Краткое описание: A trip to Paris, famous as the most romantic of destinations, is one of those lifetime musts. The very fabric of the city is elegant, its grand avenues and atmospheric little back-streets lined with harmonious apartment blocks and interspersed by exquisitely designed gardens and squares. The Parisians are no less stylish than their city: a sophisticated, cosmopolitan people renowned for their chic and their hauteur.

Краткое описание: Since a certain animator chose its farmland as the Florida home for his theme parks, Orlando has become synonymous with Walt Disney World, and the sunny Disney vibe pumps relentlessly through the veins of this sprawling place. There’s just no way to avoid its impact – not that you necessarily want to. After all, while Orlando may hold all the trappings of an important city, with galleries, festivals, and the best nightlife in Central Florida, they serve more as a counterpoint; you’re either here to escape into the fantasies that Disney, Universal Orlando, and other ancillary theme parks offer up or you’re on the wrong vacation.

Краткое описание: The most enthralling city in the world, New York holds immense romantic appeal for visitors. There’s no place quite like it: it’s historic, yet its buildings and monuments are icons of the modern age; the dizzy maelstrom of its streets and neighborhoods is famously – and fantastically – relentless, but it has some of the most peaceful urban green spaces in the world. Whether you’re gazing at the flickering lights of lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers from the Brooklyn Bridge, experiencing the 4am half- life of SoHo or the East Village, or just wasting the morning on the Staten Island ferry, you really would have to be made of stone not to be moved by it all.

Краткое описание: Thanks to its superb beaches, ravishing tropical scenery, an exhilarating range of activities, and magnificent hotels, the island of Maui can justly claim to be the world’s most glamorous destination. The slogan Maui No Ka ‘Oi – “Maui Is the Best” – may gloss over the fact that it’s both the second largest and the second youngest of the Hawaiian chain, and ranks a distant second to Oahu in terms of annual visitors, but for island inhabitants and devotees alike the “Valley Isle” has a cachet its neighbors could never match.

Краткое описание: Marrakesh has always had a mystique about it. A city of immense beauty - low, red and tentlike below the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas mountains – it is immediately exciting and immediately fascinating. The city is arguably the last outpost of the Mediterranean before the Sahara, yet nomadic and West African influences still seem quite distinct in the crowds and performers of the Jemaa el Fna, the main square at the heart of the old town. It’s a reminder that Marrakesh was once the entrepot for goods (gold, ivory and slaves) brought by caravan across the desert.

Краткое описание: With its sunny climate, sparkling waters and clutch of sandy beaches, as well as lively bars and plentiful restaurants offering top-notch modern Mediterranean food, the Maltese islands are generally thought of as a classic resort destination. But there’s a lot more than just sun and sea on offer here – the chequered history of Malta, Gozo and Comino has left a huge number of historical sights, several of which have been justly awarded the status of World Heritage Sites.

Краткое описание: Commonly perceived as little more than sun, sex, booze and high-rise hotels, Mallorca is – to the surprise of many first–time visitors – often beautiful and frequently fascinating. The island’s negative image was spawned by the helter-skelter development of the 1960s, which submerged tracts of the coastline beneath hotels, villas and apartment blocks, but in fact, the concrete sprawl is largely confined to the Bay of Palma and a handful of mega-resorts, and for the most part Mallorca remains untouched.

Краткое описание: The sunniest, highest and leafiest capital city in Europe, Madrid has a lot to take pride in. Indeed, its inhabitants, the Madrileños, are so proud of their city that they modestly declare “desde Madrid al Cielo”: that from Madrid there is only one destination left – Heaven. While their claim might be debatable, this compact, lively and fascinating city certainly has bags of appeal and its range of attractions is fast making it a deservedly popular short-break destination.

Краткое описание: Surrounded by the warm seas of the Atlantic some 600 km off the west coast of Morocco, Madeira is an island of wild mountains, precipitous valleys and sheer cliffs – including the second-highest sea cliffs in the world at Cabo Girão. The island’s dramatic scenery makes for some fantastic walking, and it also boasts a diverse array of colourful semi-tropical vegetation, gently cultivated terraces and rocky beaches. Its lesser-known sister island, Porto Santo, may not possess such an exciting landscape, but it does have a superb nine-kilometre-long beach.

Краткое описание: London is a very big city. In fact, it’s Europe’s largest capital by far, stretching for more than thirty miles on either side of the River Thames, and with a population of just under eight million. Ethnically and linguistically, it’s also Europe’s most diverse metropolis, offering cultural and culinary delights from right across the globe. And after sixteen years of being the only major city in the world not to have its own governing body, London finally has an elected assembly and a mayor who’s busy tackling longstanding problems such as public transport.