A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán in the south of Mexico, is a city set to music. Stroll through Plaza Grande on a Friday night and you’ll see localgruposjamming, bare palms tapping African drums, instrument cases flung open so passersby can drop a few pesos. “Musicians here play from the heart,” says local guitarist Armando Gonzalez who often plays in the plazas. “I wear sunglasses when I perform so I can close my eyes and feel the music.”
Visiting Jordan during the month of Ramadan is an extraordinary opportunity to experience local life and culture, and it’s unlike any other time of the year. The holy month is known as a period of spiritual discipline for Muslims, but it’s also incredibly festive with family gatherings, decorative lights, late-night eats, and entertainment. For the most part, the tourism industry operates as usual. However, some services – such as alcohol sales – and opening hours are noticeably affected, so it’s wise to be prepared. Here’s what travellers can expect to encounter in Jordan during Ramadan.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Bucharest, home to Romania’s top museums, a thriving dining and nightlife scene, and pleasant parks and gardens. However, for a deeper insight into the country, some impressive destinations are within day-trip reach – from one of Europe’s most beautiful castles and Count Dracula’s infamous fort, to a tranquil lakeside retreat and misty mountaintops in the Carpathians.
Desert citadels, crumbling mud fortresses, mosaic-adorned medressas, and bustling market bazaars define Uzbekistan, the heart of the historical Silk Road.
It’s a quaint establishment named Pllek, renowned for its remarkable sunsets. This hidden gem may not be particularly familiar to those outside of Amsterdam, yet it offers a unique experience worth seeking out.
Over the centuries, the medinas of the Maghreb have disseminated their magic far outside the monumental walls that surround them. Weary traders have sought shelter infanadiq(ancient inns used by caravans) after bargaining for medina-made goods to export to every corner of the globe. Artists, including the 19th-century Orientalist painters, made fashionable careers by capturing medina scenes on canvas. Furthermore, Hollywood directors have long used medinas for exotic location shoots and as inspiration for over-the-top set designs back at the studio.
A green emerald in South Asia’s trove of tourist treasures, Bangladesh amply rewards intrepid travellers who are plucky enough to dive into its whirlpool of chaos, walk its uncharted roads and explore its rustic hinterlands. From the lush tropical coastline to its forested hills and from frenetic cities to serene tea plantations, this under-explored South Asian nation offers a rich sampling platter of the delights of the subcontinent.
With smartphones to hand and ever-increasing access to data roaming worldwide, the concept of getting lost may seem like a problem condemned to the past. Why suffer the inconvenience when at the click of a button you can be on the right track, headed towards a pre-vetted restaurant or café you also looked up moments earlier?
Prior to my departure to Antigua, I had received commendations regarding the stunning beaches and excellent snorkelling opportunities available. Therefore, after a refreshing day of exploration, my primary objective was to engage in snorkelling.
There is no denying the staying power of the almightycafecitoin South Florida. Bustling window nooks serving up these sugar-infused Cuban coffees have been institutions since the Cuban Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, when masses of Cubans fled their homeland for the US, bringing their coffee preferences with them.
Liverpool is renowned as one of England’s most iconic cities for music. The lineage stretches from The Beatles to Frankie Goes To Hollywood, making it a cultural landmark. Moreover, the city offers an extensive array of activities and sights that cater to diverse interests, ensuring visitors are never short of options.
Tanya Spaulding wasn’t just impressed by the attentive service at the Inn at Little Washington—she was almost in awe of it. “Every time we left our room, even for a short time, they came and refreshed the amenities and straightened up,” says the head of Minneapolis, Minnesota design firm Shea, Inc. “We joked that there were sensors and a commando team, ready for action the minute we left. That omniscient hospitality is a feature rarely—if ever—found in the larger hotels.” This intimacy is what compels travelers like Spaulding to seek out boutique properties like the 38-year-old Virginia wine-country inn, which ranked near the top in GoTravelDaily’s annual reader poll.
Harajuku fashion, cherry blossoms, and sushi may be some of the first things that come to mind when thinking of Tokyo. However, the Japanese capital’s skyscraper hotels are just as iconic — as is the country’s custom of providing unparalleled customer service.
Den Haag (The Hague) is synonymous with high-profile legal entities (notably the UN’s International Court of Justice), embassies, and mansions. Moreover, this palace-filled city is also packed with incredible art, stylish shopping, superb dining, and a wealth of nightlife and entertainment venues. Therefore, it’s easy to take a train trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to hit the highlights on this 24-hour itinerary.
Navigating Amsterdam’s vibrant artwork, bridges, and canals can indeed be thirsty work. While traditional lagers served with a hefty head of foam are widely available, an ever-growing selection of cool craft beer bars offers something more unique. From hip microbreweries to charming canal-side hangouts, here are the top spots for ale enthusiasts in Amsterdam.
Florida’s Emerald Coast comprises some of the Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets. Distinctly separate from Orlando’s theme parks or Miami’s vibrant nightlife, this region boasts quiet stretches of sandy beaches lining calm, turquoise waters. Hidden state parks shelter shorebirds counted by the flock, and local fishers gather over a few cold beers, sharing tales of the one that got away.
Honeymoons, proposals, and anniversaries are all great excuses to take a romantic trip with your significant other. However, sometimes you don’t need any reason other than love to spend a weekend in a fairytale castle in Ireland or sip champagne on a rooftop in Prague. Could there be a better way to forge a bond—or rekindle one—than discovering a new place together? Across Europe, couples can find a dizzying number of romantic hotels and resorts. There are places that encourage twosomes to detox and recharge, invite them to explore a new culture and find adventure, or simply be pampered by the best service European hospitality can provide. Whether you want rose petals and chocolates or an utterly luxurious urban escape, you’re sure to find it on this list.
Manga comics, blazing neon, speeding trains, supersized pedestrian crossings – Japan might not immediately inspire a vision of traditional romance, but don’t be fooled. With subtropical beaches, soothing hot springs, and an array of world-class food, it’s easy for lovers to be seduced by this extraordinary country.
Where our readers go, notable figures like Barack Obama follow. This past March, he checked into the Brando, an all-villa private-island resort in French Polynesia. It appears our readers share a similar desire for relaxation; this year, they voted the property as the second best in the world. “We are very busy with work and hardly get a chance to relax,” said one admirer. “At the Brando, if you can’t relax and enjoy yourself — it’s your own fault.”
