Cesme attracts all types of surfers from all over the world: wind surfers, kite surfers, surf surfers. If you can surf it, you’ll probably want to surf it in Cesme. This resort town on the Aegean Coast is all about the water. Even the 16th-century Cesme Castle is a stone’s throw from the sapphire sea. The beaches are golden, the ocean is warm, and the atmosphere is posh but friendly.

Imerovigli looks exactly as a Santorini village should: iconic whitewashed buildings with sapphire domes, narrow crisscrossing walking paths, epic sunsets. Set sail on a guided boat tour of nearby volcanic features or spend the day exploring the remains of Skaros, a 13th-century Venetian palace. Cap it all off with a simple but decadent meal of local delicacies.

The coastal village of Kamari features the beaches and ruins that are typical of Greek islands, but also boasts unusual attractions like an open-air cinema. Stray from the black pebble shores and head up to the site of Ancient Thira, where the stone remains of houses, markets, baths and temples will impress you with their size and structure. Sip local vintages at the Gaia Winery, then relax at an outdoor café as you watch the sun sleepily drop below the horizon, washing the sky with warm Aegean light.

The largest of the twelve Dodecanese islands on the Aegean's eastern edge, Rhodes is also its most popular. The well-preserved medieval city of Rhodes sits at the north of the island of the same name. High rise hotels line the northern and eastern coastlines. Small villages and resorts dot the island's other shores. Whether your interests are beaches, bars or ancient sites, Rhodes offers an abundance of all three. Authentic Greece can be found in the hilly interior of the 50-mile long island.

Provence, in southeastern France, is divided into six departments and stretches from Orange to Nice. Many consider the Luberon in Vaucluse to be the "real Provence". Gently sloping vineyards and lavender fields are the backdrops that enthralled Cezanne, Van Gogh and Chagall. An excellent train network makes travel between towns easy. To explore villages, drive or catch a bus. Highlights include the Palace of the Popes at Avignon, the Roman amphitheatre at Arles and the craft centre of Les Baux.

Spread along both sides of the majestic St. John River, Fredericton combines the coziness of a small town with the world-class institutions of a city much larger than this humble capital. Tree-lined streets and suburban neighborhoods of Victorian-era homes live harmoniously alongside three universities, countless historic sites, museums, riverfront trails and restaurants featuring local and international cuisines. Fredericton also boasts a number of world-renowned festivals.