Often overlooked in favour of its neighbours, Laos promises an equally intriguing dose of culture, plus leafy vistas as far as the eye can see - think mountains, palm trees and the verdant Mekong Delta. When not on a jungle trek, immerse yourself in centuries-old temples in the colourful villages and towns scattered across the countryside.

Western Africa has become a hub for creative enterprises and artist communities, marrying tradition with innovation, as seen in Ghana's capital of Accra. Chaotic and colourful, it's home to plenty of bustling markets featuring the work produced by artist cooperatives. Looking for a more serene pace? The city allows easy access to the picturesque fishing communities stretched out along the coast. We love the idyllic Meet Me There Eco Lodge in Dzita.

This picture-book resort offers some of the chicest skiing, the best après-ski and the finest dining in North America. Those who can't resist a bit of retail therapy can enjoy the high-end boutiques and salons in the downtown area, while the Wheeler Opera House, built in the region's silver-mining heyday, and Wheeler-Stallard House, a local history museum set in a 19th-century building, are both well worth a visit.

If you've ticked Iceland's glaciers off your list, there are many reasons to make Greenland your next Nordic escape. Often billed as the "final frontier of travel", the world's largest island is now serviced by several airlines and offers travellers much more than just dog-sledding experiences and the Northern Lights. Visit its capital for a thriving creative scene.

Jackson Hole's rugged terrain is "inspiring", according to ski champion Caroline Gleich, and well suited for seasoned skiers and snowboarders. Snow junkies looking for something a little different will not be disappointed. Don't forget your GoPro.

With over 185 miles of reef, including the iconic Blue Hole, Belize is one of the best places to dive in the world - if you've always wanted to get your PADI qualification, this is the place to do it. Alternatively, head inland to visit some of the many Mayan ruins, or climb to the top of the ancient temple Caracol in the lush tropical rainforest for some spectacular views.

Florence is a city that embodies "dolce far niente", or pleasure for pleasure's sake. Food is at the heart of everything here, so feast on the softest bread, creamiest pasta and heartiest meat dishes before walking it off with some sightseeing - and doing it all again come dinner time.

Do you need more of an excuse to visit when three of the top 50 best restaurants in the world are in Lima? Following a gastronomic stopover in Peru's up-and-coming capital - where you'll also find beautiful colonial architecture - head out of the city to Cusco, Arequipa or Machu Picchu.

If you're looking for a desert escape before being hit by the summer months, but have already been to Joshua Tree, hit up Amman for a dose of archaeological ruins, vintage finds in souks, and houmous that isn't from the local supermarket. Not to mention, the Jordanian capital is only a five-hour flight from London, making this city a feasible destination for a long weekend post-Valentine's Day.

The birthplace of paella, this Mediterranean darling is a hotspot for great eats, wild nightlife and architecture ranging from the ancient to the ultra-modern. We adore Valencia for its supercharged Spanish culture, which makes it feel like a complete change of pace from Barcelona and Madrid.

The Lesser Antilles island of Curaçao is a lively medley of Dutch-Caribbean culture that couldn't feel further away from the spring breaker-infested beaches of many of its tropical counterparts. Days are split between exploring the untouched caves and coral reefs of Klein Curaçao and popping between museums and art galleries in the town's rainbow-hued centre.

It's no wonder that, with a name meaning "hidden port", this corner of southern Mexico is a well-kept secret among locals. Quietly preserving its reputation as a secluded escape on Oaxaca's Emerald Coast, Puerto Escondido's secret beaches with golden sands and crashing waves have rendered the region one of the world's best surfing destinations. Those less confident tackling the waves can head for La Punta or Playa Carrizalillo to swim in turquoise waters and sip on freshly cracked coconuts. While there are no direct flights from outside of Mexico, those willing to make the trip are rewarded with the area's chilled, easy-going vibe and welcomed with some of Oaxaca's best cuisine. Be sure to make a trip to Laguna de Manialtepec, a bioluminescent lagoon nearby. Summer is the rainy season, while Christmas and Easter holidays can be a bit busier. Visit between January and May to have Puerto Escondido all to yourself.

One of South America's smallest countries, Guyana remains South America's best-kept secret. But as the continent's only English-speaking country complete with vast coastal plains, towering mountains, arid savannahs and expansive rainforests, the country's immense diversity deserves recognition among those seeking a culture-filled retreat. Visit Georgetown to immerse yourself in a toe-tapping music scene, colourful architecture and vibrant culinary hotspots, or head inland to explore "The Land of Many Waters" through cascading waterfalls and vast rivers streaming through verdant landscapes. Come in February for the Mashramani festival, Guyana's anniversary of becoming a republic, when parades float down streets, dancers strut through the neighbourhood and steel drum bands play until sundown.

Though Menton sits on the Italian border, it oozes French Riviera chic, with its Skittles-coloured houses dotted along the city's serene stretch of coastline. It wasn't until the 19th century that the area was recognised as anything other than a sleepy fishing village, but when European aristocracy moved in, it soon became synonymous with its own brand of sophisticated seaside glamour. Craving some vitamin D? This place is perfectly positioned within a valley, which makes for a pretty unique microclimate. Expect mild temperatures even in winter and tropical blooms year-round, along with lush lemon trees and orange and olive groves aplenty.

Seen the sights of Geneva and Zurich? Head to Aarau, a tiny town in the north of Switzerland that's packed with a surprisingly large number of castles and museums. Art lovers won't want to miss the Aargauer Kunsthaus museum. Those who prefer to discover a destination through its architecture should take a stroll through its old town, looking up to spot the intricate and colourful gables, the majority of which date back to the 16th century. A pair of binoculars wouldn't go amiss here.

Phetchaburi, meaning "city of diamonds", is located 105km south-west of Bangkok. Home to great swatches of national park and emerald-green rainforests, it is also known for its population of around 250 elephants. Days are best spent exploring the city's many Buddhist temples and caves, sampling street-food specialities as you go. Set aside a day to visit mountain cave temple Tham Khao Luang - one of the area's most treasured gems.