Finland

Finnish air and spirit that's incredibly vital and exciting. Although socially and economically it is in the vanguard of nations, parts of the country remain gloriously remote; with the trendsetting modern capital of  Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east, like National Park and Oulanka National Park. These wilds are perfect for treks among the pines and lakes in summer. And who'd have thought that so far north you could have such a summer? It's a golden, sunny season when Finland bursts into life with an explosion of festivals, good cheer and optimism. It's a time when the towns are buzzing, but it's also a time to head for the lakelands of  Mikkeli and  Lappeenranta. Sit on the veranda of a waterside wooden cottage and watch the summer sun shining low over the trees.