Quebec is a city of beautiful contradictions; a proudly French influenced city situated within driving distance to the capital of Canada. However, to describe this place as solely ‘French’ would be to ignore the strong Canadian influences which make this city so unique.

The south-western town is one of the oldest cities in North America, having been established more than 400 years ago (by contrast, Vancouver recently celebrated its 130th birthday). This history radiates out of Quebec’s streets in the aptly named Old Town. In 1985, the city’s efforts to lovingly preserve their history paid off and the entire Old City region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It may take several days to take in all of the beautiful sites in this area, however perhaps the most unmissable is the imposing Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. This beautiful chateau is probably the most photographed hotel in the world, and sits proudly atop the city’s highest hill.

Other sights include the many cathedrals throughout the city, and the stunning La Citadelle which is the only military fortification of its type in North America. In summer there is a changing of the guards daily at 10am, which is a great sight, with visitors able to get far closer than to its ‘big sister’ in London.

While Quebec is beautiful at any time of year, it is well known as a winter wonderland. Amazingly, although the temperatures can drop to a brisk -10 degrees, the city keeps a warm beating heart throughout winter. In fact, its picture-perfect architecture and hearty cuisine make Quebec the perfect place to visit in the colder months. In fact, Quebecois love winter so much, that the Carnevale de Quebec (Winter Carnival) in late July is widely considered to be one of the best times to visit.

While the Old City may be the most famous destination, Quebec is also proud of its hip bars beyond the old city’s walls. With delicious French-Canadian inspired food, great coffee and an up and coming art scene, Quebec is rapidly developing its own modern identity.

Therefore, while it may be an old guidebook cliché, Quebec really is a fascinating mix of old and new. So, pack a warm jacket, and explore.

Find out about flights, hotels and things to do in our Quebec City Destination Guide

Thailand is known as Asia’s rising tiger, and after spending any time in its incredible capital Bangkok, you will know why. Like much of Thailand, Bangkok manages to retain all of its past charm whilst also changing at a rapid pace.

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from glitzy malls stocking expensive designer brands to up and coming young Thai designers hawking their handmade pieces at the Chatuchek (weekend) markets. In many ways this is reflective of Bangkok; with ritzy new buildings directly alongside modest shanties.

The sprawling city is also home to arguably the greatest street food in the world. For just a couple of dollars, you can sample Thai delicacies such as Pad Thai or Mango Sticky Rice. Of course, Bangkok also offers more upscale dining where you can try traditional dishes in a slightly more comfortable setting!

The great thing about Bangkok is that while it offers all modern conveniences to travellers, it still lives life slightly on the wild side. For example, next to its ultra modern ‘venom hospital’, is an interactive show where you can watch fearless handlers interact with venomous snakes before holding one yourself.

Something that is immediately obvious in Bangkok is the country’s love for their long-ruling monarch, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Thai people’s respect and adoration for their King is a fascinating insight into the culture; and a visit to the opulent Grand Palace is sure to impress.

In completely the other direction is popular backpacker’s haunt, Khao San Road. Although this street may be lacking some of Bangkok’s usual charm, it is still well-worth a visit to see the often amusing and sometimes shocking goods being sold right on the street. This is also a good place to book tours and activities, with many tourist information stands.

Khao San is also one of the locations that gives Bangkok its reputation for being one of the greatest party cities in the world. Party until the sun comes up to amazing Thai and overseas DJs here, or in nearby RCA or Sukhumvit 11.

It is an old guidebook cliché, but you could visit Bangkok a dozen times and have an entirely different experience. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it here.

See our full city guide to Bangkok

Given the extreme popularity of Europe’s megacities such as London and Paris, it is perhaps no surprise that little Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is sometimes overlooked. This is, however, a huge shame considering the stunning beauty of the 400,000 person city.

