A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
You’re high up and behind the wheel of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, built for adventure. A seemingly endless jungle is to your left, while on your right is a view out to the Coral Sea. Heading toward a forest that’s existed for more than 150 million years, the view ahead as you travel the Great Barrier Reef Drive makes this an Aussie road trip of a lifetime — it’s where the rainforest meets the reef.
With booking sites offering sometimes thousands of reviews for a single property, it can be challenging to sift through all the information to find the perfect hotel room. Anything—from a chain restaurant to an all-inclusive resort—can be rated online, and these ratings depend on many different factors. For instance, a hotel could be a “five-star” property with a “three-star” user rating, leaving a lot of room for confusion. Moreover, different countries and booking sites have specific standards for rating hotels, which only adds to this uncertainty.
California locals know that the end of winter is the best time to visit theme parks. January and February bring smaller crowds, shorter waits, and cheaper tickets — but this season also brings an exciting celebration vacationers don’t often take notice of.
The capital of Hungary and situated along the banks of the majestic Danube River, Budapest is a remarkable destination. This city elegantly blends beauty, cultural richness, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway, especially with all the exciting activities that await.
It’s a sweltering September morning in Nairobi when I make my way into a gas station to grab cold water for the road. My 10-day journey with Intrepid’s firstfemale-only expeditionthrough Kenya has only just begun. I feel a small bead of sweat collect on the back of my neck before it drops down my spine and seemingly evaporates into thin air somewhere along the way. As I step outside, I think to myself,what sweet relief it will be for the engine to turn over on our 20-passenger truck, roll down the windows, and feel the air wash over my face. And that’s when I see it. The truck broke down.
From Disney parks to African safaris, these trips have something for everyone.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s John Jacob Astor Estate is renowned as the largest overwater bungalow in the Maldives, offering visitors an unparalleled getaway.
The Global Vision Awards honorees in this category are working hand-in-hand with their local communities to develop practical, impactful conservation programs and sustainable tourism initiatives.
In Rio de Janeiro, every day is a party. Rio, as it’s usually called, is a place like absolutely no other in the world. The jet set and glitterati descend here year-round for the white-sand beaches, bass-forward nightlife, and five heady days of Carnival bacchanal celebrations in February or March. However, you don’t have to be a thong-clad party seeker to appreciate the literal highs of mountainous Rio. The breathtakingly beautiful city is home to landmark sites like the Christ the Redeemer statue and world-class art museums. Sprinkle in beach volleyball matches, samba dancing, and stunning tropical mountains meeting azure sea scenery you won’t find anywhere else. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: Brazil no longer requires a visa for American visitors (you’ll pay an airport departure tax instead); the language is Portuguese, not Spanish; and the drug-trafficked favelas are a harsh reality. This Rio de Janeiro travel guide has everything you need to get started planning an unforgettable trip. Ready, set, Rio!
JetBluehas officially jumped the pond, expanding into Europe with the launch of its new New York City to London route this week, and they’re doing so with a brand-new fleet. We got a first-hand look at what travelers can expect the next time they head to London with JetBlue.
Istanbul stands out as a distinct city in the world. Spanning two continents, it is a city characterized by layers and contrasts. Historic sights such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace sit alongside bustling bars and lively cafes. Furthermore, Ottoman-era mosques are just a short walk from contemporary art museums and galleries. Traditional carpet shops are mingled with trendy boutiques, showcasing a dynamic coexistence of old and new. The city is perpetually pulsating with activity.
The Thai capital pulses with a modern energy that visitors feel the moment they step onto its busy streets. Along with historic architecture and sites, it has mouthwatering food and a dynamic arts scene. That same heady mix can be found in the city’s hotels, which range from major global brands to standout smaller properties. GoTravelDaily readers’ picks for the best hotels in Bangkok reflect everything that makes this city so appealing.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
“A truly resort-style hotel in the heart of Bangkok” is how one reader described the Sukhothai (No. 4), an oasis in Sathon within walking distance of popular Lumphini Park. That resort feeling is especially strong thanks to facilities like the 25-meter infinity-edged swimming pool, set among plentiful greenery and rows of chaise longues — and the Spa Botanica, for lemongrass and ginger scrubs and traditional Thai massages.
As this year’s runner-up, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has made this list every year, thanks to its outstanding hospitality. “They have it down to a science,” wrote one reader. “And they could be the training grounds for anybody interested in what proper service is all about.”
However, it was a fairly recent debut, Capella Bangkok, that took top honors. Read on for more about what made it the favorite and the full list of the best hotels in Bangkok.
Arguably one of the most far-flung national parks,Haleakalā National Parkon Maui is a special place that leaves many with a deeper respect for Hawaii and its lands. Haleakalā soars above the sea, with a 10,000-foot summit at the rim of one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. It is also home to endangered species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world, and a variety of natural ecosystems, including rain forests and subalpine shrublands. With a profound history, precious wildlife, incredible scenery, and memorable activities, Haleakalā National Park deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Here’s how to plan a remarkable trip.
Go rafting in the Grand Canyon this winter for a national park adventure without the crowds.
Most visit Joshua Tree National Park for its yucca-dotted desert beauty, with hiking trails and boardwalks to see these spiny tree-shaped plants up close.
Perched in the Linyanti Concession along its namesake river, DumaTau offers a complete reimagining of a rustic retreat with eight beautiful tents overlooking a lagoon where elephants cool themselves. It’s located on a migratory path for numerous species and boasts a commitment to sustainability through solar electricity and reclaimed materials. Culinary offerings prioritize plant-based recipes, creating a memorable dining experience amidst nature.
There’s also a farm-to-table restaurant and a spa on-site.
While Italy isn’t exactly known as being a cocktail bar hotbed, there are a myriad of incredible drinks that were invented there. From the spritz and the famous Negroni to the Bellini and the Americano, there are plenty of original libations to try that showcase Italy’s vibrant cocktail culture, which stands aside from its renowned wine scene.
The best islands in the world, according toGoTravelDailyreaders, invite visitors to adopt a slower pace of life.
The best cruise lines for midsize ships, according toGoTravelDailyreaders, strike a balance between big-time amenities and smaller crowds.