The picture-perfect Dalmatian Coast makes for holidaying at its best. While Hvar is one of its better-known summer spots, some of the areas less visited islands, like Korcula, offer a charming alternative. Seeped in medieval mystique and surrounded by sandy beaches, Korcula is more than a day trippers delight; it’s a gorgeous holiday destination.

The Spanish province of Malaga sits nestled close to the sea. The ancient city itself is a history-lover's dream come true, with its origins spanning back over 2,800 years. As the birthplace of Picasso, one of Spain’s most eminent surrealist artists, the city prides itself on being a thriving hub of art and culture. With branches of the Centre Pompidou, Carmem Thyssen Museum and St Petersburg State Russian Museum, it is a hip destination for art lovers as well as for those wanting to take in its historical sites.

If there was ever a time to visit Canada then 2017 is it. The country will mark its 150th celebration of the Canadian Confederation and in honour of the anniversary Parks Canada are offering free admission to all its national parks for the entire year. Canada’s breathtaking sites are a must-see, so load up a campervan and get trekking.

Malta has long been a travel destination of the Brits, yet somehow the small island nation has managed to fly under the radar in terms of it being an overly populated European summer holiday spot. Relaxation is the order of the day here – it’s surrounded by post-card perfect blue seas, but there are historical sites for those seeking a bit of stimulation. Its food – a hybrid of Italian and North African given the island’s proximity to those countries – is delicious, and of course, completely unique to the island’s culture.

As far as idyllic beauty goes the Raja Ampat Islands, located off the coast of Sorong in Indonesia, are almost incomparable. The 1,000 island sanctuary is largely uninhabited except for its teeming marine life. Tours of the islands include snorkelling among the pristine coral-lined beaches and swimming with manta rays. Doberai Private Island offers longer stays for those wanting to take their time with this very special eco-sanctuary experience.

Oakland, California is having a naissance as the Brooklyn of the West Coast. Like its east coast counterpart, San Francisco’s smaller but way-edgier sister city, is a thriving hub of curated culture. The city offers the best in urban wineries as well as craft breweries. Take a meal in some of its top-rated restaurants, or go shopping with the locals for some the best fresh produce on offer at the Lake Merritt farmers market.

Seoul, South Korea is a bustling metropolis that takes tourism seriously. While there are plenty of special sites to visit in the country's capital - its incredible architecture notwithstanding - there’s also endless shopping to be done, and food to be sampled. Check out he city's café culture - it's a charming, interesting, and at times an animal-themed, experience. The popular racoon café has actual live racoons which can be patted by patrons, and there are dog, cat and sheep cafes too. 2017 will also see the unveiling of the Seoul Skygarden – a disestablished highway reclaimed as a thriving green space.

Seoul, South Korea is a bustling metropolis that takes tourism seriously. While there are plenty of special sites to visit in the country's capital - its incredible architecture notwithstanding - there’s also endless shopping to be done, and food to be sampled. The city's café culture is a charming, interesting and at times an animal-themed experience. The popular racoon café has actual live racoons which can be patted by patrons, and there are dog, cat and sheep cafes too. 2017 will also see the unveiling of the Seoul Skygarden – a disestablished highway reclaimed as a thriving green space.

While tourists don’t often stray off the beaten Florentine track when taking in art and architecture, the Tuscan town of Pistoia – sometimes referred to as ‘little Florence’ – is as much as cultural gem as its notable neighbour, but without the crowds. Although, in 2017, that’s all about to change as Pistoia has been awarded Italy’s Capital of culture. Recognition is being given for its cultural commitment and the city will get a chance to showcase itself as an alternative option: a thriving small town with a dynamic personality.

Ohrid, overlooking the pristine blue waters of lake Ohrid, offers the best beaches in landlocked Macedonia. Prior to its becoming a special spot for visiting tourists, Ohrid was once the country's main religious centre, and claims to have had as many as 365 churches in its time – one for each day of the year. Views of the city are best taken by boat; you’ll be better able to see its expanse of terracotta roofs and now crumbling ancient church spires.

For the travel experience of a lifetime, Africa’s Great Lakes Region offers safari adventures like no other. Eco-tourist operators offer lodge-based explorations of Uganda and Rwanda giving visitors a chance to experience endangered mountain gorillas in their own habitat, track chimpanzees living in the Kyambura Gorge or see the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. There’s also the take home feel good factor of your tourist dollar supporting community projects in the poverty-stricken region.