Ibiza's lo-fi little sister is all grown-up. Often hailed as a wilder, more bohemian alternative to the White Isle, Formentera has in recent years slowly started to sway to a different beat, thanks to the discreet arrival of chic Europeans seeking an alternative kind of hedonism. Surrounded by marine reserves, the island's clear waters, scenic cycling trails and beaches bookended by blonde dunes serve up a blissed-out cocktail of back-to-nature living. Dance between rustic beach clubs, feast at revered seafood restaurants and sleep in style at boutique Casa Pacha.

The vast, inland Okavango Delta is a truly magical place, with its glittering river that cuts through Botswana's grassy plains providing a lush habitat for a diverse array of migratory wildlife. It's hardly surprising that it is today one of the world's most sought-after safari destinations. Book a stay at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, where your canvas home-from-home could easily pass for a five-star suite. Those who'd prefer to wake to more distant growls and roars should check out Jao. Lodges nest at treetop height, making for the best position to soak up sunrises and sunsets. Don't miss taking a Botswana-style safari, during which you'll glide past wildlife on horseback, exploring terrain a four-wheeler never could.

Bordered by picture-perfect Palm Beach and seriously sexy Miami, the no-frills coastal city of Fort Lauderdale has long served as a pit-stop destination. Recently, however, thanks to a fresh breed of creatives setting up shop, the city has undergone something of a renaissance. With independent galleries, boho beach shacks, design-driven hotels and edgy art studios cropping up along its sun-kissed coastline, this is fast becoming a go-to destination for switched-on, sun-seeking Americans and savvy travellers alike. Stroll beyond the tourist-friendly Las Olas Boulevard and you'll find a slew of art-drenched districts to explore. Start by visiting the historic Sistrunk Market - a hip gathering space packed with food and retail options - before swinging by the quieter Victoria Park neighbourhood to check out some classic 1930s architecture. Want more? Make a beeline for the former industrial warehouse district Flagler Village, now home to galleries, street murals and indie shops and cafés galore.

A cultural and arts haven, this dinky Suffolk coastal enclave is the ideal destination for those seeking a go-slow midsummer getaway. Bordered by the North Sea, the town's population hovers at around 3,000 full-time residents, but the area draws crowds for its food festivals, literary events and thriving arts community - not to mention its gorgeous shingle beach. Aldeburgh's pretty townscape is studded with pastel-coloured and timber-clad buildings, within which nestle artisan bakeries, delicatessens and independent boutiques. After exploring the characterful streets, head to Aldeburgh Museum for an illuminating glimpse into the place's past, then swing by Fishers Gin Distillery to enjoy a tour and tasting session.

Located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia was founded in the sixth century as a defence against seafaring enemies. Surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, the small castle town was only accessible by boat until 1971, when a 200m causeway was constructed to connect it to the mainland. Characterised by history-drenched squares, sparkling waves and a tightknit community, it makes for a great day trip or lazy weekend escape from the crowded capital. A perfect day in magical Monemvasia might begin with an early-morning stroll through the town's narrow streets, followed by a visit to the world-renowned Monemvasia Winery, where a heavenly sun-soaked tasting session awaits.

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to check out Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's bustling capital. Streets are awash with bright colours, lively markets and local restaurants serving injera, the country's heavenly pancake-style bread, alongside spicy meat stews from sunrise to sunset. All of your senses will be awakened throughout your exploration of the city, an effect only heightened by a visit to one of its many coffee shops - Ethiopia is the country we have to thank for the discovery of our daily fuel, after all. Since souvenir-hunting tourists are yet to descend, visitors can expect an authentic immersion into Addis Ababa's urban rhythms.

Cartagena is Colombia's vivacious Caribbean jewel. The old town is encircled by a magnificent 13km-long stone wall, which has protected its inhabitants since 1796. Inside, smartly painted houses in pastel hues sport polished wooden balconies, blooming bougainvillaea and intricate door knockers. In the adjacent up-and-coming Getsemani neighbourhood, winding passageways lead to Plaza de lab Trinidad, a square presided over by a picturesque 17th-century church, where locals meet to play cards and children hone their football skills. While away hours exploring the cobbled streets, stopping to sample the city's seriously delicious street food along the way.

