Art

The jewel of the Mediterranean, Malta combines a fascinating history, stunning landscapes, magnificent architecture and mouthwatering food.  300 days of sunshine, an alluring rugged landscape and fascinating cultural heritage, Malta is waiting to be explored.

And with winter temperatures of up to 17 degrees, you can stroll comfortably through the golden – huge capital, Valletta, centuries of history in the nearby towns and villages, savour the islands unique cuisine, and enjoy cocktails with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean.

Less debauched than Amsterdam and steeped in more history than Rotterdam, The Hague, or Den Haag as it's known to locals, is home to the royal family. It's also the seat of Dutch government and is packed with pretty buildings, museums, a  lively bar scene and a fun-filled waterfront that overlooks the North Sea.

Home to surfing communities, rugged mountain ranges and one very famous opera house, New South Wales (NSW) encapsulates all that's great about life Down Under. And this time of year is when it really shines, with a rich calendar of events to enjoy. the main focus is a culinary one, with no fewer than six dedicated food and drink festivals taking place, including the city-wide Sydney Good Food Month throughout October. Meanwhile, 777 miles to the north, the ten-day Byron Bay Film Festival - now in its tenth year - will kick off in October. 

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a region like Andalucía, rich with natural and cultural attractions, know that tourism is a complex topic, and a great source of wealth. It is not only the climate and nature, though these elements are without doubt the cornerstones of the industry. It is also culture, in the widest sense of the word and in its most modern usage. Culture, ranging from the heritage of its historic sites to its varied gastronomy, from its popular 'fiestas' to golf courses, and a long etcetera.

Goodness knows what the people of Salzburg made of my family and I careering round their city on bikes, singing Edelweiss at the tops of our voices. But Salzburg is intrinsically linked with The Sound Of Music and The Fraulein Maria bike tour is possibly the most memorable way to immerse yourself in it. To be honest, it wasn't really music and we didn't quite make it up into the hills, but the streets were definitely alive with the sound of our hollering.

When travelling through Mexico everywhere you look you will find stories of the quest for human freedom.  They are told in the bold colours of the past-Mexican Revolution murals of Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros.  They are etched in the Zócalos of Colonial cities where the War of Independence was fought.  And they are visible in the pyramid skylines of the ancients, where Mayas, Zapotecs, and Totonacs raised their sights toward harmony with the sun and the moon.  There are 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.  These are places of unique cultural identity and historic importance.  Most of

Northern Ireland is always a great place to visit at any time of year, as well as gorgeous scenery, charming country pubs and lively cities, there's a warmth to the welcome that's unbeatable.  With Belfast and the Causeway Coast highlighted as its must visit locations. You can ticked off a few locations in one visit; you can be in the heart of Belfast city in the morning, grabbing brunch in a chic cafe, then standing atop a mountain in glorious solitude just a couple of hours later.

Japan is a fusion of the ultra-modern and the ancient, a country of temples and traditions as well as soaring skylines and futuristic bullet trains. Osaka is no exception.  The iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle – the symbol of the city – with its famous five-layer donjon, which cascades down from its central tower, is set in 60,000 sq m of lawns with cherry blossom trees.

Singapore is a spectacular land of marvellous modern wonders that will take your breath away.  From the observation wheel and skywalks among the Supertrees, to a giant indoor waterfall and a river safari theme park, Singapore has a variety of attractions to suit every need – as such, the Garden City should be on everyone’s list of must-visit destinations.

See more of what South Africa has to offer in both town and country. A trip to South Africa will allow you to enjoy both worlds and everything in between. From rolling landscapes packed with animals you've only ever seen roaming free in films or kids' books to inspiring arts and design centres, some of the world's best restaurants and adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving, dune boarding, up close and personal with a great white.