Visit Lamu

Swahili island town of donkeys, dhows and carved doorways.

Vasco da Gama's pillar, the Gedi ruins in the forest and the Italian-flavoured beach town.

The torch-bearing symbol of New York.

Visit Mombasa, a historic port city on Kenya's coast. Explore Fort Jesus (a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century), stroll through Old Town (with its Swahili architecture and narrow streets), relax at Diani Beach (known for its white sands and coral reefs), and sample local dishes like biryani and samosas at the bustling markets.

The lake of flamingos and rhinos on the doorstep, in the Rift Valley two hours from Nairobi.

The port on Lake Victoria, tilapia by the water and the Kit Mikayi rock.

Visit Penang, a Malaysian island state known for its historic George Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture and street art), Penang Hill (funicular railway with panoramic views), Kek Lok Si Temple (one of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temples), and local food like char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) and asam laksa (spicy fish noodle soup).

A city built on water with no cars — gondolas, Byzantine mosaics, and getting happily lost in the back canals