Laid-back Ella draws travellers to Sri Lanka's highlands with its mountain forests, tea plantations, and relatively cool climate. The wildlife-rich region is also home to caves, cascades, and secluded temples—plus the Ella Gap, which offers lofty views between a cleft in two hills.

Most travellers have never heard of Tangalle—and they're missing out. In this Sri Lankan gem, you'll find some of the best beaches on the island, like Goyambokka Beach, where you could lie out for hours under the gently swaying palms. You'll also find some serious adventure, if that's your thing. Go kayaking around the mangrove-lined Tangalle Lagoon or hike up to Mulkirigala Rock Temple for the best panoramic views. You can't go wrong with the food, either—from beachside bites to the food stalls around Tangalle Market, it's all out of this world.

Dubbed "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuriwaya Eliya boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain's. Mist-shrouded mountains and terraced tea plantations surround the former hill station, while world-class brews are abundant.

Rising around a scenic lake, UNESCO-listed Kandy is home to sacred landmarks, landscaped gardens, and cultural museums. Beyond the city, a cloudy forest and tropical plantations roll across the mountain slopes providing plenty of hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, while upscale resorts line the Mahaweli River.

Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. (Just make sure you heed the local laws—something like spitting in the street might merely be considered rude in your hometown, but here, it carries a severe penalty.) You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping (including gargantuan malls) and numerous beaches.

Ultramodern towers define Riyadh's skyline, hinting at the Saudi capital's sophisticated culture, shopping, and dining. Prayer times set the pace for life in one of the country's most conservative cities, and gleaming architecture blends with historic landmarks from the kingdom's earliest years.

The city of Makati is the financial centre of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia. It is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world, and provides an eclectic mix of holiday rentals - from luxurious homes to small holiday villas and rental condos on the outskirts of the city. Makati is well known for its highly cosmopolitan culture, and many expatriates live and work in the city. It is also a major cultural and entertainment hub in Metro Manila.

Where else can you find an azalea-framed volcano to climb, a sisterhood of deep-divers, and ancient stone statues on which to make wishes? Jeju Island. A favourite with newlyweds (and K-drama fans), this popular retreat is also home to miles of golden beaches, winding coastal trails, and Jeju Waterworld, the area’s largest water park. No matter what your fancy, one thing is for certain: a day of sightseeing isn’t complete without enjoying some of the isle’s delicious raw seafood and famed barbecued black pork.

Perched on the banks of the wide Swan River, between the Indian Ocean and the sands of the Nullarbour Desert, Perth is one of the world's most isolated cities, yet still boasts an active beach scene and smokin’ nightlife. Family-friendly Cottesloe is brimming with swimmers, surfers and snorkelers. Head north to Scarbourough for a spirited beachside club scene. Coo at cute marsupials on ferry-accessible Rottnest Island, and don’t miss the views from King's Park and Botanic Gardens.

Over 15 million gallons of water bubble daily into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes. The city of spas offers an astounding array of baths, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. The "Queen of the Danube" is also steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Get your camera ready for the Roman ruins of the Aquincum Museum, Heroes' Square and Statue Park, and the 300-foot dome of St. Stephen's Basilica.

Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Smart boutiques, selling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village. And it’s a great base for exploring the area—you can easily travel by boat to Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo cave.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?