Countries Been: Travel Map Creator

Land of a thousand lakes, aurora-lit winter nights, pristine forests and sauna culture — Finland offers a uniquely peaceful escape at the edge of the Arctic.

Consistently ranked among the world's happiest countries, Denmark combines cutting-edge design, world-class food, charming harbours and the world's oldest amusement park.

Carnival in Rio, the Amazon rainforest, the Iguaçu Falls and miles of sun-kissed Atlantic beaches — Brazil is a sensory explosion of colour, music and biodiversity.

Budapest's grand thermal baths, Gothic parliament and vibrant ruin bars make it one of Europe's most seductive capitals, backed by castle-dotted rolling countryside.

Istanbul straddles two continents, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys dot an otherworldly landscape, and the turquoise Aegean coast stretches for thousands of kilometres of ancient ruins and beaches.

The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, the karst peaks of Guilin, the futuristic skyline of Shanghai — China's sheer scale and cultural depth are simply unmatched.

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto, neon-lit Tokyo, ancient temples, bullet trains and extraordinary cuisine — Japan perfects the art of blending the ancient and the ultra-modern.

The Taj Mahal, the ghats of Varanasi, the backwaters of Kerala and the teeming bazaars of Old Delhi — India is an overwhelming, unforgettable kaleidoscope of culture and colour.

Middle-earth come to life — towering fjords, geothermal wonders, bungee jumping birthplace and some of the most spectacular hiking trails on the planet.

Transylvania's medieval castles, the Carpathian Mountains, painted monasteries of Bucovina and a burgeoning food scene make Romania one of Europe's most underrated gems.

Kyiv's golden-domed monasteries, the baroque grandeur of Lviv and the Black Sea coast make Ukraine a land of extraordinary history and warm hospitality.

Towering skyscrapers in Dubai, the heritage souks of Abu Dhabi and world-class luxury hospitality — the UAE has transformed desert sands into one of the world's most ambitious destinations.

Thrilling Big Five safaris, Table Mountain's iconic silhouette above Cape Town, the Winelands and the dramatic Garden Route — South Africa offers extraordinary diversity in one country.

Dubrovnik's limestone walls overlooking the Adriatic, Plitvice Lakes' turquoise cascades and hundreds of sun-baked islands make Croatia the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast.

Ornate Buddhist temples, floating markets, world-class street food, idyllic islands and some of the warmest hospitality in Southeast Asia — Thailand truly earns its 'Land of Smiles' moniker.

Seoul's dynamic fusion of ancient palaces and hyper-modern K-culture, the lantern-lit streets of Gyeongju, and some of the world's most celebrated fried chicken and barbecue.

Ancient Aztec and Maya pyramids, the deep blue of the Caribbean in the Yucatán, extraordinary tacos al pastor and the electric nightlife of Mexico City.

Buenos Aires' European-flavoured boulevards, Patagonia's raw wilderness, Iguazú Falls and the finest Malbec wine in the world.

Medieval castles perched on rocky crags, the dramatic High Tatras mountains and a capital city that is walkable, affordable and rapidly emerging on the European travel scene.

Black Sea beach resorts, the picturesque old town of Plovdiv, ancient Thracian tombs and some of Europe's most affordable ski resorts.

Vilnius's Baroque old town is a UNESCO gem, the Curonian Spit a natural wonder, and Lithuanian amber and rye bread are among Europe's most distinctive souvenirs.

Jerusalem's Old City holds the holiest sites of three religions, Tel Aviv buzzes with beach culture and innovation, and the Dead Sea offers the world's saltiest float.

Tiny but breathtaking — Lake Bled's island church, Triglav National Park's peaks, the Adriatic city of Piran and the underground Postojna Cave make Slovenia punch far above its size.

Belgrade's wild nightlife aboard Danube river boats, medieval monasteries, the Đavolja Varoš rock formations and some of the most soulful traditional music in the Balkans.

Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers, the rainforest of Borneo, Penang's UNESCO street art and hawker food, and pristine islands — Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, cruising the Nile by felucca and diving the Red Sea reefs — Egypt is the world's greatest open-air museum.

