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.