John Morrison

First-timers should base in the City Centre south (around Grafton Street, St Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar) — walkable to the sights and nightlife. For local character and value, Stoneybatter or Port

First-timers should stay in Copacabana or Ipanema — the famous beaches, walkable, with the most hotels and easy metro. For upscale calm choose Leblon; for bohemian hillside charm, Santa Teresa.

First-timers should stay in Palermo (leafy, hip, the best food and nightlife) or Recoleta (elegant, central, the famous cemetery). For tango atmosphere, choose San Telmo.

First-timers should stay in Sultanahmet for the historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı). For dining, nightlife and a modern feel, choose Beyoğlu / Galata around İstiklal and the Galata

First-timers should stay in the Old Town (Staré Město) for the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, or Malá Strana below the Castle. For local life and value, choose Vinohrady.

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Base in Sapporo, then add Niseko (winter powder), Furano / Biei (summer scenery) or Hakodate (port and history).

Base in Tórshavn (the capital), ideally with a night near Vágar (the airport island) for the famous sights. Rent a car — tunnels link the islands.

Base in Antigua (the colonial hub), Lake Atitlán (volcano-rimmed villages) and Flores (for the Maya ruins of Tikal).