• Andorra/General

Buildings are simple and elongated, with foundations struck into the sides of the valley. There is not a hint of the decorative white cottages of Andalucia nor the sun baked red roofs of the Algarve. Andorra is to landscape what minimalism is to interiors – there is no fear of finding the frilly or decorative.

• France/loire Valley

On the walls of Saint Genest in Troo, John baptises Christ in the Jordan river and St. Francis speaks to the birds. But devils also throw the eternally condemned into cauldrons licked by flames, and faces writhe in pain

• Germany/Bavaria

Once a Kingdom in its own right, Bavaria retains much of its uniqueness. Approach it with a dollop of humour and a little tongue in cheek thrown in

• Germany/Berlin

Low key and laid back with an urban verging on functional charm, the city of Berlin still marries the days of Prussian grandeur with the architectural brutality of 1960s communism.

• Ireland/Castle Leslie

Now a private club, rule number four at Castle Leslie is the last on a short list and reads as follows: “What’s said or done inside our walls stays within our walls…but on the whole we welcome manners, etiquette and downright outrageous behaviour”

• Ireland/Cork

The "Great Marsh of Munster" celebrates the party of all parties each year with a huge "ceili" in the main street. Mix it with the lilt of the locals, a penchant for dangerous games and some great fish cappuccinos and you've got The People's Republic of Cork.

• Namibia

Until recently, Solitaire was one house, one shop and a petrol pump, run by a man and his wife in the middle of nowhere. Their only company, other than those passing through, was a bunch of pet adders kept in a shallow pit in the back.

• Portugal/Madeira

It may have a short runway and a political leader resembling Alfred Hitchcock, but don't let this put you off visiting Madeira - you'll find alot more than flower lovers and hillwalkers.

• South Africa/Cape Town

Delicately spiced samoosas and deliciously sweet koeksisters top the menu in the Bo Kaap, with its psychedelic-coloured houses built into the hill. But venture two steps sideways and into De Waterkant and Polaine bread flown in from Paris is more the norm.

• Spain/Barcelona

With such a medley of rules and regulations surrounding the tapa, the only good advice for those going from one region to another is to watch what everyone else in the bar is doing

• Spain/Madrid

• Spain/Madrid

• Spain/Santander

Caves are great, mountains are even better, but it is the food of a region that can make or break fond memories.