With its splendid architecture, wide collection of museums and galleries, and regular performances of world-class ballet and classical music, this is the place to embrace high art. Throw in atmospheric bars, taverns and cafes, and you've got the makings of a wonderful city.

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The Schloss Schonbrunn, the baroque palace that was Marie Antoinette's home as a child, is a microcosm of Vienna - touching on many of the things for which the city is famed.

It's desert war. My sheet slaps me in the face, my eyes begin to sting and the rest of my bedding gets chucked around me. Groping for my torch, I surrender to the sand and wind, and drag my mattress back to the protection of the tents.  Sleeping on top of a sand dune under the stars and moon seemed like the perfect way to round off a memorable day in the desert. But to get any rest, I have to be content to drowse off to the sound of camel grunts in the shelter of the Berber camp.

While the UK is renowned for being a green and pleasant land, thanks to its glorious countryside, it is also the proud owner of some of the most stunning coastlines imaginable.  So, discover the beauty on your doorstep by swapping a short-haul getaway for a memorable stay cay at one of these UK paradises on Airbnb this summer.

Best for long walks: Portscatho, Cornwall

When was the last time you took a road trip out of the city? The calming coastal destinations of Portscatho in Cornwall could make the ideal retreat for reconnecting with the outdoors this summer.

When you say Bosnia, most people will think of war, ethnic cleansing and massacre, as seen on the news in the early nineties. But I didn't come here for a dose of shock tourism. I'm here because travel junkies have dubbed Bosnia one of the world's most exciting undiscovered destinations. Its rugged landscapes, clear rivers and rich East-meets-West history under the Romans and Ottomans are the drawcards.

A twig snaps in the distance and birds begin to circle ominously overhead. I hold my breath, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of fur. We are in prime brown bear territory in Kainnu, Finland's northern-most region, just 2km from the Russian border.  There are only two inhabitants per square kilometre in Kainnu, which is the size Belgium. The plan is to spot more bears than people.

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

Travelling responsibly is easy in Belize, due to the country's goal to become a world leader in sustainable tourism. With eco-lodges scattered across the pristine rainforest and along the unspoilt Caribbean coast, the highest population of jaguars on the planet and a whopping 28% of territory set aside to ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna, you're in for a wild and responsible adventure. Here's how to best enjoy all that bountiful Belize has to offer.

Leave all your preconceptions about southern Italy at the departure gate - Naples is a hidden gem of culture, history and, of course, food. Nestled in the shadow of an active volcano and infamous as a mafia hot-spot, it's safe to say that this is a city with an edge.  For decades considered little more than northern Italy's crime-ridden junkyard, Naples has cleaned itself up and is now enjoying a second renaissance, but hasn't yet had its authenticity beaten out of it by gentrification and tourism. 

Florida's beaches are among the best in the world. But when it comes to award-winning stretches of sand, St. Pete/Clearwater knows how to make a splash. Not only was Clearwater Beach voted America's Best Beach by TripAdvisor for 2019, but St. Pete Beach wasn't far behind, coming in fourth place.  Both beaches make up the long stretch of barriers island that hug this part of the Florida Gulf coastline, where white sands stretch for 35 miles and an exciting foodie and craft beer scene has emerged, you can take your pick between amazing art and awe-inspiring nature.  The area has a variety of different resorts available across St.Pete/Clearwater with Orlando is only 90 minutes away. 

Offering everything from meat-topped flatbreads to flavoursome cheese, Armenia's divers and exciting cuisine deserves a place on the on the global gastronomic map. This country draws on culinary influences from all over Europe, the Middle East and the Levant to serve up a menu of mouth-watering dishes - think harissa, a savoury chicken porridge; manti, a delicious baked dumpling; or ghapama, a pumpkin stuffed with boiled rice, dried fruits and nuts. A nation of food-lovers, Armenians attach great value to ancestral recipes and home cooking, so travellers should make sure to come with open minds and empty stomachs.