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Vagamon (located in Kerala: India) is a serene and peaceful place that is ideal for those seeking respite from city life. It will certainly reconnect you with nature, being surrounded by hillsides and mountains, pine forests and beautiful cascading waterfalls. (One of the strong points of Kerala is that it is one of the lesser known tourist destinations in this region). The climate is also pleasant and mild and there are many lovely sights to see such as tea plantations, green meadows and breathtaking scenery where the fog rolls in off the hills. For the more adventurous folk there are ample opportunities for trekking and mountaineering which you can enjoy to your hearts content. Also expect to see wildlife sanctuaries and plenty of flora and fauna when you are out and about.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a medieval castle which sits atop a rocky cliff? This fairy-tale like scenario can be experienced by visiting Italy’s “Coast of the Gods” which is a charming seaside town on the Calabrian coast. The ancient monastery with its winding stone path offers visitors a sweeping view of the seaside town of Tropea from its top windows. The ocean water is azure blue and there are pristine beaches and creamy white sand as far as the eye can see. The views from the monastery in the daytime are also breathtaking, even more so at night when the castle is up in lights. The garden at the back of the church is also very quaint and one can purchase refreshments and souvenirs from a small on-site store.

There is nothing modest about the Antrim coastline; it is one of the most famous coastline drives in Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is often called the UK’s fourth wonder, truly breathtaking. The large areas of basalt columns that interlock were the result of a volcanic eruption in ancient times. If you are worried about getting around, there is a bus that will take you down to the causeway; the walk however is beautiful for those who are up for a dander.

Isola Bella is a stunningly beautiful island located in northern Italy (one of the Borromean Islands that make up Lake Maggiore). Isola Bella also means “beautiful island” which is a fitting name for this place of splendour where you can tour an ancient Baroque palace with beautiful hanging tapestries and sculptures. The palace windows overlook a crystal-clear lake, and you can see gorgeous white peacocks strolling through the gardens. The heavenly garden with a diversity of floral scents is what attracts the majority of visitors who also love the array of statues, rare plants and shrubbery. You will also love the peace and serenity of the gardens…what’s more, you will be in the vicinity of one of the most beautiful islands in the world, situated just 400 metres off the coast of Stresa. You must come view for yourself these breathtakingly beautiful Baroque Style gardens and ancient palace!

Think a holiday in the desert would be hot, boring and absolutely the last option on your list? Hopefully you will change your mind when visiting the Huachina desert oasis in southwestern Peru. This tiny but amazing village has a diverse array of street vendors, eateries and hotels, and is surrounded almost entirely by massive sand dunes. Huachina is also renowned for its fantastic dune buggy and sandboarding tours, and you can also camp in the sand and sleep under the stars if you want! It is surprising that so many tourists are unaware of Huachina and the fun that can be had here …why not experience the joy of walking in sand dunes and the feeling of golden sand beneath your toes? When you have had your fun, take a dip in a pool surrounded by cooling palm trees and enjoy an ice cream or tasty treat from one of the friendly street sellers.

This remarkable river lies just outside of the town of Hinuatan Surigao del Sur (on the east side of Mindanao in the Philippines). It certainly lives up to its enchanted name, being incredibly enticing for weary travellers with its cool clear waters. Thought to originate from an underground cave system that has not yet been fully explored, the river then flows into the Phillippean sea and Pacific Ocean. The crystalline waters also have remarkable shades of colour which change from blue to green, with many local legends abounding to explain the mysterious nature of the Hinuatan River. Another major drawcard for visitors are the huge variety of fish that inhabit this saltwater river, that are handfed every afternoon. You will love this secretive place which is hidden deep in the Philippine jungle and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. A mysterious enchanting river with a past yet to be uncovered…how exciting!