Balaton, the largest lake of Central Europe, which covers almost 600 square kilometres, heats up easily in summer, so its gradually deepening shores attract swimmers: the shallow parts of the southern shore are ideal for families with young children, but there are family-friendly beaches on both sides of Lake Balaton where you can try water sports as well. The region is also an excellent destination for fans of refined culinary pleasures: besides food delicacies, it is also worth sampling the regional wines of family wineries built upon two thousand years of viticulture, on sunlit, trellised wine terraces with a Mediterranean atmosphere. The Balaton region’s thousand-year history is reminiscent of the meeting of cultures. If you are interested in history, a long list of museums, abbeys, fortresses and castles await discovery in the area!

Malaysia is a beautifully complex vacation destination, a land where ancient rainforests give way to multicultural city life. Capital city Kuala Lumpur is visually defined by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, while in charming Melaka the vibe is more quaint and historical. Many of the country’s national parks offer opportunities for fantastic whitewater rafting, and the exclusive Sipadan dive site (off the east coast of Borneo) is among the best in the world.

Famed throughout Asia for its heady mix of eastern cultures, Penang Island is Malaysia’s prime melting pot. Roadside vendors serve some of the world’s best street food; its national parks offer white-sand beaches and wildlife; and UNESCO-listed George Town is full of colorful heritage houses.

Forested hills, romantic white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters greet visitors to tropical Palau Langkawi, the largest of the 99 islands in Langkawi archipelago. Known mysteriously as "Legendary Island" because of myths associated with its ancient geological formations, it drifts serenely alongside Malaysia in the azure Andaman Sea. Sample local cuisine at the night markets, hike to dramatic waterfalls or dive into an underwater marine park to take a guided glimpse at life beneath the sea.

The Cyclades are a group of Greek islands with beautiful, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains and lush valleys. Glamorous Santorini and Mykonos attract the jetset, while lesser-known islands such as Milos and Naxos, are perfect for beach lovers. Ruins, including the 11th-century Dorian settlement and volcanic ash-preserved ancient Akrotiri in Santorini, amaze those with a bent for ancient history. Sifnos' cuisine wins it admirers. Hydrofoils, ferries and catamarans connect the islands.