We love a border destination. The Swiss village of Minusio sits just next door to Locarno (itself well worth a visit for its history and art), along the manicured edge of Lake Maggiore, which shares its waters with Italy. It's perhaps churlish of us to pit lakes against each other, but we think Maggiore's really got it going on. Hop on a bike to explore the many restaurants, private galleries and independent shops with screensaver-style vistas that speckle the lakeside. If you go far enough, you'll reach the municipality of Gambarogno, which is threaded with canals and day-trip-sized settlements. Pedal a little farther and you'll be in the market for a cracking pizza and authentic gelato.

Bulgaria's capital has all the ingredients for an all-star winter getaway: one of the biggest open-air ice rinks in Europe, a skiable mountain within easy reach and enough museums and markets to throw a stocking at. Days are best spent whistling through the city's iconic landmarks - Independence Square, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture - or snowshoeing up Vitosha mountain for sensational views of the city's twinkling Christmas lights. After dark, Sofia transforms into an unexpectedly wild party town: night owls will find everything from jazz clubs to techno warehouses, with a generous scattering of rakia (grape brandy) bars in between.

One of South America's smallest countries, Guyana remains something of a well-kept secret. But, as the continent's only English-speaking country, blessed with diverse coastal plains, towering mountains, arid savannahs and expansive rainforests, it deserves consideration when seeking an active winter escape. Despite being sandwiched between Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname, the former British colony has more in common with nearby Caribbean islands than with its South American counterparts. A toe-tapping music scene, colourful architecture and vibrant culinary hotspots can be found in the capital, Georgetown. Further inland, it's easy to see where the country's "Land of Many Waters" moniker comes from, with cascading waterfalls and vast rivers punctuating verdant landscapes. Take a day trip to Kaieteur Falls, the largest single-drop waterfall in the world.

It's no secret that some hotspots are better visited outside of peak season: step forward, Cagliari. Drawing in a huge summer crowd for its postcard-pretty beaches, the city tends to fall off the tourist radar come winter. But, with its slower pace of life and mild temperatures, there's a lot more to this destination than beach-hopping. Stroll through the narrow passageways of the historic quarter, checking off some of the city's impressive archeological sites (including its Roman theatre) along the way, then either hightail it to one of the prime vantage points from which to catch a wintry sunset or make a beeline for the bustling Christmas markets.

In a deep mountain valley just south of Salzburg, Bad Gastein is a Wes Anderson-esque wonderland of belle-époque buildings, snowy mountains, steaming springs and thundering waterfalls. Once a favourite of European royalty, who found its curative waters and restorative mountain landscapes suitably de-stressing, it's now where in-the-know Austrians and Germans head to hit steep, relatively empty slopes and carve up scenic cross-country routes. Bad Gastein is higher than most Austrian resorts, so you can count on the powder to be uber-reliable - and considerable snowfall is expected across the region for the 2023 season, too. Be sure to try The Blonde Beans, a Swedish-owned café serving coffee made from Malmö-roasted beans and Gastein mountain water. The sticky homemade kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) are a bonus.

In search of a slow, peaceful, sun-dappled getaway? Life doesn't get much more laid-back than in Uvita - a tiny, ramshackle village around 16km south of Dominical. A honeypot for yogis and surfers, the area's main drawcard is Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, a marine reserve known for its migrating pods of humpback whales, jungle-shrouded waterfalls and empty beaches. Those planning a trip for 2023 should be sure to bookmark Uvita's Envision Festival - an annual, week-long knees-up at the end of February akin to a miniature Burning Man on the beach.

Lush, green and ripe for outdoor adventure, St Lucia beckons for a few days of cloudless, fitness-fuelled R&R - read: scampering up the Pitons (the island's hiking trail-laced twin peaks) and back down again to open-plan sanctuary Jade Mountain. Between sunbathing sessions, make tracks to Anse La Ray. Once a sleepy fishing port, the town is now on the cusp of island-wide dominance thanks to its blossoming hotel and foodie scene. If you've got time before poolside sundowners, stop by Valelse Sports Bar & Soup Kitchen for the island's finest jerk chicken, rice and peas, then nip next door to its brilliant bean-to-cup coffee shop - a first for the town.

