Surrounded by water on three sides, Agios Nikolaos combines the sleepy feel of a seaside resort with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan port. Villas and tavernas spill over the town’s three hills to meet a harbour dotted with both mega-yachts and fishing boats.

Tiny Tadoussac, a Quebecois village of fewer than 900 inhabitants on the St. Lawrence River, is renowned as a whale watching destination. Tours are readily available to see the vast creatures feast on krill in the St. Lawrence and to explore the stunning Saguenay fjord, but you can often spot whales from the shore. The oldest surviving French settlement in the Americas, Tadoussac has a slew of national parks within easy reach. There is a frequent free ferry service across the Saguenay River.

One of the top diving destinations in the world for its bright storybook coral reefs, the island of Cozumel is also home to a variety of natural beaches. Choose a beach with soft white sand for relaxing, or snorkel off a rockier vista. A destination for both adventure and romance, Cozumel has a year-round Caribbean climate, untrammeled jungle and abundant nightlife.

Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.