Over 7,000 islands with some of the world's best diving, chocolate hills on Bohol, rice terraces carved into the mountains of Luzon, and incredibly warm local hospitality.

Bali's temples and rice terraces, Komodo dragons, Borobudur's Buddhist stupa, orangutans in Borneo and over 17,000 islands to explore in the world's largest archipelago.

Riga's stunning Art Nouveau architecture, the pine forests and white sand beaches of Jūrmala, and a rich Baltic heritage make Latvia a hidden gem of Northern Europe.

Gabriel García Márquez's homeland delivers Cartagena's colourful colonial walls, the coffee region's green hills, Bogotá's thriving arts scene and some of South America's warmest people.

Birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus offers Venetian castles, Byzantine churches, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and some of the best meze spreads in the eastern Mediterranean.

Mostar's iconic Stari Most bridge arching over the Neretva, Sarajevo's remarkable blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage, and mountains perfect for skiing and hiking.

Tallinn's perfectly preserved medieval old town is among Europe's best, and Estonia's digital-first culture, bogs, forests and island archipelago make it unexpectedly captivating.

The labyrinthine souks of Marrakesh, the blue city of Chefchaouen, Saharan dune camps and the Atlantic surf of Taghazout make Morocco one of the world's most atmospheric destinations.

Europe's smallest great country — Luxembourg City's fortified cliff-top old town, deep gorges and its status as a founding EU member give this tiny grand duchy outsized appeal.

Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, the ancient town of Hội An, Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter street food and the dramatic mountains of Sapa — Vietnam rewards at every turn.

A gleaming city-state at the crossroads of Asia — Gardens by the Bay, Hawker Centre feasts, impeccable safety and an electrifying blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures.

From the driest desert (Atacama) to pristine Patagonia glaciers, Easter Island's moai and the wine valleys of Maipo — Chile is nature at its most spectacular.

Minsk's grand Soviet boulevards, the medieval Mir Castle, the primeval Białowieża Forest and a rapidly growing craft beer and cafe culture make Belarus quietly compelling.

AlUla's ancient Nabataean tombs carved into red rock, the historic Diriyah, Jeddah's coral-stone old city and the holy city of Mecca mark a country opening up to the world.

Machu Picchu perched above the cloud forest is one of the world's iconic sights, backed by the Amazon, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and Lima's world-class cuisine.

Geysers, volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights — Iceland is Europe's most geologically active country and one of its most spectacular.

A tiny Adriatic gem with medieval walled towns, dramatic Bay of Kotor fjords, wild national parks and some of the most affordable luxury on the Adriatic.

Petra's rose-red city carved into cliff faces, the alien landscape of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea's otherworldly salt shore and legendary Jordanian hospitality.

Riviera beaches rivalling anywhere in the Mediterranean, UNESCO-listed cities of Berat and Gjirokastër, and a wild mountain interior — Albania is Europe's last undiscovered gem.

Taipei's night markets, Sun Moon Lake, the dramatic Taroko Gorge and some of the finest tea culture and street food in all of Asia — Taiwan is consistently underrated.

Lake Ohrid — one of Europe's oldest and deepest — surrounded by Byzantine churches, the vibrant bazaars of Skopje and mountains perfect for trekking.

One of Europe's youngest countries, Kosovo offers medieval Serbian monasteries, the vibrant capital Pristina, and the stunning Rugova Canyon in the Western Balkans.

Roman Carthage, the medina of Tunis, Saharan desert landscapes, the whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Said overlooking the Mediterranean — Tunisia is North Africa's most accessible destination.

The futuristic capital Astana, vast steppe landscapes, the Charyn Canyon and one of the world's most dramatic train journeys across the Eurasian heartland.

The Maasai Mara's Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon, Lamu's Swahili old town and world-class safari camps that set the global standard for wildlife tourism.

Asia's most breathtaking skyline by night, dim sum breakfasts, neon-lit night markets and a unique East-meets-West culture forged across one of the world's great natural harbours.

Beirut's resilient, exuberant spirit, the Roman temples of Baalbek, the Qadisha Valley and some of the best food culture in the Middle East.

