A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
September is my favourite time of year inBarcelona, and that’s mainly because ofFestes de la Mercè. Just three weeks after the city has returned from the month-long August break, Barcelona goes on holiday once again for the biggest celebration of the year. There’s everything from quirky theatrical performances to acrobatics in the castle, interactive installations and colourful folkloric parades.
Paris’ monument-lined boulevards, masterpiece-filled museums, and diverse patchwork of neighbourhoods are endlessly absorbing to explore. Even if you’re visiting on a quick break, the city’s excellent transport network makes it easy to cover a lot of ground. This itinerary takes in the French Capital’s unmissable highlights and local secrets to give you an unforgettable weekend in Paris.
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, brings together millions of people who line the streets of major cities to enjoy vibrant parades featuring marching bands, clowns, and massive floats heralding the holiday season leading up to Christmas. The festivities showcase local pride, with appearances from city royalty, sports stars, and community heroes. Of course, the parades are topped off with Santa Claus and his elves. Here are the top Thanksgiving Day parades to experience in the nation:
California is known for sunny days, stunning beaches, sweet confections, and memorable drives along the coast. You can sample it all on the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Francisco to San Diego. Between exciting attractions and gorgeous vistas, you can indulge in some of the best ice cream along the way. Here’s a roadmap to the best sights and sweets on 500 miles of California coast.
Surprising as it may seem, London wasn’t always the British capital. The Essex town of Colchester held that honour for 17 short but prosperous years. The town’s full history spans Roman rule, the Norman Conquest, Saxon settlements, the Reformation, the Black Death, and the English Civil War, all of which have left their remarkable mark on the landscape.
From seasonal sights and arts events to traditional festivals and tech expos, there is a lot happening in Tokyo from late September through to December – making the autumn months a great time to visit.
The mountain-flanked region of Toyama in central Japan is replete with lush natural scenery flaunting both ocean and alpine vistas. This region is also home to a handful of exquisite traditional crafts dating back over 400 years. Conveniently positioned along the Hokuriku Shinkansen train line, Toyama serves as a popular stop for travelers headed to attractions such as the renowned Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. To gain a more in-depth understanding of the local history and culture, and pick up a rare souvenir or two, consider renting a car in Toyama and embarking on a craft tour of the region.
Autumn and winter have always been my favourite seasons, if I’m being honest. While summer conjures up images of fun in the sun, vibrant fashion, and relaxing beach days, the latter half of the year creates a sense of comfort with cooler days, hot chocolate, and cozy food. This time of year allows for layering outfits, embracing autumn and winter fashion!
I’m an Adelaide-based travel writer and photographer, capturing adventures across Australia – although, shamefully, I hadn’t visited Sydney since the pandemic lockdowns. So when an invitation arrived to go to the harbor city for a special event, I took it as a sign to return.
I had never been more appreciative of the heated seats in our rental vehicle, particularly given the early morning departure to visit Crathes Castle in Scotland.
Situated on the eastern seaboard of the United States, North Carolina is an exceptional destination for road trips, offering numerous attractions throughout the state. From vibrant cities to tranquil islands, there’s an abundance of remarkable locations to explore.
Las Vegas has evolved from its origins of affordable shrimp cocktails and endless buffets. Sin City now shines as one of America’s premier culinary destinations, offering exquisite dining options curated by world-renowned, Michelin-starred celebrity chefs. With over 2,300 restaurants, including more than 50 influenced by celebrity chefs, you are bound to find exceptional flavors and memorable experiences.
Heading to Honolulu? Then you’re likely to spend time in Waikiki. While this popular beachfront district may be the first stop for many, there’s much more to this city beyond the tourist-heavy streets and beaches. When you seek a break from the crowds, explore these hidden Honolulu highlights.
Paris’ multitude of markets plunge visitors into the heart of shopping in the French capital. Bustling street markets andrues commerçantesare piled high with aromatic seasonal produce, historic covered markets shelter specialist food stalls, colorful flower markets burst with perfumed blooms, and flea markets are filled with vintage treasures. We’re here to guide your browsing at these lovely markets to experience local Parisian life in full swing.
Panda lovers – rejoice! Fans of the world’s most adorable vulnerable bear species have a few new reasons to celebrate the animal; about 27,134 km2worth. Stretching across China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces, plans for the newly proposed ‘Giant Panda National Park’ (大熊猫国家公园) are expected to be formalized as soon as the end of 2019.
In Japan, there’s a drive to create and experience things that are bigger, better, faster, and stronger than anywhere else in the world. Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings; the Shinkansen bullet train is the second-fastest train in the world at 320km per hour, and is set to get even faster; and the biggest Starbucks in the world can be found in Tokyo’s Meguro district.
With its expansive deserts, enchanting rock formations, colossal mountain ranges, and miles of coastline, the western US is tailor-made for unforgettable road-tripping. We’ve curated the perfect playlist to complement these legendary journeys through the dramatically beautiful American West.
The Dominican Republic is well known for its blissful beaches: the crystal clear waves of Punta Cana, the eye-catching turquoise waters at Bahía de las Águilas, and the deep blues of the Atlantic lapping at golden sands on Samaná Peninsula.
It’s now nearly June, and that means summer is here — the perfect excuse for a road trip or quick getaway to explore quirky small towns.
Greece’s lesser-known islands are growing in popularity. Hidden gems like Karpathos and Tilos may not dominate your Instagram feed like Santorini just yet, but they offer equally rewarding sights that are less crowded and often more affordable.