Think of London as a lively palate where centuries of history meet fearless flavor — from smoky pie-and-mash stalls and perfectly crisp fish and chips to cutting-edge restaurants reimagining Indian, Nigerian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Wander outdoor markets for fresh oysters, artisan cheeses, bao and inventive street food while picking up vintage finds, independent design and British-made ceramics.

Monaco enchants with a compact, dazzling mix of glamour and history — opulent hotels, couture boutiques and the Monte Carlo Casino alongside centuries-old palaces and sun-warmed seaside lanes. Compact and walkable, Monaco delivers a concentrated taste of Riviera life: refined dining, vibrant culture and seaside splendor in one unforgettable visit.

Nantes — spirited and audacious — marries a storied past with a fresh, creative pulse. Once a bustling seaport with a painful link to the slave trade, the city keeps those memories close while continually transforming: a refined art of living, imaginative cultural ventures and renewed neighborhoods where history and innovation meet on every corner.

Historically known as Spalato, Split is the largest city in both Dalmatia and on the Croatian coast. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is a perfect jumping off point for exploring the surrounding islands and coves. Of which, some of the best include Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove, Budikovac and Hvar.

Surrounded by 13th century town walls, the sleepy harbor town of Tenby, Wales is home to stretches of sandy beaches overlooked by ruins of Tenby Castle and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

A fortified town on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, Kotor sits nestled in the Bay of Kotor, a natural fjord characterized by ancient ruins, winding streets and more charm than one can ask for.

"Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik sits in southern Dalmatia along the Adriatic Sea and is known for its unique Old Town, enclosed with massive stone walls from the 16th century and packed full of delicious seafood restaurants and charming boutiques.

Though I'd already lived in Asia, some of Japan's rules were simply lost on me. And as predicted, it was a tough country to explore on my own. Tricky transportation, swarming tourists and wild weather were a challenge to navigate.