Tallinn’s history dates back from the 13th century, and its residents are full of pride for the country’s fascinating medieval past. The city itself looks like you would find it in the pages of a fairytale; with quaint cobbled streets, colourful architecture and small boutiques selling antiques and handicrafts. The entire city limits are surrounded by walls, a telling reminder of Tallinn’s long and dramatic history.

The city is beautiful any time of day, however it is wonderful to wake up early and take in the sights before any other tourists, or even many other residents, arrive. Photographers will adore this chance to photograph one of the world’s most beautiful cities, still chock full of history.

If early mornings aren’t your thing, there is plenty to do during the day. View the city from atop Saint Olaf’s Church, or visit Kadriorg Palace and Park. One of the most unmissable sights is the Three Sisters Hotel. This site began life as three merchant homes in 1362. Today, it is a working hotel where you can stay, or just drop in for dinner at their restaurant Bordoo.

One of the most interesting ways to find out about Tallinn’s history is at the Estonian History Museum. Not content to be another ‘look but don’t touch’ sight, the museum focuses on interactivity. The young and old alike can enjoy finding out about Tallinn and Estonia through these interactive and fun exhibits!

The long history of Tallinn is a fascinating juxtaposition against its reputation today as one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. Citizens can vote and pay taxes online, and it is a world first with its ‘e-residency’. However, while visiting Tallinn, it is easy to forget this and just be transported back to medieval times.

Visit our Tallinn destination guide

There are some places in the world that can be described as ‘sleepy’. Ho Chi Minh is not one of them. Crazy, chaotic and packed full of adventure, Ho Chi Minh – sometimes still known as Saigon – is one of the most overwhelming, but downright lovable, cities in the world. Just be patient when crossing the street; there’s 4 million motorcycles here, and they rule the roads.

Ho Chi Minh is an assault on the senses, so one of the best ways to appreciate the city is to dive right in and enjoy the incredible tastes on offer. Being Vietnam’s largest city, HCM has perhaps the best selection of Vietnamese dishes, from the casual (yet delicious) pho (traditional soup) and banh mi (bread rolls) from a street vendor, to fine dining in restaurants such as Noir.

Although perhaps not as famous for shopping as its rival Hanoi, HCM holds its own for shopaholics. With a vast array of affordable off-the-rack or custom made options, this is a great place to renew your wardrobe with stylish pieces you’ll find nowhere else in the world.

For all Ho Chi Minh’s lighthearted charm, there is also a sombering side to its history, with the Vietnam war still very much in living memory. Take some time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which is a network of almost 500km of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, as well as the War Remnants Museum. Both are poignant reminders of the city’s history and help add depth to the HCM experience.

It’s also interesting to view Vietnam’s pre-war history. Sights such as the Vietnam History Museum follow Vietnam throughout the centuries. For a different side of history, the awe inspiring Jade Pagoda is one of the most beautiful structures in Vietnam, and well worth a visit.

If the extreme pace of HCM begins to wear thin, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to escape the hustle and bustle. The twenty-three September Park is within easy distance of the city, and gives you the opportunity to unwind, people watch, and maybe even try your hand at badminton or Tai Chi! A little further afield is Can Gio island, with some pretty beaches popular with tourists and locals alike, where you can take a breath before diving back into the hectic pace of HCM.

Visit our Ho Chi Minh destination guide for flights, hotels and things to do

The magical city of Mostar is the type of city that turns casual tourists into travelling enthusiasts. The joy of finding a breathtaking place, yet to be discovered by the masses, is something that many a traveller wants. You can definitely experience this in the breathtaking southern Bosnian Heregovinan town of Mostar.

The city’s most famous sight is also one of Bosnia Herzegovina’s most recognizable: the Mosti Stari bridge. Originally built by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, the bridge connects either side of the city and is both beautiful and unique. Unfortunately, the original bridge was badly damaged during the Bosnian War, however today it has been restored and remains a great photo opportunity.

While the 28m wide Mosti Stari is imposing in its beauty, the lovely Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque is instead beautiful in its simplicity. For 2 euro you can enter and photograph the 16th century Mosque, and for 5 euro you can even climb the minaret to get a beautiful view of the city.

