Summer season is here and that means everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, is travelling for vacation.

Fear not, we’ve brought the ULTIMATE list of places you need to visit across the globe.

For savvy travellers, it’s worth checking out the Emirates NBD Starwood Preferred Guest World MasterCard – a brilliant way to nab discounts across the world when you travel. Apply for your card here.

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1. Acropolis in Athens, Greece

The Acropolis is a former temple in Athens that sits atop a hill and presides gloriously over the city. Its construction took around 50 years and this columned wonder is dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Best time to travel: Early morning, ideally in Spring (March to early June) or (September to October)

Good for: Solo travellers / family / friends

Cost of the adventure: From $20

Where to stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

2. Gondola Ride in Venice, Italy

For the essential Venetian experience, enjoy a Gondola ride on the canals of Venice. You will swoon to the magic of this city as you coast down the Grand Canal.

Best time to travel: Early morning, ideally in Autumn (September to early November) fewer tourists and moderate weather

Good for: Family / honeymooners / couples

Cost of the adventure: From AED330

Where to stay: JW Marriott, Venice

3) Tomato throwing at La Tomatina in Bunol, Spain

The annual tomato fight – where people throw tomatoes at each other – takes place on the last Wednesday in August between 11am and 1pm. The partying starts earlier in the week though; this is hands down the most exhilarating activity on this list!

Best time to travel: From 11am, the last Wednesday in August

Good for: Family / solo travellers / friends

Where to stay: AC Hotel Colon, Valencia

4) Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Where to stay: Four Points By Sheraton Arusha Standing at 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is classified as an extreme mountain trek. Routes take between five to nine days to complete. But oh so worth it for the

Best time to travel: Early morning, January to March and June to October

Good for: Solo travellers / friends

Cost of the adventure: From AED3,675

5) See the Blossom in Mount Yoshino, Japan

Quite literally “as pretty as a picture”, you should experience the breathtaking cherry blossom which has been celebrated in Japan for centuries. This spectacle holds a very particular place in Japanese culture and although there are many varieties of cherry tree in Japan, most bloom for just a couple of days in spring.

Best time to travel: Any time of day, Spring (usually early April)

Good for: Family / solo travellers / couples

Cost of the adventure: Free

Where to stay: Osaka Marriott Miyako

6) Go Scuba Diving in Fotteyo Kandu, Maldives

Crystal clear turquoise waters home to an array of fish in every colour of the rainbow, here you will encounter magical creatures unlike any you have ever seen.

Best time to travel: Any time of day, December to April

Good for: Couples / honeymooners

Cost of the adventure: From AED370

Where to stay: JW Marriott Maldives

7) World’s longest zipline in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Ride the longest zipline in the world, reaching incredible speeds of up to150kph, at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level on top of Jebel Jais mountain.

Best time to travel: Any time of the day, October to April

Good for: Family / friends / couples

Cost of the adventure: From AED660

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

8) Visit Yosemite National Park in California, USA

Known for its huge prehistoric Sequoia trees, the iconic climbing spot at Half Dome, its glacial valley, towering falls and Glacier Point – hardly your normal walk in the park.

Best time to travel: Any time of day, Spring (April to late June)

Good for: Family / solo travellers / couples

Cost of the adventure: From AED55

Where to stay: Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova

9) Dogsled in an Alaskan Forest in Seward, Alaska

Experience an exciting two-mile dog sled ride through a forested river valley and splashing creek followed by cuddles with adorable Husky puppies. This is a dream excusrion.

Best time to travel: Any time of day, November to April

Good for: Family / friends

Cost of the adventure: From AED370

Where to stay: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa

10) Experience a baseball game in Chicago, USA

An unforgettable experience: the atmosphere, the lights, the national anthem, nachos with cheese, excitement and the real-life cheerleaders convert any simple game into a must-see show.

Best time to travel: March to September

Good for: Family / friends

Cost of the adventure: From AED260

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

11) See the Polar Bears and Beluga Whales in Manitoba, Canada

Polar Bears are easily spotted and often come close to the lodges where you can stay. Follow this up with a dip in the water with the Beluga Whales. Known for their friendly and curious nature, making swimming with them both safe and incredibly rewarding.

Best time to travel: Anytime of the day, July to November

Good for: Family

Cost of the adventure: From AED13,000

Where to stay: Four Points By Sheraton Winnipeg South