1. Paula West: Seville, Spain

For our first ever visit to Andalucia we based ourselves in the splendid Parador de Carmona, a former 14th century Arabic fortress, which has been converted into a hotel and restaurant. The small town of Carmona is just a half-hour bus ride from Seville, Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of Andalucia. We spent the morning climbing La Giralda tower before stopping for lunch. The temperatures at midday are very high in Seville, so we cooled down with gazpacho, the delicious cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

2. Jo Smith: Dubai

Dubai has clearly grown in popularity as a holiday destination since my first visit five years ago. The number of hotels has risen and there are now far more activities on offer to tourists. On my recent holiday there in April, I avoided the water-skiing, windsurfing and horse-riding, and chose instead to visit the oasis town of Dhaid. Being early spring, it was pleasantly warm with daytime temperatures in the low 30s, dropping to a cool 15 °C at night. Dubai has always been a marvellous place to shop, with a wide range of souvenirs on offer in the Bedouin markets. I resisted the temptation, however, promising myself I would buy something on my next visit.

3. Katie Smart: Marrakech, Morocco

I never tire of going to Marrakech, and the market, or 'souk', in the old town is always first on my itinerary. It has a wonderful selection of rugs, jewellery, pottery and leather bags, and I normally come home with enough items to fill a suitcase  — and my last visit there was no exception. But I am particularly attracted by the tremendous warmth and good humour of the inhabitants of Marrakech, who are delighted to be able to offer their hospitality and welcome foreign visitors to their city.

4. Fiona Miller: Lake Garda, Italy

My husband and I chose Lake Garda as our honeymoon destination and fell in love with its magnificent mountain setting and pretty lakeside villages. Based in the medieval town of Garda, we took advantage of the numerous outings organised by our tour operator to the many other resorts on the shores of the lake: Desenzano, with its 16th century cathedral; Malcesine, with its impressive castle built on a huge rock; and Limone, with its distinctive lemon groves and charming beach. We were so taken with the beauty of the area that we barely noticed the light showers which accompanied us on all our trips.