Top Cultural Destinations to Visit in July
Sequinned revellers, shiny pants, pilgrimages, and historic towns – July certainly has a lot in store for the culture-conscious traveller.
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Top Resort Hotels in Spain and Portugal: Readers’ Picks for 2025
Portugal has been on a serious roll lately—so much so thatGoTravelDailynamed it Destination of the Year for 2016—due in part to a revitalization of urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. The wine industry in the Douro Valley is also thriving (and bottles are unbelievably reasonable). Moreover, the beaches and charming coastal towns are less known to American travelers than those in France and Italy, yet that’s part of the appeal. The country’s moment in the sun continues with Convento do Espinheiro, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa set in the town of Évora, receiving top honors among resort hotels in Spain and Portugal. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the top attractions in the Alentejo region, which is experiencing growing popularity for its sweeping landscapes, robust food and wine culture, and rich history. Convento do Espinheiro, housed in a former convent building with vaulted cloisters and expansive grounds, offers a winning combination of atmosphere, setting, and luxury. One respondent lauded it as “one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” praising its “excellent service, dreamy comfort, extraordinary history,” and restaurant, which “will blow your mind.” Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, respondents share their opinions on travel experiences worldwide—ranking top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were evaluated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. The Penha Longa Resort, located in the historic resort town of Sintra, 30 minutes outside Lisbon, secured second place this year. Set in the rolling hills of a 545-acre national park bordering two magnificent beaches, the property features a 27-hole golf course, a 19th-century palace, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The only Spanish property on this year’s list was the Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This legendary hotel, which opened in 1954 and captivated celebrity beachgoers in the 1960s and 70s, continues to attract a glamorous crowd with its impeccable styling and lush gardens.
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14 Most Stunning Places in Spain to Visit
Spain is one of those countries that’s constantly surprising. It’s a nation that varies dramatically depending on which region you explore. With a plethora of beautiful places to visit in Spain, it is an iconic country that you must experience.
From the lush fishing villages in the north to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastlines, Spain hides many treasures and off-the-beaten-track locations that will amaze you—steering clear of the usual suspects like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid.
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Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to St. Martin & Sint Maarten’s Island Flavors
Spanning 87 sq km (34 sq miles), this lush, mountainous Caribbean jewel is the world’s smallest landmass split into two nations: the French side, St-Martin, and Dutch side, Sint Maarten. Not only can you discover their twin influences here, but the island also boasts a strong African heritage and is home to residents from 120 different countries. This cultural melange leads to a dizzying array of culinary delights, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
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Top Reasons to Add El Salvador to Your Travel Bucket List
When people consider a trip to Central America, El Salvador probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. The tiny nation has had its fair share of uncomplimentary headlines in recent years, but a trip to this mountainous little corner of the isthmus will turn any and all preconceived notions upside down.
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Unique Accommodations in the USA You Must Experience
We all know that lodging can make or break a vacation, but staying somewhere truly unique – like a tipi, a giant bird’s nest, or even underwater – can elevate a regular trip into an unforgettable experience.
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Essential Activities and Attractions in Split
Located around 200km north of Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast, the Croatian city of Split is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor. However, once you’ve wandered Split’s enchanting Roman old town, lingered over a coffee on its sunny waterside promenade, and ventured into its beautiful surrounds, you might find yourself agreeing with the locals (known as Splićani), who describe their city as ‘the most beautiful in the world’.
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Top 6 Must-Experience Special Teams in American Football
All due respect to baseball’s boys of summer, but football might just be America’s pastime. Whether it’s a town turning out to support a high school or college team, or the nation gathering to watch the Super Bowl, no sport is more popular in the US. While the games themselves are the main event, the exhilarating fan culture and rich traditions of the game offer can’t-miss experiences in and of themselves.
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Discover Zambia’s Hidden Safari Gems: Bangweulu and Liuwa
Striking antelopes found nowhere else on earth, the world’s quirkiest bird, Africa’s second biggest wildebeest migration, and the legend of a celebrity lioness. All this is set amid beguiling backdrops of vast golden savannah and a labyrinth of lily-strewn waterways. These rare wildlife safari riches are shared between the remote and largely unvisited Zambian reserves of Bangweulu Wetlands and Liuwa Plain National Park.
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Exploring Kyrgyzstan’s Ancient Walnut Forests
A cool breeze rustles leaves overhead as families call out to one another through the woods, punctuated by the quiet sound of walnuts dropping to the forest floor. These are the forests of Arslanbob, an uncommon landscape in a country more famous for being 90% mountainous. For two months each fall, these forests become the social and economic heart of Arslanbob, as villagers move to the forests en masse.
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Experience Authentic Local Life in Marrakesh
GoTravelDaily Local Chris Griffiths has been photographing Morocco for over four years and has now settled in Marrakesh, attracted by the historic architecture and dynamic creative scene. Navigating through the maze of the medina, he’s typically on the lookout for affordable eats, a break from the hustle, and captivating photo opportunities.
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Discovering Provence: The Art of Living Life to the Fullest
‘The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution’ – Paul Cézanne
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Experience Authentic Living in Florence: A Local’s Guide
When GoTravelDaily Local Nardia Plumridge first laid eyes on Florence as a teenager, it was love at first sight. Today, the Renaissance capital’s classic cafes, quaint cobbled streets, and hidden churches provide daily inspiration. The city’s fantastic cuisine and culture satisfy her craving forla dolce vita(‘the sweet life’).
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Explore Cantabria: Spain’s Hidden Gem on the North Coast
Sitting pretty on the Iberian Peninsula’s north coast, tiny Cantabria offers a completely different vision of Spain. Still largely unknown to outsiders – Spanish tourists here outnumber foreigners 4 to 1 – this invitingly green region offers astounding variety in a relatively small space.
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Top Adventure Shoes: In-Depth Travel Gear Reviews
These shoes are made for walking, trekking, paddling, or simply loafing. Whatever your travel plans entail, having the right footwear tailored for your activities is crucial.
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Discover the Ancient Wonders of Wild Western Iran
Leave the bright lights and tourist delights of Esfahan and Shiraz far behind to track down astonishing millennia-old relics among the dusty wilds of ancient Persia. From snow-tipped northern crags to scorching southern deserts, you will traverse eroded volcanic plateaus, explore ancient river valleys, and pass under the mournful gaze of long-abandoned castles on this intrepid quest for these far-flung treasures (many of which are UNESCO listed). An Indiana Jones-inspired hat is optional.
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Top Waterfront Bars in Miami to Escape the Heat
Sun, sand, surf, and balmy winter weather – Miami’s beguiling climate has charmed more than its fair share of visitors. One of the best ways to experience the perks of being on a warm-weather peninsula is with a frosty beverage in your hand and water views for days.
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Top Activities in Windsor After the Royal Wedding
The world’s media spotlight was recently on the English riverside town of Windsor and its gargantuan castle, where the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday 19th May. On the day itself, the whole town was dominated by the event, with crowds, pageantry, and road closures. However, now the well-wishers have dispersed, Windsor’s charms are back on full and slightly less busy display. They include the grand buildings and rich history, taking in nearby attractions including Eton College, Legoland, and the now-quiet fields where the Magna Carta was signed.
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Top 4 Thrilling High-Speed Adventures in Indianapolis
If you visit Indianapolis in the month of May, you may notice a preoccupation with a certain legendary race. The Indianapolis 500 is the world’s largest single-day sporting event, bringing in hundreds of thousands of auto-racing fans from around the globe.
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