A short flight from Mumbai, the Ellora Caves is a network of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples carved into rocks – and among the world’s largest complexes of its kind. Quieter than Hampi and more ancient than the Taj Mahal, its fascinating structures are far from the tourist trail.

A midpoint between the mountainous wilds of North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, this unspoiled corner of the Balkans is home to brown bears, lynx and myriad indigenous flowers. Get past the occasional lack of running water and punishing winter climes, and you’re in for a treat.

Just a 90-minute drive from London and accessible only by boat, Osea Island's forage-and-feast restaurant, recording studio and wellness offering attracts hedonists, creatives and those looking to looking to bask in its remote location.

One of Iran’s most awesome natural attractions, the terraced pools of water at Badab-e Surt make for a great day trip from Tehran, Semnan or Sari. It’s a tricky drive but the photos at sunset are well worth it.

Plan your escape (or mini-break) to the country. A fossil’s throw from Devon’s Jurassic Coast, the market town of Axminster is our go-to for a smattering of independent shops, fresh-air walks and good food courtesy of River Cottage.

A must-visit for mini-breakers craving a taste of the countryside, Yorkshire’s food capital of Malton is a go-to for independent shops and a brilliant market. Planning a road trip? The North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds are within easy reach by car.

Off the Causeway Coast from Ballycastle, Rathlin Island place to go for a fix of windswept beach walks surrounded by seabird colonies. We’ve got the lowdown on when to visit, what to see and the island’s best bar (hint: there’s only one).

Though it’s best known as a gateway to Skye, the bustling port town of Mallaig makes a great staycation pit stop in its own right. Expect hot tubs overlooking the northern lights, fresh seafood restaurants and Scotland’s west-coast beaches that rival the Mediterranean.

Less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a favourite day-trip destination among Scots. Yet its growing foodie scene and independent boutiques framed by wide, sandy beaches make this a great spot for a UK staycation.

With a free-spirited heritage and easy access to New York City and the surrounding Catskill Mountains, the town of Woodstock in upstate New York is a great destination for a memorable mini-break, scenic hikes and high-vibe dining. Peace out.

In southwestern North Macedonia the Balkan city of Bitola is too often overlooked by travellers dazzled by nearby Lake Ohrid. Yet this historic city buzzes with a calendar of cultural events and a thriving café scene while nature is just on its doorstep.

An easy ferry ride from Athens lies Kea. A gateway to hidden crystal coves, craggy cliffside hiking trails and award-winning oceanside restaurants, this secluded Cycladic island is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets.

Set among the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and “Constable country”, this pretty village on the cusp of Essex and Suffolk is a nostalgic rendering of rural England. Less than two hours’ drive from London, its half-timbered cottages and cosy pubs make this a quintessential countryside day trip for city dwellers.

Eschewing the dark tourism sites and moving beyond the outdated associations of war and tragedy that have overshadowed Bosnia and Herzegovina's beauty for so long, New Metonyms: Bosnia & Herzegovina shines a light on it's bucolic landscapes and bountiful history.

Island hop on the far-flung corner of the Aegean, where the sun-soaked Dodecanese sands are lapped by cerulean waters. Rhodes and Kos are the star attraction of this cluster of islands, but when you’ve done eyeing medieval monuments, make tracks for slow-living Leros and the dramatic hiking trails of Kalymnos.