Wild Cards

As it undergoes a renaissance in the realms of food, tech and culture, the Steel City is showing off a more polished side to the US's rust belt.

Among Norway's most underrated cities, Bodø is a go-to for lovers of ancient history and untamed nature. Ramble across mountains, visit archaeological sites or line up your trip with the city's packed cultural calendar.

In a mountain valley south of Salzburg, this Wes Anderson-esque wonderland of belle-epoque buildings, powdered slopes and top-notch spas has been loved by royals for centuries. In need of a winter retreat? Bad Gastein is a must.

Guyana is South America's best-kept secret. Travel from the toe-tapping music scene of Georgetown, past cascading waterfalls and mountains to rainforests in which eco-friendly tours help you make the most of this captivating country.

Wander the beachfront Golden Mile in the cosmopolitan capital of Durban, hike across dramatic peaks or spot the big seven (yes, you read that right) on safari - South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province sets the scene for great adventures.

Views across the Seto Inland Sea, samurai traditions and rolling hillside farms make the young Japanese city of Setouchi a must-visit for lovers of art and culture.

Among Africa's largest countries, Chad's reputation is shaped by media coverage of its unrest. Gazing beyond the headlines, however, we discover a destination characterised by bountiful wildlife, jaw-dropping landscapes and a lively port capital.

At the crossroads between Morocco's major cities, Fez has a vibrant culture that has earned it the moniker of the "Mecca of the West". Discover colourful markets, bustling tanneries and time-honoured institutions in this car-free Unesco World Heritage Site.

Visit the sense-assaulting markets of Bagan, where vibrant spice stalls and tropical-flower stands make for a kaleidoscopic experience.

Gabon is known as the "land of surfing hippos". Intrigued? Visit this edenic Central African country where dense rainforests, white-sand beaches and vast national parks are ideal for spotting the big five and nesting sea turtles.

Extremadura is among Spain's best-kept secrets. With a rich heritage (and few tourists), it's a must for lovers of history, Iberian ham and… Game of Thrones.

While your imagining of Madagascar is likely coloured by the eponymous DreamWorks movie, the island is a biodiverse haven of unique flora and fauna, and draws travellers in search of their last sunshine fix before winter.

South of Florence, the quintessentially Italian town of San Gimignano draws visitors with medieval Etruscan architecture, family-run trattorias, museums and some surprisingly modern art.

More affordable and less touristy than Prague, Brno sets the scene for a charming city break in the Czech Republic.

Majuli Island is a place where nature and community and celebrated above all else; home to a number of traditional arts, crafts and religions.