Ancient cave cities, the Caucasus mountains, distinctive polyphonic music, amber-coloured qvevri wine and Tbilisi's charming Old Town balconies — Georgia is a revelation.

Doha's futuristic skyline, the Museum of Islamic Art, falconry in the desert and a country that put itself on the world stage by hosting the FIFA World Cup.

The tiled domes and mosques of Isfahan, the ruins of Persepolis, bazaars overflowing with saffron and carpets, and some of the most hospitable locals in the world.

Angkor Wat — the world's largest religious monument — emerges from the jungle at sunrise in an unforgettable spectacle, while Phnom Penh tells Cambodia's complex modern story.

One of Europe's least-visited countries rewards curious travellers with vast underground wine cellars, Orthodox monasteries carved into cliff faces and warm local hospitality.

Mesopotamia — the cradle of civilisation — offers the ziggurat of Ur, the marshes of Basra and the ancient markets of Erbil's citadel, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places.

Arenal Volcano, zip-lining through cloud forests, nesting sea turtles on Pacific beaches and a commitment to biodiversity that has made Costa Rica the world's ecotourism pioneer.

The Karakoram Highway through some of the world's highest peaks, the Mughal architecture of Lahore, the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro and legendary chai on every street corner.

Baku's futuristic flame towers beside a UNESCO old city, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan, the fire-worshipping temple of Ateshgah and dramatic Caucasus mountain landscapes.

The Serengeti's endless plains, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar's spice-scented old stone town and some of the finest big-game safari experiences on earth.

Havana's vintage American cars and crumbling colonial grandeur, Viñales' tobacco fields, salsa rhythms on every corner and a culture frozen in time yet vibrantly alive.

The world's oldest Christian nation — Geghard Monastery carved into rock, Mount Ararat on the horizon, generous cognac toasts and a culture of extraordinary warmth and resilience.

The sacred rock fortress of Sigiriya, tea plantations in the highlands, elephant sanctuaries, whale watching off Mirissa and warm cinnamon-spiced hospitality at every turn.

The Galápagos Islands' unique wildlife, the Amazon basin, a UNESCO-listed colonial capital in Quito and the world's highest active volcano (Chimborazo) — all in one small country.

Angel Falls — the world's highest waterfall — plunging from the tepuis, the Gran Sabana's extraordinary tabletop mountains and the Caribbean islands of Los Roques.

Africa's largest country encompasses the Roman ruins of Djémila, the Sahara's towering Tadrart Acacus rock formations and the beautiful Ottoman-era Casbah of Algiers.

Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, the old market of Nablus, olive groves and falafel — Palestine's ancient culture and resilient people leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Home to some of the world's oldest cities — Damascus, Aleppo and Palmyra's Roman colonnades tell the story of millennia of civilisation at the crossroads of the ancient world.

Muscat's grand mosques, fjord-like Musandam inlets, the vast Wahiba Sands desert, ancient falaj irrigation systems and a gentleness of culture rare in the Gulf.

Eight of the world's ten highest mountains, the Everest Base Camp trek, Kathmandu's temple-filled Durbar Squares and the culture of the Sherpa people make Nepal unforgettable.

Vast, unspoiled steppe, nomadic culture, the ancient capital Karakorum, the Gobi Desert's sand dunes and a horse-riding tradition that built the world's largest land empire.

The engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, a UNESCO old city in Casco Viejo, lush rainforest teeming with wildlife and the San Blas archipelago's pristine Caribbean islands.

The Silk Road's jewels — Samarkand's Registan, the blue-domed mausoleums of Bukhara, the ancient walled city of Khiva and extraordinary plov cooked in giant kazan pots.

Punta Cana's all-inclusive resorts, the colonial zone of Santo Domingo (the Americas' oldest European city), humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay and lush mountain scenery.

The plain of Bagan's thousands of ancient temples at dawn, Inle Lake's leg-rowing fishermen, Shwedagon Pagoda's golden spire — Myanmar preserves a way of life rarely seen elsewhere.

The Kuwait Towers overlooking the Gulf, vibrant souks, the rebuilt Liberation Tower and one of the world's highest concentrations of luxury shopping in a compact desert city.

The Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif, the dramatic Band-e Amir lakes, the ancient Minaret of Jam and a landscape of extraordinary rugged beauty shaped by millennia of civilisations.

The world's second-smallest country is all glamour — Monaco Grand Prix, Casino Monte-Carlo, mega-yachts in the harbour and some of the priciest real estate on the planet.

Temple Bar's legendary pub sessions, the Book of Kells, Guinness at the Storehouse and the warmth of Irish storytelling make Dublin one of Europe's most welcoming capitals.

The Acropolis has presided over Athens for 2,500 years — add incredible street food, a buzzing nightlife scene and sun-drenched rooftop bars and you have a city reborn.

Dramatic castle on volcanic rock, a medieval Royal Mile, world-famous Fringe Festival and whisky distilleries in a compact, walkable and endlessly atmospheric Scottish capital.

Grand Palace temples, floating markets, chaotic Khao San Road, legendary Pad Thai from street stalls and a city that electrifies the senses 24 hours a day.

Asia's most breathtaking skyline by night, dim sum breakfasts, neon-lit night markets and a unique East-meets-West culture across one of the world's great natural harbours.

The world's smallest sovereign state — the Sistine Chapel ceiling, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums pack more art and spiritual significance into 44 hectares than anywhere on Earth.

Germany's financial hub beyond the skyscrapers has a charming Römer old town, world-class Museumsufer museums along the Main and the best Apfelwein in the world.

The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars up steep hills, sourdough at Fisherman's Wharf and the birthplace of the tech revolution — San Francisco is among America's most beautiful cities.

Luxembourg City's Bock Casemates fortress, UNESCO-listed old town perched above deep gorges and its status as a European capital give this tiny place an outsized appeal.

The Strip's neon excess, world-class shows, all-you-can-eat buffets and 24-hour casinos in the Mojave Desert — Las Vegas is unlike any city on earth and completely irresistible.

Germany's gateway to the world — the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the legendary Reeperbahn, the UNESCO Speicherstadt warehouse district and a port that shaped global trade for centuries.

The only city straddling two continents — the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar's 4,000 shops and Bosphorus cruises make Istanbul one of travel's great unmissables.

The Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, indoor ski slopes and gold souks — Dubai's audacious ambition has built one of the world's most visited cities from scratch in a single generation.

Free Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Capitol Hill — America's capital is a civic monument to democracy that rewards every visitor.

Yes, the Leaning Tower really does lean — and the Piazza dei Miracoli surrounding it, with its cathedral and baptistery, is one of Italy's most beautifully unexpected squares.

Built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, Stockholm combines Gamla Stan's medieval streets, world-famous ABBA and Vasa museums, and a thriving food and design scene.

Gleaming Zürichsee, the medieval Altstadt, exceptional galleries, legendary Swiss banking and direct train access to some of the finest skiing in the Alps.

Theme park capital of the world — Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld draw tens of millions each year to the Sunshine State's most magical corner.

Birthplace of pizza, gateway to Pompeii and within sight of Mount Vesuvius — Naples is raw, chaotic, passionate and home to what many argue is Italy's greatest street food culture.

Gothic cathedral towering above the marina, Arabic baths, excellent modern restaurants and an island interior of almond orchards and golden stone villages.

The twin-spired Gothic cathedral is one of Europe's most magnificent, Kölsch beer is served in slim glasses everywhere, and the Rhine promenade is endlessly walkable.

The Venice of the North — Bruges' picture-perfect medieval canals, lace shops, chocolate boutiques and belfry tower are among the most charming scenes in all of Europe.

The Promenade des Anglais, the Vieux-Nice's colourful markets, socca flatbreads and the blue sparkle of the Côte d'Azur — Nice is the French Riviera at its most accessible.

Poland's medieval gem — the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, the Jewish Kazimierz quarter and the sobering visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau that makes Krakow a deeply significant destination.

More Michelin stars than any city on earth, dazzling neon in Shibuya, tranquil Shinto shrines, cherry blossom season in Ueno Park — Tokyo is endlessly, gloriously overwhelming.

