Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital.

During the past few decades Glasgow, the UK's fourth largest city, has re-invented itself from a rather economically depressed post-war industrial centre to a modern metropolis with a thriving art and culture scene, which has earned it accolades like the 'European City of Culture' title in 1990 and 'City of Architecture' in 1999.

The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique, has been dubbed the 'Switzerland of Africa'. African culture and traditions flourish here alongside some modern luxury hotels and excellent wildlife reserves.

For the millions passing through on their way to California, their image of Nevada is of long, empty roads and dusty ghost towns, often little more than a gas station and 24-hour store with a few slot machines in the corner. Lacking any natural assets, it is fortunate that 'Lady Luck' descended on this state to give hundreds of thousands of people a man-made reason for visiting. This is casino country, centred on the capital of kitsch, Las Vegas, and the other smaller towns where the main income earner is gambling.

Israel is a land saturated with the importance of its position as the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. This complexity flows into the diversity of the natural landscape that varies from the salty serenity of the Dead Sea to the verdant national parks and the parched desert plateaus.

Estonia is a beguiling mix of the ultra-modern and firmly traditional, a northern Baltic land of primeval forests, rivers, and sea islands, with one of the smallest populations of any country in the world.
Most Estonians have opted for city life, leaving the countryside rather wild and filled with rare birds, plants and roaming deer, elk, wild boar, bears and wolves. The low, largely flat landscape is also dotted with relics of Estonia's medieval glory, when the Teutonic knights reigned supreme and built castles which are now left as decaying hulks, testifying to the wealth of the traders who made use of the country's ports. The main port, Tallinn, today still the capital city, was part of the mighty Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to explore.

With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles, Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.

It is the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border, visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest trails throughout the country.

Guatemala is a small country, lush and mountainous, that is graced with beautiful scenery, a rich indigenous culture, colonial history and important archaeological ruins. The country lies at the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America with remarkable Mayan sites scattered throughout the land, none more so than the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Tikal, set deep within the jungle.

Equatorial Guinea consists of a mainland territory, named Rio Muni, and five island territories within the Gulf of Guinea. Rio Muni, oddly enough, is not the epicentre of the country. While the region is the largest in the country, it is 60% rainforest, a conservation area respected among primate experts for its large variety of gorilla and monkey species. The real buzz of Equatorial Guinea is Bioko Island, which is situated closer to Cameroon than Rio Muni, north of the mainland and home to the capital city, Malabo.

*In February, Christchurch was hit by its second major earthquake within five months. The quake was centralised in the middle of the city, and serious damage was done to many buildings. The city has since reopened the Air Force Museum, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Tranz Alpine train service, and the Chateau on the Park Hotel, however there were still intermittant aftershocks as of June 2011. Though much of the city has been re-opened, it is still advised to check with your travel agent or tour operator before travelling to Christchurch. The city will no longer be hosting any Rugby World Cup matches in September and October.