Anchored on the sleepy west coast of Scotland, the remote town of Oban (Gaelic for "The Little Bay") is the gateway to the Scottish Hebrides. Home to a saw-toothed coastline, soaring peaks and single-track roads often frequented only by sheep, the surrounding area is a magnet for adventurers keen to spend some quality time in the great outdoors, but it's right in the heart of Oban that we suggest you stay. Historically a small fishing and trading hub, the arrival of a distillery saw the neighbourhood start to evolve. Despite the arrival of a stylish boutique hotel and a handful of farm-to-fork eateries, however, a tranquil air remains. Read our feature for a full round-up of the coolest spots for a drink and what not to miss while in town.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of India's crowded cities, Havelock Island provides a tranquil haven of peace and quiet. Those willing to make the long trip are rewarded with a desert-island feel; beachfront properties are prohibited and there is no nightlife to speak of. Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the island's dense forests, wildlife-rich rainforest and active volcanoes make way for empty, white-sand beaches that stretch for miles, luring travellers from the mainland. Spend days hopping between coves, paddling in gin-clear waters and, if you're lucky, watching elephants gleefully splashing in the shallows. The island's rainy season is during the summer months, while December's balmy temperatures make this a great time to visit.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop deep within the southern Italian region of Basilicata lies Matera - oldest town in Italy, Unesco World Heritage site and 2019's European Capital of Culture. Less than an hour's drive from Puglia, this is a place as historic as it is romantic. Crumbling limestone villas, narrow cobblestone passageways and swathes of verdant terrain have seen it treasured for its unique scenery - Bond fans will no doubt recognise the location from its starring role in No Time to Die. While there are many ultra-luxe snooze-and-spa lodgings in the maze of the Sassi caves, we suggest staying at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. Bedrooms feature stone floors, curvaceous walls and antique furnishings, while private terraces flaunt undisturbed views across the Murgia National Park. Come sunset, scrub and soak in a candlelit freestanding tub, before hopping into a dreamy bed dressed in handcrafted linen.

Seen the newly released foodie thrill-fest The Menu yet? While stars Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy serve up knockout performances, it was the film's spectacular Georgia location that did it for us. Hello, Tybee Island. Located just a 27-minute drive from the sun-drenched streets of Savannah, the easy-going town has long served as a staycation spot for Georgia residents, but recently it has seen a new generation of savvy travellers move in. Stroll along Tybrisa Street, home to a huge variety of artisans and makers, to stock up on souvenirs including jewellery, pottery, paintings and speciality foods, making regular ice-cream stops along the way. Then, adventure through sandy coves and dance along weather-beaten boardwalks before slipping into The Original Crab Shack, where freshly caught shrimp and oysters await.

Surrounded by the Alps, Grenoble is a natural (yet surprisingly underrated) choice for a winter weekend away. If you don't have the time for a proper ski holiday, this is the next best thing in terms of getting close to nature. There are parks surrounding the city on all sides, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. If you like to travel by train, Grenoble is one of the easiest destinations to get to from London. Simply hop on the Eurostar to Paris, then zip across the country on the TGV, which will take you there in under three hours.

You'd be forgiven for assuming that Texas is all BBQ platters and Black cowboys, but step away from the cattleman hats and roper boots and prepare to be dazzled by colourful San Antonio. Bordered by Houston and Austin, the United States' seventh-largest city feels far removed from its American siblings. Founded as a Spanish colonial outpost in the 18th century, there's still a distinctly European air about many of its neighbourhoods. The vibrant Pearl District is a magnet for artists and creatives, while the San Antonio River Walk sees foodie start-ups thriving alongside storied eateries. Visit all-day-bistro Boudro's for flame-cooked plates and seafood platters: its colourful parasols and canal-facing seating make for a great long, lazy afternoon.

Pristine slopes, unbeatable Japanese food and a complete reversal of everything you have ever associated with skiing await in Niseko. With snowfall levels that put European resorts to shame, and powder that stays fluffy all day, an exceptional snow experience awaits. Shun the schnitzels and strudel in favour of king crab legs, ramen and katsu curry, and replace the usual après-ski with a restorative soak in natural hot springs. Make the luxury boutique hotel Kimamaya your base and treat yourself to an extended stopover in Tokyo en route to Sapporo airport.

Colorado's capital has long been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond the city limits, cutting-edge architecture makes way for great swathes of greenery, jagged peaks and dramatic rock formations, giving the place a uniquely hypnotic vibe. Spend hours stomping between the bruised sandstone bluffs of Red Rocks Park, where sweeping ripples absorb beams of sunlight and, after sunset, the Milky Way lights up the sky. The park's famed amphitheatre is situated at the base of the mountains - check out the programme of upcoming concerts and events for the ultimate open-air gig. We're recharging our batteries in high style at The Ramble Hotel, before skipping to Snooze for fight-size buttermilk pancakes and breakfast burritos.