San Gimignano, Italy
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.
Wild Cards
Not sure where you want to go but like to be ahead of the curve? These under-the-radar spots are the places that everybody will be talking about in a couple of years. You heard it here first.
Brno, Czech Republic
More affordable and less touristy than Prague, Brno sets the scene for a charming city break in the Czech Republic.
Majuli Island, Assam, India
Majuli Island is a place where nature and community and celebrated above all else; home to a number of traditional arts, crafts and religions.
Stepantsminda, Georgia
A small valley town steeped in ancient mythology, Stepantsminda (commonly known as Kazbegi) makes the ideal Georgian getaway. Hike across valleys and gorges, climb icy mountains or soak in hot springs.
Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India
Away from the hustle and bustle of India's crowded cities, Havelock Island lures travellers to the Andaman Islands with its blonde beaches dotted with elephants and a desert-island feel.
Taranto, Italy
With a rich Greek and Roman history, the ancient Italian city of Taranto is brought up to date by a bustling modern centre. Once you've had your culture-fix in the Old Town, wind down on the sandy Puglian shores.
Montauk, US
Ominously known by Long Islanders as "The End", Montauk defies eerie expectations with its nature-centric outlook forged by sprawling state parks and white-sand beaches.
Taormina, Sicily
On Sicily's glamorous coast, Taormina offers Ionian vistas framed by fragrant lemon trees and sophisticated trattorias.
Ericeira, Portugal
Lisboêtas don't want you to know about the surfing mecca of Ericeira. A short drive from Portugal's vibrant capital, it's a haven of sleepy streets, seafood and secluded shores.
Tinos, Greece
Escape the crowds of Corfu and sun-seekers of Santorini in Tinos, the unspoiled island that the Greeks don't want you to know about.
Comoros, Indian Ocean
Located between Mozambique and Madagascar, the island nation of Comoros is Africa's best-kept secret. Come for picture-perfect beaches, turtle-hatching, conservation projects and an active volcano.
Gokarna, Karnataka, India
A small pilgrimage town on the western coast of India, Gokarna is the place to marvel at ornate temples, find your inner-chi with some yoga, and laze on crowd-free beaches.