Another important and moving religious site is Blagag Tekke, considered to be one of Bosnia Herzegovina’s most important holy sites. The Monastery is built in Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture, and it set amongst a naturally beautiful river. There are also nearby caves that can be visited aboard a boat for a small fee.

While Mostar boasts an impressive number of religious, cultural and historical sites, it also has diversity. Mostar’s streets are not just beautiful, but adorned with some seriously cool, and often moving, street art. Like much of Bosnia Herzegovina, memories of the Bosnian war linger in Mostar, with bullet holes a visible reminder. The street art here often covers these scars and its politically charged messages brim with hope for the future.

Many of these pieces can be found in the eerie but intriguing abandoned buildings scattered throughout the city. Some highlights include the Sniper Tower and the old airport hangar. Make sure to bring a camera, but be respectful.

If the city’s manmade charm wasn’t enough, Mostar manages to deliver on natural beauty, too. The Kravice Waterfalls, for example, are a short trip out of the city and the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your visit to Mostar. The only problem is, if you think too much, you may never want to leave this beautiful town.

Visit our Mostar destination guide

Albuquerque, the capital of New Mexico, is a thrilling mix of cultures. The South Western town blends Anglo, Latino and Native American culture to offer a fascinating experience to tourists. It is proudly one of the most multicultural cities in the US and has used this diversity to create a fascinating and harmonious atmosphere. Pair this rich blend with 310 days of sunshine per year, and you have a truly brilliant city to visit, year round.

The mix of cultures in Albuquerque means the food is deliciously diverse; it’s the perfect place to try famous New Mexican dishes. The meals here are a blend of Native American flavours such as blue corn and squash, with a heavy dose of Spanish influence, finally topped off with a modern American twist. The main ingredient here is chili – red or green. If you’re not sure which you prefer, or would like to sample both, make sure to ask your server for ‘Christmas’ and get a mix of the two.

If ‘New Mexican’ isn’t your thing, that’s okay too. Pretty much any other cuisine is on offer, and the dishes are great without the spicy stuff. For something different, be sure to stop by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to sample authentic Native American dishes such as posole (hominy stew with chili). Here, you can also learn more broadly about Native American culture and history, including viewing art and artifacts at the museum.

If your stomach is full, Albuquerque offers plenty of opportunities to work off all that delicious chili with a number of adventure activities! With sunshine almost year round, Albuquerque has become somewhat of an adventure hub, with outdoor activities such as hiking and bike riding offered around its stunning landscape. For something different, you can even try ‘altitude golf’ at 7,000 feet at the Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club.

History buffs will love Albuquerque, too, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. Since then, the city has changed rapidly with various influences including the Spanish leaving their mark. You can still get a feel for Albuquerque’s rich history at Old Town, with its cobbled streets. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down, in a location that still looks much as it did before the American Revolution.

During the genocidal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, Cambodia was a country entirely closed off from the rest of the world. Today, the country openly encourages tourism and the resilient Cambodian population is thrilled to share its history and culture with visitors. The centre of all of this is the city of Siem Reap.

The tropical landscapes and modest but beautiful homes are typically Cambodian, but rapid development has also brought modernity to the city. While there is every opportunity to sample Khmer cuisine such as lok lak or fish amok in Siem Reap, Western food is also readily available from both small restaurants and large chains such as the Hard Rock Café.

There are also many activities for tourists. The luxurious Artisans d’Angkor or Silk Farm offer beautiful shopping opportunities, as does the local Night Market. Learn more about Cambodia’s sad past at the landmine museum, or head off on a quad bike tour of the nearby rice fields. For those looking to relax, an afternoon on the hammocks at West Baray is a must.

Of course, Siem Reap’s main drawcard are the stunning Angkor temples. For an extremely reasonable price, ‘tuk tuk’ drivers will spend anywhere from an afternoon to a week exploring the famed temples from Cambodia’s golden Angkor era.

