CRESTED BUTTE, United States

BEST FOR: Steep and deep skiers looking to channel their inner cowboy.

Arguably the last remaining gem in Colorado’s world-famous portfolio of ski towns, Crested Butte is overflowing with authentic skier soul.  Located a mere 35 miles as the crow flies from Aspen, Crested Butte has a vibe that couldn’t feel further away from the glitzy celeb-fuelled world that exists just over the hill. ‘Crusty Butt’, as it is also affectionately known, is a genuinely welcoming place of locally owned businesses and ‘real’ people who are fiercely proud of their funky little Rocky Mountain cowboy town.

Since the dawn of human civilization there is something about the skies that captivates us and can have us looking up for hours. It never fails to fascinate the observer, to the point where we have spent billions studying and exploring our skies. So we have found some worldwide destinations where the stargazers among us can look to their heart's content.

Tenerife offers much more than mass tourism, sun loungers and neon cocktails. As one of the Canary Islands Tenerife can offer a different type of short. If you want to spend most of your time on two legs soaking up the panoramic views at La Gomera's Garajonay National park, the 'cloud forest' or two wheels in the La Esperanza Forest, it is here; relax at a small guest house away from the crowd.

The people of Palma know how to start summer with a bang. Each June the day before the Fiesta of St. Juan, residents of the Majorcan capital celebrate with the Nit de Foc (Night of Fire).  Even though the temperature in this region has been rising for several months by now, this midsummer's eve mayhem marks the official beginning of the season.

The small island of Menorca offers countless ways to disconnect from city life, from hiking along ancient paths to relaxing on perfect beaches.  Famed for its long stretches of golden beach, crystalline waters and barefoot philosophy; located in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is one of Spain’s Balearic Island that does things its own way. You’ll know Menorca is special from the moment you first set eyes on its rolling landscape and immaculate 200km coastline, or from your first taste of a unique cuisine that’s a melting pot of styles and influences.

Spain's resort towns are still a destination when the summer is over and most of the tourist are gone. The winter months offers a different feel to the region, and depending on what you are into and what you would like to do these five cities will offer you just that and more.

The Puerta del Sol is more than just the heart of Madrid, it is the hub of Spain.  A tablet in the pavement here, marked Km 0, is the point from which all distances in the nation are measured.  The "Gate of the Sun", as the name translates, is also an excellent location to begin a summer's day in the dazzling city of Madrid.

The Mediterranean is a mixing pot of culture, taste and entertainment. For those looking for a short break the region has something for any budget or taste. For those interested in the party scene Hvar, Croatia is worth a looking; Relaxation is available in the less obvious beach destination such as Montenegro; for food hounds Puglia, Italy and Istanbul awaits.

This Principality of the Kingdom of Spain is a green jewel tucked between the Cantabrian Sea and the snow-peaked mountains of the Picos de Europa. It is a lush natural paradise that few expect to find in the otherwise arid peninsula. Welcome to Asturias, one of Spain's best kept secret.  If this summer, you would rather do something else than lie for hours trying to get that crimson-red body like other tourist, then Asturias is the destination to explore.

Best for Drama Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital always oozes elegance, but in December, Vienna takes itself a little less seriously and gets its party clobber on.  They city’s prettiest squares transform into markets dotted with chalet-style stalls, while garlands of bulbs and ribbons are strung along the city’s streets.   And every year, giant chandeliers light the route to St. Stephens Catheral.