The emirate of Dubai is home to around 1.8 million inhabitants. The majority of the population lives in the city. Dubai is known for its modern and futuristic projects. From skyscrapers on manmade islands, to amusement parks, there is hardly anything that does not exist in this city. Dubai offers endless beautiful beaches, excellent water sports, desert safaris and an almost immeasurable range of shopping facilities.

Fujairah is the capital city of the emirate of Fujairah, located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf of Oman. The city is the business and commercial centre of the emirate. Although, tourist attractions are few and far between, Fujairah is worth a visit if only to see the new massive, gleaming white Sheikh Zayed Mosque - second largest in the UAE or the emirate's first shopping centre - Fujairah City Centre Mall. The city is also a great starting point for the emirate's exploration.

The Indian port city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is located on the island of Salsette, off the west coast of Maharashtra. Mumbai is not only India's economic center and fashion powerhouse it is also one of the most populous cities in the world with an estimated 14 million residents. It is home to theaters, unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster hang-outs and some of the country's prime restaurants and nightlife. 'Bollywood' is also located in Mumbai - you can take a tour around Film City or be an extra in one of the upcoming movies.

Goa is the smallest state in India and is located centrally along the west coast of the country. Its palm-lined beaches and emerald jungle are not the only things Goa relies on to attract and impress. It is a melting pot of the Portuguese and Indian cultures, a spiritual sanctuary and a culinary world of its own. Here you will witness colourful Catholic ceremonies, hear mournful fado music, try the many Indo-Portuguese delicacies and enjoy the string of golden sand beaches.

Kochi is located in southwestern India on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The city's shores have attracted traders and travellers for over 600 years, making it to a melting pot of cultures it is today. You will find an ancient mosque standing alongside a 400 year old synagogue, Portuguese houses and giant fishing nets from China, British colonial and modern Keralan artifacts - these all make up one delightful city. Kochi is divided into small islands that are all linked by a network of ferries and bridges.

Malé is the capital of the Maldives. The city shares its name with the island it is located on. Due to its rapid growth in population, the island has had to be extended artificially. The throbbing city of Male is a fascinating place, offering you the chance to learn about the real life in the Maldives, away from the laid-back pace in the rest of the country. Even though, the sights are here few and far between, the city's lively markets, bright buildings and alcohol-free cafes are definitely worth a visit.

Mahe is the largest and most developed of the 115 Seychelles islands. The island is home to the country's capital city Victoria and is about as busy as the Seychelles get. There is a large selection of resorts on Mahe, the most outstanding of which are located all along the west coast, here, you will also find the most pristine beaches. However, there are plenty of hidden gems all over the island: the rugged landscapes of the Morne Seychellois National Park or the stunning Le Jardin du Roi spice garden are just two of many.

Zanzibar (formally known as Unguja) is the largest and most populated island in the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. The island has some of the best beaches in the world and is very popular with water sports enthusiasts. Zanzibar Town, the island's capital is home to a mix of cultures from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe and is thus very popular with visitors. There are, however, other beautiful places on Zanzibar, some brilliantly tranquil and others are a party buzz.

Nosy Be is an island about 10 km off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The island is the country's number one destination for beach lovers, divers, sailors and fishermen. Despite its popularity, Nosy Be remains pretty low-key and undeveloped. It is pricier than some of Madagascar's mainland resorts, however, the 'mora mora' (literally, slowly slowly) lifestyle is worth the extra dollars. Once you have explored the seascape, head for the stunning landscapes, vanilla plantations, lakes, waterfalls and dirt tracks.

Richards Bay is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The city has many sports facilities and a fantastic landscape with numrous bays and lagoons. Try your hand at surfing, visit the wildlife Richards Bay Game Reserve park or get an astonishing view of the beach and port from atop the Lighthouse.

With around 737 600 inhabitants, the city of Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and is situated directly on the Indian Ocean. Visit the large leisure complex 'The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World' and the many museums that can be found there or go shopping in the huge shopping center of Greenacres.

Cape Town is the third largest city of South Africa with a population of almost 3.5 million and has been the city of the South African Parliament since 2004. Between October and march, Cape Town is a popular attraction for many tourism which is shown by their growing numbers in recent years. This in turn has made Cape town an important economic sector for the country. One of the favourite sites of tourists is the Table Mountain but the city has plenty more to offer. Museums, historic buildings, Castles and the oldest surviving building in South Africa are all options worth considering.