There are thousands of temples in a variety of styles, however the most popular include the Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat.

The Bayon is a hauntingly beautiful temple decorated with stone Khmer faces in every direction. Beautiful at any time of day, the temple is extra special at dawn or dusk, when photographers and visitors will be delighted by the stunning sights.

Nearby Ta Prohm is fascinating as unlike the restored Angkor temples, it has been left in its overgrown condition. This alone makes the temple an atmospheric and interesting visit, however it was its role in the film Tomb Raider that has really escalated its popularity.

Finally, Angkor Wat is considered the jewel in Cambodia’s crown, featuring on its flag and of great pride and significance to many Cambodians. The temple is stunning on foot, but it is also possible to see it from above in a hot air balloon.

While these temples are the most famous, there are hundreds within easy access of Siem Reap. Many of the less famous sites, such as Beng Melea with many similarities to Ta Prohm, are incredibly beautiful, yet almost deserted.

Whichever temples you choose, Siem Reap is a truly beautiful place to learn about Cambodia’s past, present and future.

Read our full Siem Reap Travel Destination Guide

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, and is a brilliant destination for any traveller looking for a relaxing retreat packed full of opportunities to get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife.

The Island is a short ferry ride from the Australian mainland. The ferry departs several times daily from Cape Jervis in South Australia, about an hour and a half’s drive from the capital Adelaide. Ferry tickets are sold per person, but cars can also be taken onto the island. Arranging to bring a car from the mainland, or hiring one once you arrive, is recommended as transport options are extremely limited on KI.

Arriving in the sleepy seaside town of Penneshaw, it is clear that although the island is only 45 minutes from the mainland, it is an entire world away.

A short drive from Penneshaw is the island’s largest town of Kingscote, a small but photogenic town with an array of shops and cafes. If you want wifi access – this is the place to get it, as it is not available in most other places. The town is a lovely place to spend a day exploring the shops and chatting with the friendly locals.

Probably the most famous Kingscote resident is the ‘Pelican man’, an enthusiastic local who feeds the pelicans at the Kingscote jetty at exactly 5pm every day. Wildlife photographers and tourists delight in this attraction, as the Pelican Man provides information about the birds as they dive and frolic after the fish.

Further west, KI is a rugged sanctuary for Australia’s wildlife. Seal Bay on the South Coast allows tourists to get staggeringly close to a colony of Australian Sea Lions resting upon the beach. Nearby Vivonne Bay was once voted Australia’s best beach, but you are likely to have the entire bay to yourself to watch the waves roll in.

Both of these attractions are just a stone’s throw from ‘Raptor Domain’, a bird rehabilitation centre with interactive and educational shows about birds of prey, snakes and lizards.

Heading west along the South Coast, you can eventually reach Flinders Chase National Park. Don’t be surprised to see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas trapsing through the car park and picnic areas. Inside the park, you can try to spot an elusive platypus from one of several viewing areas, or head straight for KI’s famous geographic marvels, Admirals Arch or the Remarkable Rocks.

Although these are some of the most popular attractions, there are many others. From the Hanson Bay koala sanctuary, to Rob’s sheering and sheepdogs to the Kangaroo Island spirits distillery, there are easily enough activities to fill a wild week, perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to get away from it all.

Read Travel Spin's complete Kangaroo Island destination guide

There are few cities in the world that can rival Buenos Aires’ effortlessly cool feel. With numerous barrios in the city offering an entirely different feel, Buenos Aires is a city that captivates with its smooth charm and beautiful colonial architecture.

A walking tour of Buenos Aires is a great way to orientate yourself with this sometimes-overwhelming city, home to ‘the widest road in the world’ – 18 lanes across at its widest! Marvel at the Pink House (or Casa Rosada) and loiter in Plaza del Mayo, getting a feel for the local lifestyle.

Buenos Aires is unapologetically Latin American, and that is what makes this city so vibrant. It is a city with a beating heart; sometimes chaotic, but certainly never dull.

