A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
With so many destinations touted as ‘the next food capital’, Estonia’s Tallinn has flown under the gourmet radar, overshadowed by its Michelin-starred New Nordic neighbors. Possibly fueled by misconceptions about its cuisine: isn’t it just stodgy dumplings and vodka?
When you conjure up images of drinks associated with islands, ice-cool bottles of beer and colourful cocktails adorned with umbrellas may spring to mind. However, what about a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon enjoyed among lush vineyards lacing down to the ocean? If you’ve never considered the perfect pairing of wineries and islands, prepare your palate for these tasty destinations.
There are more bourbon barrels aging right now in Kentucky than there are residents. Moreover, the Bluegrass State proudly produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon supply. Louisville—aka ‘Bourbon City’—offers an array of distillery experiences, tours, classes, tastings, events, and an extensive cocktail scene. Get ready to let this spirit move you.
Sitting at the juncture of the South, the Midwest, and the mountainous spine of the Eastern seaboard, the state of Arkansas is an outdoor-lover’s playground. With rivers and mountains serving as a prominent part of the landscape, it would take a lifetime to fully explore every winding waterway. You may not have that sort of time; therefore, here’s how to maximize your exploration schedule.
As major world cities go, Cape Town is pretty affordable. Eating out is fairly cheap by European or North American standards, and many of the museums and smaller attractions charge only a modest fee. However, if you’re seeking to save a little more, there are ways to experience the art, culture, and natural beauty of the Mother City without opening your wallet, leaving you with more rands to spend on local cuisine, souvenirs, or supporting one of the many community tourism projects.
Danang is booming. Once viewed as simply a gateway to Hoi An, this vibrant Central Vietnamese city, home to one million residents, now demands its own recognition.
The Philippines are enjoying a remarkable reputation. This year, three of the top 10 islands in the world, as determined by readers ofGoTravelDaily, are located in this stunning Asian archipelago.
This 12-night trip combines rich culture and outdoor adventure. You’ll stay in Quito at Casa Gangotena and then experience a cruise and land stay in the Galápagos Islands. A complimentary tour of Casa del Alabado, a museum in Quito, is included with your Capital One® card.
Whether you’re planning to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid Milad ul-Nabi, New Year, the solstice, or just the happy holidays, this is a time of year for giving. Therefore, why not whip up the wanderlust of a globetrotting relative or friend with one of these perfect presents for travellers?
It’s well known that St Petersburg isn’t a cheap destination, and most of its entertainment comes with a price tag. However, there are still many attractions you can enjoy for free. From the city’s elegant parks and sprawling flea markets to stunning Orthodox cathedrals and cutting-edge art galleries, there’s something for every penny-pinching traveller. Here’s our pick of the best free things to do in Russia’s imperial capital.
Passengers:2,650Best for:Multigenerational travelers and passengers looking for a sophisticated experience without a sky-high price tagSails:The Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern EuropeAt a Glance:With a 2,650-passenger capacity, this is Holland America’s newest and largest ship—the first of the new Pinnacle class. It’s also the line’s most luxurious vessel, featuring an airy, modern design, world-class entertainment, and restaurants you’ll want to come back to again and again.
The islands of Malta and Gozo are brilliant for a family holiday, packed with fun places to visit regardless of your children’s ages. The islands’ small size means everywhere is within easy reach. In the span of a day, you could fire a cannon at a fort and later unwind at the beach, or visit a film-set theme park and then take a dip in a lagoon.
One place that I was eager to visit during my trip was Bhaktapur. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been a topic of much conversation since our arrival, making it clear that it needed to be added to our itinerary without delay.
Galicia isn’t quite a separate country, but this distinctive northwest corner of Spain, separated from the rest of the nation by both geography and culture, is a far cry from stereotypical Spanish images.
GoTravelDaily Local Kira Tverskaya has been a Moscow dweller for over 16 years. A lot has changed in Moscow in recent times – from the appearance of bike lanes and metro wi-fi to new cobblestones and kitschy street decorations. While it’s not an easy city to navigate for a newcomer, Kira loves that it hides a lot of little gems: cozy coffee shops tucked away in by-lanes, creative spaces, and beautiful gardens.
