Sweden

The northern European summer nights, are so short the sun never sets, giving you plenty of time to see the sights. The land of Vikings, IKEA, the Nobel prizes, and ABBA will have you dancing around a maypole on midsummer, and eating Swedish meatballs accompanied by the local firewater called Aquavit to keep you warm and merry. Come winter you will be riding reindeer, sleeping in an ice-hotel and watching the northern lights work their magic.

Not all Swedes have blond hair and blue eyes anymore, as with a generous policy towards the displaced in the world the demographics are changing rapidly, but they do all look stylish. There is no such thing as a dishevelled Swede. This Nordic welfare state which has combined socialism with capitalism keeps its head cool and its houses warm.

Whether you sail around the Swedish archipelago outside Stockholm, go swimming in one of its many lakes, pick mushrooms and berries in the endless forests, or participate in the 90 km’s cross-country ski event called Vasaloppet there is something to see and do for everybody. And, best of all, the fine Nordic cuisine will give you energy for whatever activity you choose.

So forget the Mediterranean and head up north!