Argentina is famous for its tango, and there are plenty of places to catch a show. Some of the greatest tango shows in the world are performed here, in grand theatres with delicious hospitality, but it is perhaps even more exciting to glimpse amateur performances in neighbourhoods such as La Boca. This barrio is also famed for the colourful houses which are quintessentially BA.

Buenos Aires’ love of tango is perhaps only rivaled by its love of football. While its best to have your wits about you if you attend a game (the passion for the world game runs deep!), it is a truly unforgettable experience.

If Buenos Aires’ rapid pace has you tired out, a walk through the glitzy Palermo Hollywood is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Home to BA’s “yuppies”, this is a lovely part of BA with great cafes, bars and shopping. Undoubtedly, however, the best shopping opportunity is in San Telmo, where its Sunday markets vend everything from souvenirs to antiques to records – all with Buenos Aires’ cool style, of course. Definitely worth a stop.

Porteños (residents of BA) are not only cool in life, but even in death. Wander amongst the sprawling Recoleta cemetery to see the who’s who of Argentinian history, including the ever popular Eva Peron.

A little further afield, it is possible to learn about a totally different side of the Argentinian lifestyle: the gaucho (cowboy) culture on one of the many estancias. Many estancias are within easy daytrip’s distance from BA, and will even offer a pickup and drop off service.

With so much variety, it is not difficult to see why Buenos Aires is South America’s most visited city. Hopefully, with a little luck, its laidback charm will rub off on its visitors!

Check out our full Buenos Aires destination guide

Sometimes when travelling, you want an action-packed adventure. Other times, you want to slow down and let a place slowly enchant you. If it’s the latter you’re after, there is no better place than the sleepy Laotian town of Luang Prabang.

Visiting Luang Prabang is like heading back in time by half a century, but in the most magical and enjoyable way. The entire town is a UNESCO heritage site on account of the abundance of glittering temples dotted around the city. As with all of Luang Prabang, it is best to explore them at your own pace – slowly wandering up to them in order to gain the spectacular views of the city.

Laos’ sleepy pace has the wonderful effect of making the Laotian people some of the most friendly and patient souls anywhere in the world. Many guesthouses are little more than an extension of family homes, which makes it delightfully easy to stop and have a chat to learn about life in Luang Prabang.

That is not to say there is nothing to do in Luang Prabang – far from it! Take a boat trip to the haunting Pak Ou caves, full of thousands of buddahs left by adoring worshippers. Drop in to ‘Big Brother Mouse’ to help Laotians, including young monks, practice their English. If you are feeling brave, sample the infamous snake or scorpion whisky.

You can also attend Laos bowling, a favourite past-time of backpackers and local youth. As near everything closes by 10pm in Luang Prabang, night owls all head for the only venue still open: the bowling alley. Well worth a visit for many laughs.

However, probably the most memorable thing to do in Luang Prabang is to observe the moving Giving of the Alms ceremony. Each morning before sunrise, devoted Buddhists line up to present food to the many Buddhist monks in the town. In order to collect the alms, the monks form an orderly and silent queue throughout the city, in their stunning orange robes.

The peaceful, atmospheric and enchanting ceremony is truly a representation of everything that makes Luang Prabang so wonderful.

Read more about Luang Prabang in our Destination Guide

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” - Lao Tzu.

While many intrepid travelers love nothing more than taking off on a spur of the moment adventure, others need to plan a vacation well in advance. However there are still occasions when this isn't possible and then there are also times when, even with planning, it can be difficult to pick from the endless number of awe inspiring destinations there are to choose from.

Unfortunately this confusion is now a common theme in the modern world, where a mass build up of possessions, ideas or choice have led to an overwhelming number of decisions that can prove a hindrance rather than something we initially perceive as valuable. Choice is good in many ways of course, but not being able to decide between these choices is only frustrating and can even remove our motivation for making any decision at all.

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