heads of weekenders. Named as the European Capital of Culture for 2022, alongside Serbia's Novi Sad and Luxembourg's Esch-sur-Alzette, the city's streets are woven with art and history. We suggest spending some time at the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art and the Devil Museum, snagging a cup of joe to-go from Caffeine, wandering between art deco buildings, exploring 14th-century castles and flitting between independent boutiques in the Old Town.

Spread out like golden honey between Muscat and Sur are the dunes of Sharqiya Sands - known locally as Wahiba Sands. This windswept stretch of shape-shifting knolls, ochre sunsets and sizzling heat is one of the few places on Earth where a traditional nomadic existence still thrives, with Bedouins offering an authentic glimpse into their traditional way of life through homestays, camel tours and guided treks. Drop your bags at Thousand Nights Camp, then head out to explore the terrain on either a walking tour, jeep safari or sand-biking adventure.

An hour's drive from Bari, this Unesco World Heritage site is famed for its 1,500 trulli. These whitewashed, conical-roofed buildings date from the 1500s, when the ruling Acquaviva family ordered locals to build their homes without mortar - in the event of a royal inspection, structures could be taken down and they could avoid paying royal taxes. Today, the trulli serve mainly as souvenir shops, restaurants and accommodation for visitors. Head to the Piazza del Popolo, where the Belvedere Santa Lucia offers spectacular views across the town.