The Opera House sails beside the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach defines the Australian lifestyle, and Sydney's café culture and multicultural food scene are among the world's best.

The Viking Ship Museum, the Vigeland sculpture park, fjord ferry rides and a city that merges world-class design with the Norwegian passion for outdoor life.

The heart of New York — Central Park, the High Line, the Metropolitan Museum, Broadway shows and a skyline that has defined urban ambition for over a century.

Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, the world's best Cuban food in Little Havana, white-sand beaches and a nightlife scene that is the envy of the Americas.

Design District boutiques, the rock church of Temppeliaukio, market square harbour stalls and a city perfectly positioned between Nordic minimalism and Baltic warmth.

The world's smallest EU capital — Valletta's Baroque palaces, Knights of St. John fortifications and stunning Grand Harbour make it one of Europe's most atmospheric UNESCO cities.

The Alcázar palace, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, flamenco in candlelit tablaos and the Feria de Abril — Seville is Andalusia at its most passionate and beautiful.

Mozart's birthplace, the setting for The Sound of Music, a hilltop fortress overlooking Baroque domes and a musical legacy that fills the city with festival energy all summer.

Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Oasis and two global football giants — Manchester's music heritage, thriving Northern Quarter café scene and Lowry galleries make it magnetic.

The Palace of Versailles and its Hall of Mirrors define the apex of royal opulence — the immaculate formal gardens stretching to the horizon are unlike anything else in the world.

Romeo and Juliet's city — a perfectly preserved Roman arena hosting summer opera, the balcony of Juliet, medieval piazzas and some of Veneto's finest wines.

Rebuilt brick by brick after WWII, Warsaw's Old Town is a testament to resilience — backed by a thriving modern city with one of Central Europe's most dynamic food and nightlife scenes.

Birthplace of Picasso, gateway to the Costa del Sol — Málaga's revitalized port, excellent tapas bars and year-round sunshine have transformed it into one of Spain's trendiest cities.

Jet d'Eau on Lake Geneva, CERN beneath the Swiss–French border, the Red Cross museum and a city that has been the diplomatic capital of the world for generations.

Birthplace of paella, home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Europe's oldest running bull race and a beach culture that rivals anywhere on the Mediterranean.

Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral's onion domes, the world's most beautiful metro stations, the Bolshoi Ballet and a city of outsized scale and ambition.

The Freedom Trail through revolutionary history, Harvard and MIT campuses, the best clam chowder in America and a Red Sox game at Fenway — Boston is compact and endlessly walkable.

One of the world's most multicultural cities — the CN Tower, Kensington Market, Chinatown, world-class theatre and restaurants representing every cuisine on earth.

Ribeira's tilework houses tumbling down to the Douro, port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Livraria Lello bookshop and a city that feels both ancient and brilliantly alive.

Rebuilt as a modernist showcase after WWII, Rotterdam's cube houses, Markthal food hall, Erasmus Bridge and boundary-pushing architecture make it unlike any other European city.

The Hermitage Museum's three million treasures, golden-spired cathedrals, canals earning it the 'Venice of the North' title and the White Nights of midsummer.

The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace and the closest access point to the Great Wall — Beijing carries the weight and wonder of Chinese imperial history.

The Pearl of the Adriatic — Dubrovnik's medieval walls encircle terracotta rooftops above a sparkling blue sea, immortalised as King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

Deep-dish pizza, the blues, a skyline of architectural masterpieces, Lake Michigan's beaches and the Art Institute — Chicago is America's most underrated great city.

Compact, walkable and refreshingly unhurried — Bratislava's hilltop castle, colourful old town, excellent wine bars and proximity to Vienna make it a perfect Central European stopover.

La Rossa, La Grassa, La Dotta — Bologna is Italy's reddest, fattest and most learned city: porticoed medieval streets, Europe's oldest university, and the birthplace of ragù.

The Petronas Towers' silver spires, Batu Caves' golden staircase, Jalan Alor's midnight hawker stalls and a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

France's oldest city — the calanques' turquoise coves, bouillabaisse in the old port, MuCEM's striking architecture and the rawness of France's most Mediterranean city.

