KOREASEOUL CAPITAL AREAThe seat of Gyeonggi province, its old centre ringed by the Hwaseong fortress King Jeongjo raised in the late 18th century. The subway from Seoul takes just over an hour, which makes it a common day trip. Spring and autumn suit the walls, and many come for the ribs and fried chicken too.
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USAHAWAIIThe state capital sits on Oahu's south shore. Trade winds break on the ridge down the island's middle and drop their rain on the north-east, so the leeward town stays clear and one ridge changes the weather. April to May and September to October are quieter and cheaper.
SEE DETAILSUSATEXASAbout 80 km from the Gulf of Mexico, the city has no zoning code, so plants and towers rise beside houses. Immigration puts Vietnamese, Nigerian and Mexican food within a few blocks. Summers are hot and humid and hurricane rain floods roads; aim for March to April, or October to November.
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