It wasn’t so long ago that theCalzada de Amadorwas nothing more than a strip of tarmac used to link the capital to the small islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco. Today, however, the Amador Causeway is one of the city’s best-known roads, home to some of Panama’s top activities and attractions showcasing the best of the isthmus.
When it comes to planning a relaxing resort vacation in Africa, you’re spoiled for choice. Do you crave lush green jungles, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters? Jet off to the Seychelles, which compete with the South Pacific for jaw-dropping beauty. Can’t decide between the picturesque rolling hills of Napa and the old-world charm of the Loire? Experience the best of both worlds with a trip to the South African Winelands, where centuries-old vineyards are nestled in the sandstone mountains of the Western Cape. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily invites readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are assessed based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are categorized as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. This year, an impressive four out of the five winners hailed from one country: South Africa. While GoTravelDaily readers love visiting Cape Town, which was once again voted the No. 1 city in Africa, they also enjoy pairing their visits with stays at wine-country retreats or seaside resorts just outside the urban center. In the coastal getaway of Hermanus, Birkenhead House—an 11-suite, cliff-top former home—offers guests stunning views of surfers and whales breaching in the Atlantic below. One visitor even remarked that getting up close to the marine life via boat wasn’t necessary, as “we saw more whales from the hotel patio.” The other three South African properties, however, are located in wine country and are just as impressive.
Some of the most luxurious resort hotels on the planet are located in Indonesia, home to everything a well-traveled hotel connoisseur would expect: beautiful beaches, delicious food, postcard-perfect views, and faultless service. Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that our readers are willing to endure multiple flights (and more than a full day of travel) to reach this archipelago of some 17,500 islands. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Importantly, properties are classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.
The love affair with Bali continues this year, as the island is home to four of the five resorts on the list. Of note is the recent renovation of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where all 147 thatched-roof villas received a fresh look using traditional Balinese ikat fabrics, wooden sculptures, and local artwork. Each villa features its own infinity plunge pool and breathtaking views over Mount Agung, making it a very private and romantic setting for visitors.
Amandari is a big hit with couples (and loyal Aman fanatics) due to its secluded setting near Ubud, nestled in Bali’s lush interior. Suites showcase coconut and teak wood accents and have their own private gardens, while the open-air lobby is modeled after awantilan(village meeting place). “The décor was stunning, and very true to the area and culture,” said one satisfied visitor. “Impeccable service,” they added.
Moreover, in the beachside area of Nusa Dua, the St. Regis Bali Resort impresses with an almost 40,000-square-foot swimmable lagoon. However, the sole non-Bali resort on the list also happens to be this year’s winner. Nihi Sumba Island, formerly known as Nihiwatu, scored rave reviews across the board for its remote location (it’s an hour by plane from Bali). Owner Chris Burch, who acquired the property in 2012, expanded its facilities while managing to preserve the edge-of-civilization vibe and strong community connection.
Read on to discover how each resort ranks.
The cities of Central and South America offer endless adventures. You can explore the arts in Buenos Aires, take in the vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or discover Incan history in Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indeed, Cuzco is prized as much for its Spanish-colonial architecture as for its rugged, mountainous setting. This gateway city on the road to Machu Picchu proves to be a favorite with travelers — three of the top 10 hotels, including this year’s winner, are located there. Each year, our World’s Best Awards survey invites travelers to weigh in on their experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. Another standout city is Buenos Aires, where prominent hotels such as the Alvear Palace, the Four Seasons, and the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt define the hotel scene. At the Alvear Palace, afternoon tea in the soaring lobby becomes a restorative art form, and the spacious rooms, adorned with Louis XVI-style furniture, offer a tranquil escape. One traveler gushed, “By far the best hotel in Argentina,” while another commented, “A grand hotel of the old school.” The Four Seasons, located in a former Belle Époque mansion in B.A.’s upscale Recoleta neighborhood, continues to shine, thanks in part to its light-filled guest rooms and lovely outdoor pool. The Waldorf Astoria Panama also made our list, as did Casa San Agustín, a recently renovated property nestled within the walls of Cartagena, Colombia. This boutique hotel consists of three interconnected buildings; its courtyard features a remarkable ancient aqueduct, and many of the rooms, styled in modern Colombian decor, come equipped with their own plunge pools or Jacuzzis.
