Cultural

I stepped from my airport taxi into an undulating sea of travellers clutching sugar skulls, pan de muerto sweet buns and cheery wreaths of marigolds.  Met by a grinning skeleton with a purple feather boa, he handed me tumbler of smoky agave liquor mescal. 

Puglia: part car park, part poetry. Part agricultural flatland, part trulli-struded settlement.  Also,  fashionable or, at least, the stylish summer secret is now bellowed across cyberspace thanks to Instagram.  It seems that everyone in the know hide here in the summer months - from supermodels and super writers to super designers and Hollywood superstars - avoiding the well-trodden charm of Tuscany to experience the rawer allure of the south of Italy, deep in the boot.

Aquietude is cast over Murcia at around midday. The capital city, in the province of the same name, pinched between the trodden beaches of Almeria to the south and the heaving resorts of Valencia's Costa Blanca to the north, is dozing. Even the trees that line Paseo Alfonso X El Sabio, one of the sweeping pedestrianised avenues, seem in a state of repose. Al fresco cafe tables groan under the weight of chairs piled atop.

Most travellers to India have Varanasi on their itinerary. It's well known as a good spot to sign up for a crash course in Indian cookery, and is a photographer's dream with its high-octane mysticism and heady mix of saffron-robed sadhus (ascetics), pilgrims, drifters, beggars and tourists.

Ancient meets the modern in this city.  Home to the only Pompidou Centre outside Paris and birthplace of one of the most celebrated artists in history, Malaga is more than just the gateway to the beaches of the Costa del Sol and Andalucía in the south. A compact and richly cosmopolitan city, it delivers on culture, tantalising tapas, new hedonistic hotspots that could give Barcelona a run for its money and fine weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Delicate bridges and waterways weave in and out of old brick and glass buildings, and outdoor cafes line every road. There are hen and stag dos a-plenty, and hitting the main drag in Old Centre to party hard is definitely part of the experience, as is strolling through the infamous Red Light District where purring women push themselves up against windows beckoning in paying customers. When you're looking to chill out, visit the mesmerising Van Gogh Museum or kick back with a spliff. Yes, it's legal here - and all part of the, er, cultural experience. 

Chances are when you think of Jordan, you're more likely to imagine deserts and ancient monuments than canyoning in a river valley in the world's lowest nature reserve.  But while star destination like Petra deservedly takes the spotlight, Jordan has more than a few surprising attractions which are still off the beaten tourist track. Now with budget flights to the country's capital Amman, it's easier and cheaper than ever to discover the country. 

Central Dalmatia abounds in gorgeous landscapes, endless beaches and numerous options for active holidays. A wide array of beautiful beaches and opportunities for adrenaline-filled adventures combine with iconic old settlements, towns and picturesque islands to make Split-Dalmatia County the ultimate destination for travellers of all ages and interests.

Sprawling, bustling and just a little bit grimy, Athens is one hell of a city where ancient wonders meet modern metropolis. Visit this time of year and discover hugely discounted hostels and hotel rooms, and fewer tourists. The cooler temperatures mean you can enjoy viewing ancient sights without suffering the searing heat of the summer months.

Sandwiched between Guadeloupe and Martinique Dominica is the Nature Island of the Caribbean, which means exactly what you think it does: it's home to more flora and fauna than you can shake your binoculars at. Throw in plenty of soft adventure, thermal springs, an emerging culinary scene and a famously healthy local lifestyle, and it's no wonder Dominica is reputed to be one of the best destinations for wellness on the planet - the island has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world.  Whether you're after long hikes, a diving paradise, jazz music or simply fancy yourself one of Captain Jack Sparrow's crew in Pirates of the Caribbean, Dominica has got you covered. Here are just a few of the activities you might get up to.