Death Valley, USA – With a name like that, you won’t expect to find many signs of life or greenery in the driest place in America. Summer temperatures have been known to top 56^oC, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from attempting to walk through the valley. If you’re not (fool)hardy enough to do the same, Death Valley also boasts many luxurious resorts scattered throughout its seemingly inhospitable terrain, so you can take in the stunning dessert scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your room.

Bangkok, Thailand – It may come as a surprise to you to find out that Thailand’s capital has the honour of being named the world’s hottest city. Bangkok is surrounded by lush green farmland, but the constant smog and high humidity raises the average daily temperature to well over 28^oC. For some respite from the heat and notoriously bad traffic snarls, head north to the cooler provinces, such as Chiang Mai.

Dasht-e Lut, Libya – If a name like Death Valley doesn’t scare you, then perhaps the sight of parched, cracked mud will. This plateau in the Libyan desert is said to be the driest spot on earth, and is so hostile to life that not even bacteria is able to survive. The temperature here has exceeded 70^oc in some years, so you’ll need more than a fan to keep cool.