Incredible travel destinations you have never heard of

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of islands off the western coast of Sumatra. Best known for their perfect surfing breaks over hazardous coral reefs, they are one of the most popular off-the-beaten-path destinations for surfers, always featuring in the top 10 surfing hotspots on the planet. Sipora is the smallest and most surfer-friendly of the four islands that make up the Mentawai Islands. Time to pack the sun cream and head out, perhaps?

Brazil is on every traveller's list as it prepares to host the 2014 World Cup followed by the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Get a taste of this vibrant country with its lively outdoor culture by visiting Florianopolis, the capital of the Santa Catarina state in Southern Brazil. With a metro area that is home to almost one million inhabitants, the city enjoys a high quality of life. Florianopolis includes the island of Santa Catarina and several small islands. It has its own lagoon, the Conceição, and plenty of stunning sandy beaches. Among the best are the famous Praia dos Ingleses, preferred by the tourists, and the 5km Praia do Campeche, a paradise for surfers lured by the subtropical climate and resort lifestyle of this impressive destination.

Well-known among the wealthy elite, but still eluding discovery by main-stream tourism, Costa Smeralda is a hidden 20km-long coastal paradise in northern Sardinia. Reputedly the most expensive location in Europe for real estate, with properties valued at more than €300,000 per square metre, you may prefer to stay nearby and visit. This luxurious planned community is surrounded by ancient architectural sites and enjoys a stunning Mediterranean coastline where sailing regattas and polo matches are the main attractions.

With its luxurious real-estate environment, stunning Alpine scenery and temperate micro-climate, Lugano is the real pearl of Lake Lugano, just 30 minutes' drive from the better-known Lake Como. Straddling the borders of southeast Switzerland and northern Italy, this compact city makes the best of both worlds – picturesque boulevards, designer shopping, lakeside cafés, scenic ferry trips and delicious cuisine. Moderate winter snowfall gives way to warmer summer days beside the lake.

Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2014 is Umea, the largest city in Norrland, northern Sweden. Although not making the headlines until now, this university city has one of the lowest average ages and a large expat community which accounts for over half the local population. This year of culture will place a strong emphasis on the indigenous Sami people of the Arctic region with many cultural attractions and informative events. Unmissable highlights include the Vasterbottens Museum and the Bildmuseet Art Museum in the Gammlia, the Nydalasjön Lake and the Umea Radhus (City Hall) in the heart of the shopping district.

Beatles history, the Three Graces architecture and the UNESCO-listed waterfront are just some great reasons to head to Liverpool, which has triumphed over a post-industrial gloom that lasted several decades. Discover the birthplace of the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Frankie Goes to Hollywood; explore Europe's oldest Chinatown; visit the historic vessels moored at the Merseyside Maritime Museum and take the ferry 'cross the Mersey at this world maritime centre. Attend the Grand National Horse Race at Aintree or tour Anfield's hallowed turf of Liverpool F.C. before watching a home match in this gritty northern city, where history continues to be made.