Marseille, France
Three hours south by fast train, Marseille is all Paris is not: sprawling, sordid, urban, sunny, much more fun. The country's second largest city is a 2,600-year-old port where you get the best of city and beach, you'll feel like you're on both sides of the Mediterranean thanks to the large North African population alongside the Provençal clichés of pastis, pétanque, cobbled streets and markets – and the magnificent Vieux-Port with its shops, cafes and superyachts.
Naples, Italy
Living under a volcano, Naples“The locals continue to live as if there were no tomorrow. If the name conjures up images of the mafia, bullets in the streets, you've seen too many movies. It's one of the most fascinating cities in Italy, for its cuisine – pizza, invented here, grilled meats, seafood and pasta. Do you like it? Try the bakery. History: Pompeii is nearby, its sculptures, artifacts and frescoes are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Naples. But Naples' greatest work of art is the dolce vita: the evening streets are transformed into outdoor lounges where you can practice your favorite sports – dodging the overloaded Vespas that whizz through the narrow streets or, almost as dangerous for your life, watching the soccer champions at the Maradona stadium.
Galway, Ireland
A bohemian place with a live-and-let-live atmosphere, attracting writers, artists and musicians. San Francisco With plenty more rain, Guinness and Aran sweaters, it’s impossible to have a bad time in this stone-grey little port. You’ll be entertained after a few tunes and a few pints in its famous pubs. The food isn’t bad either: Galway has two Michelin-starred restaurants, 13 other recommendations. Galway loves a good festival; annual festivals celebrate literature, arts, jazz, oysters and seafood, as well as legendary horse racing.
Donostia, Spain
Usually called San Sebastian, locals call their beautiful little city Donostia. Breathtaking views, mountainsbeaches and some of the best cuisine in the world. If that sounds too much for your Visa card, head to the charming old town and its sensational pintxo bars. Pronounced “pin-choss”: these are miniature meals, often on a toothpick, washed down with glorious local wines or inventive cocktails. Grab what you like and eat in the streets, crawling from bar to bar. Playa de la Concha is Spain’s Mission Bay, 1,350m of sand with a backdrop of mountains and a sleek boulevard; Zurriola, just across the river, is a surfer’s paradise.
Two Cities Trail, USA West
A draw : Portland And Seattle We share a passion for coffee, biking, and the outdoors. Oh, and it rains year-round. Let’s go to Seattle, the metropolis and home of Microsoft, Amazon, and, uh, Starbucks. Stunningly beautiful, sprawled across Puget Sound with Mount Rainier in the background, the “Emerald City” is known for its delicious cuisine (especially seafood and Asian flavors), craft beer and distilling, vigorous recreation (naked biking, anyone?), and, if you’re over 21, lush greenery purchased at local “dispensaries.”
Tea party, USA East
Walk cobblestone streets, buildings and sites from the Revolutionary War of 1775-1783 on the 9-mile Freedom Trail, which winds past 16 sites, including the Tea Party Museum. Hiking in the present, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park is a one-of-a-kind experience; the Back Bay is home to some of the best shopping, housed in traditional brownstones; Charles St in Beacon Hill is another historic neighborhood. For natural beauty, head to the North Shore or stroll the 3-mile Charles River Esplanade. Warning: Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the United States in terms of food and hotels.
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea The captivating capital offers unique culture, traditional and pop; ancient and futuristic cityscape; traditional and fusion cuisine; and dazzling nightlife (K-pop, Korean Oscar winners). Encounter fabulous sky towers; stroll through Cheonggyecheon Stream, the urban park restored from an abandoned sewer; discover alleyways and admire temples and mansions like the 1395 Gyeongbokgung Palace. Have you ever tasted Korean cuisine at home? The real thing will reorient your taste buds.
Durban, South Africa
South Africa Playground. It could be the sunny days, the warm ocean, beaches like the 6km Golden Mile, popular with surfers, fishermen, joggers and swimmers. Influenced by African and Indian cultures, wander through Victoria Street Market and indulge in curry powders, silk scarves and bunny chow, aka curry in white bread (you have to go). Drive to wildlife parks or witness nature in its raw state at Gateway, the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. The worst-kept secret: stunning sunrises best seen from seaside promenades.
Adelaide, Australia
Check out: Cafe in the alley and bar culture On Leigh and Peel Streets. Must-see: Hipster hangouts in the East End. Must-see: Fine dining on Rundle St. Go green: Take the tram or cycle for free to beaches in Glenelg, Henley and Brighton. Like any Australian city, you don’t have to go far to find wildlife. Oh, you thought we forgot: food and wine. There are 200 wineries within an hour’s drive, including Penfolds, 8km from the CBD, Barossa and McLaren Vale, less than an hour away.