While Portugal's Algarve region might evoke memories of package family holidays of days gone by, Lagos offers a different experience. An important port in Portugal's 15th-century Age of Discoveries, the city is today famed for its old town, where ancient brick walls thread between historic buildings and shaded cobbled streets bustling with local activity. Explore the watchtowers and bastions of the Castelo dos Governadores, before descending the steep wooden steps to the cove of Praia do Camilo. Sunbathe on the golden sands of Meia Praia, or climb the sandstone cliffs of Ponta da Piedade for sweeping views across the bay.

Casablanca, or "Casa" as everyone calls it, was made famous by the 1942 Hollywood blockbuster named after it, yet attracts far fewer tourists than Marrakech and Fez. Morocco's commercial hub, it's a contemporary city flooded with young creatives. The cosmopolitan air is juxtaposed with a rich history and a happy mish-mash of architecture that sees skyscrapers spring up next to art deco and Moorish buildings. If you've visited Marrakech, a long weekend here will give you a different taste of the country.

With a history as deep as the turquoise sea that borders its coast, Antalya is the eastern gateway to the Turkish Riviera and all its spoils. Sandwiched between the towering Taurus Mountains and sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, the city offers much to explore. Start your day learning about the region's history, which spans some 2,000 years: head to the Greco-Roman Aspendos Amphitheatre, visit the Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the god of music, harmony and light or make your way to Çirali Beach to see the ancient Greek ruins of Olympus. In the afternoon, choose between splashing around at Kleopatra Beach or heading inland to explore the mountains, then, come sunset, reward yourself with a sundowner in Alanya, the harbour district, which comes alive in the evening.

Framed by the glistening Ionian Sea, this ancient city in southern Italy dates back to the eighth century BC. Today, it is home to a historic old town, an impressive modern centre and a bustling industrial hub. Spend mornings sipping espressos in the Borgo Nuovo and strolling around the sprawling fish market; afternoons lazing on Taranto's sandy beaches. Save time for a trip to the ancient quarter, where crumbling ruins and centuries-old buildings provide a sharp contrast to the city's contemporary districts. The Puglia region can reach searing temperatures during summer months, so come in September, when the heat starts to ease up.

On the craggy slopes of the Great Caucasus mountains, Stepantsminda is a small valley town steeped in ancient history. Commonly referred to as Kazbegi, the destination is perched in the shadow of Mount Kazbek - known in Greek mythology as the place where Prometheus was chained as punishment for teaching mankind how to make fire. Spend days hiking or traversing deep gorges, then soothe weary limbs in the surrounding hot springs and alkaline lakes. September is the ideal time to swerve the crowds and enjoy blue skies punctured by snow-capped mountains.

Situated on South Africa's east coast, Durban (formerly Port Natal) ranks as the country's third most populous city, after Johannesburg and Cape Town. Making up a hefty chunk of the KwaZulu-Natal province, it's known by locals as "Durbs", but widely hailed as the "Garden Province" thanks to its rich flora and fauna - a result of its subtropical climate. While it's no secret that Durban's Golden Mile beachfront looks like something straight off a fridge magnet, those who prefer to do their sun-worshipping somewhere serene should head 10km south of the city to the under-the-radar waters of Anstey's Beach. Struggle to spend a day on the sand? Victoria Street Market calls. This flamboyant flea market is loved by vintage magpies for its bric-a-brac, which often includes art deco collectibles and hand-crafted ceramics.

A happy marriage of culture and nature, this slice of the Costa del Sol - the eastern gateway to Malaga - is one of our favourite spots for a long, lazy weekend. Picture dusty, steep, sun-soaked streets crammed with whitewashed villas; a tangle of alleyways giving way to Moorish-Mudéjar architecture. While Frigiliana still goes under the radar for the cool kids, we'd argue that its lack of hipster hangouts is what makes it that little bit more magical. To appreciate the place in all its glory, start by exploring the ninth-century Castillo de Lízar, before popping into Vinos El Lagar for a glass of muscatel and some plates of local tapas. Keen hikers will want to take the 7km hiking trail from Frigiliana to hilly El Fuerte, where, at a staggering height of 963m, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across the dazzling town.