Scotland's largest city punches well above its weight — outstanding museums (many free), the Mackintosh architecture trail, Finnieston's restaurant mile and some of the UK's warmest crowds.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's vast white domes, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on a man-made island, Ferrari World and a city that balances Islamic heritage with extraordinary ambition.

Consistently ranked the world's most liveable city — Melbourne's hidden laneways, world-class coffee culture, MCG cricket, the Great Ocean Road and extraordinary multiculturalism.

Diamond capital of the world, fashion capital of Flanders — Rubens' home city offers a soaring Gothic cathedral, the world's finest fries and a nightlife district to rival anywhere in Europe.

Home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, surrounded by vineyards inside the city limits, and the gateway to the Black Forest and Swabian Alps.

One of Europe's most charming small capitals — Ljubljana's dragon bridge, triple bridge, hilltop castle and vibrant open-air riverside café scene reward every visitor.

England's second city is home to the Balti Triangle, Cadbury World, the Jewellery Quarter, Symphony Hall and a canal network bigger than Venice.

Perfect year-round sunshine, Balboa Park's museums, the legendary Zoo, craft beer culture, fish tacos on the waterfront and a stone's throw from the Mexican border.

The Beatles' hometown, the Merseyside waterfront UNESCO docks, one of Europe's best music scenes and the most passionate football support in the Premier League.

The fashion and trade fair capital of Germany — the Altbier breweries of the Altstadt, the Königsallee luxury boulevard and the world-class Kunstsammlung art museums.

The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx on the desert's edge, the Egyptian Museum's pharaonic treasures, Khan el-Khalili bazaar and a city of 20 million that never stops moving.

The Piazza del Campo — one of Europe's greatest medieval squares — hosts the thundering Palio horse race twice yearly, and the surrounding Sienese cuisine is extraordinary.

Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, pesto and focaccia — Genoa's labyrinthine Caruggi alleyways, Palazzo dei Rolli UNESCO palaces and Ligurian harbour charm reward the curious traveller.

The Bund's 1930s colonial grandeur facing Pudong's futuristic skyline across the Huangpu — Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and one of the most dynamic on earth.

The Alhambra palace complex is Spain's most visited monument — Moorish architecture of breathtaking intricacy, backed by the Sierra Nevada and some of Andalusia's finest free tapas.

Rebuilt after wartime destruction, Dresden's Baroque Frauenkirche, Zwinger palace, world-class opera and museums on the Elbe make it Germany's 'Florence of the Elbe'.

Switzerland's medieval federal capital — six kilometres of arcaded walkways, Einstein's house, rose gardens overlooking the Aare river bend and a Bear Park that gives the city its name.

London-on-Sea — the Royal Pavilion, pebble beach piers, vintage shops in the Lanes, the UK's LGBTQ+ capital and a weekend atmosphere of infectious energy.

Capital of European institutions and capital of Christmas markets — Strasbourg's half-timbered Alsatian old town on the river Ill is one of France's most enchanting urban settings.

The best-preserved medieval old town in Northern Europe — Tallinn's town hall square, Toompea castle and limestone towers look as they did five centuries ago.

Mountains meet ocean — Vancouver's Stanley Park seawall, Granville Island markets, Gastown cobblestones and its position as gateway to Whistler make it one of North America's finest cities.

New York's creative borough — the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO's cobblestoned streets, Smorgasburg food market, Prospect Park and a restaurant scene that rivals Manhattan in every way.

The City of Dreaming Spires — punting on the Cherwell, the Bodleian Library, Christ Church's medieval hall (Harry Potter's Great Hall) and 900 years of academic tradition.

King's College Chapel, the Backs, Fitzwilliam Museum and punting along the Cam — Cambridge is England's most beautiful university town and one of the world's great seats of learning.

A Roman emperor built his retirement palace here — and 1,700 years later people still live inside Diocletian's Palace, making Split the most extraordinary layering of history and modern life.

The gastronomic capital of France — bouchon bistros, Paul Bocuse's legacy, Roman amphitheatres on Fourvière hill and the dramatic confluence of the Rhône and Saône.