Scandinavia – Endless day

Stolid Nordic stereotypes dissolve in the region’s vibrant capitals. Crest-of-the-wave design can be seen in them all, backed by outstanding modern architecture, excellent museums, imaginative solutions for 21st-century urban living, internationally acclaimed restaurants and a nightlife that fizzes along despite hefty beer prices. They have proper seasons up here. Long winters carpeted with thick snow, the sun making cameo appearances if at all.

Despite scary sub-zero temperatures, there’s a wealth of things to do: skiing, sledding behind huskies or reindeer, snowmobile safaris to the Arctic Sea, ice fishing, romantic nights in snow hotels, visiting Santa Claus and gazing at the soul- piercing aurora borealis. In winter, people come to see the northern lights; in summer they come to hike and to see the midnight sun.