A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
GoTravelDaily Local Heather Mason moved to Johannesburg in 2010. Enchanted, she soon fell in love with Melville – the quirky, tree-lined suburb where she now lives – and later the gritty inner city, with its coffee houses, evolving foodie scene and hidden pockets of art, culture and music. She doesn’t think she’ll ever leave.
Who says watching a ton of TV and movies makes you a couch potato? Sure, it can – but your viewing habits can also be a source of inspiration for exploring the world. With a little research and a dash of creativity, you can turn your obsessions into reality – and not reality TV.
You might think it’s tough to compete with the ancient sights and urban culture of Kyiv or to rival Lviv’s Mitteleuropa charm, but Odesa – Ukraine’s third-largest city and cosmopolitan Black Sea port – is catching up. Its string of beaches makes it the country’s number-one summer destination, while the burgeoning foodie scene offers an intriguing fusion of regional influences.
From colonial fishing ships to presidential inaugurations, we trace the origins of Boston’s signature dish, New England clam chowder, and embark on a quest for a bowl of the city’s best.
Uzbekistan’s gems have long been known to adventurous explorers. The Silk Road cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva hold some of the world’s most exquisite Islamic architecture. Hectic bazaars, half-hidden desert citadels, silk workshops, and the chance to glimpse the vanishing Aral Sea are all world-class draws. Moreover, the country serves as a convenient launching pad for treks and travel within Central Asia.
The term ‘new Nordic cuisine’ continues to captivate food enthusiasts around the globe. Consequently, any gourmet worth their salt (preferably Frenchfleur de sel) places Copenhagen high on their food-fancying holiday itinerary.
In this immense region, a city can be many things: the capital of an ancient kingdom, like Siem Reap, Cambodia; a spiritual center for wellness, like Ubud, Bali; or a hub of global culture and finance, like Tokyo. This diversity is what draws travelers to Asia again and again: No two cities are alike, each revealing a new facet of this vast continent. However, some cities rank higher than others with GoTravelDaily readers, and once you check out this year’s World’s Best list, it’s easy to see why.
While Hong Kong is Asia’s financial capital, the city of 7 million also boasts a burgeoning contemporary art scene, world-class culinary delights, and stunning natural landscapes. For travelers seeking a balance of excitement and tranquility, our selections reflect a desire to enjoy luxurious accommodations without straying far from the vibrant city life.
On the east side of Mae Ping in Chiang Mai is the Wat Ket neighborhood. Home to enterprising locals, foreign missionaries, and Chinese traders who brought wares via the waterway, traces of this neighborhood’s past still show through in today’s numerous boutique hotels, riverfront eateries, eclectic shops, and nightlife venues.
The first date, the first kiss, and the first trip are essential rites of passage that shape the early stages of a relationship. Traveling together can reveal much about each person’s preferences and adaptability. For instance, does one partner yearn for early morning surf sessions while the other prefers relaxed beach lounging? Such scenarios can either bring couples closer or create tension, especially during adventure travel.
Christos Stergiou is a member of GoTravelDaily’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help you plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Christos, you can contact him directly atinfo@truetrips.com.
Plastic’s devastating effect on the environment is making ever bigger headlines, yet our pledge of plastic-free living is often forgotten on holiday when convenience can be particularly tempting.
One of West Africa’s most dynamic cities, Dakar offers a dizzying mix of sun-kissed beaches, colourful markets, and mbalax-fueled nightclubs where snappily attired revelers emerge into the early morning light as the first call to prayer drifts over the palm-covered landscape. Senegal’s capital is also the gateway to the Île de Gorée, a sleepy tropical island just 3km from the high-rises of downtown.
The Icelandic Sagas, epic tales of heroes and heroines, might have been written centuries ago but their legacy is alive and well today. Violence, ghosts, poetry, love triangles, and family feuds are just some of the themes found in the sagas, coming together to create iconic literature that both helped document Iceland’s history and shaped the country.
A single trip is nowhere near enough to truly appreciate the splendour of St Petersburg. However, even a first-time visitor should consider a quick escape from Russia’s imperial capital to the nearby parks, palaces, and medieval towns that are integral to its cultural circle. Easily accessed by car, public transport, or tourist bus, the following destinations never fail to impress with their history and grandeur.
Denmark is so child-friendly that it boasts a ‘Capital of Children.’ This delightful destination is centered in Billund, the heart of Lego, and offers an abundance of attractions. Families can enjoy a Viking town, Scandinavia’s premier waterpark, and the fantastic Givskud Zoo nearby.
Along California’s scenic Highway 1, nestled high on wild mountain cliffs overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, lie the picturesque communities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. For over a century, these peaceful artist retreats have infused creativity into every aspect of local culture. In this idyllic setting, art is not merely a luxury; it is a way of life.
At the stunning west-coast beaches, particularly Payne’s Bay, you can engage in various thrilling watersports. Operators provide activities ranging from kayaking and paddle-boarding to exhilarating jet-ski rides that thrill speed enthusiasts. If you’re looking for adventure on the east coast, experience the thrilling surf at the Soup Bowl near Bathsheba Beach. This coastline not only offers remarkable surf breaks but also splendid walking opportunities along its windswept shores.
One of China’s most significant tourist cities, Hangzhou, located in the eastern province of Zhejiang, is famous for its stunning natural beauty and iconic Chinese scenery.
“Every day I walk the vines,” says Gabriele da Prato, gesturing to the lush foliage surrounding us. “All of my senses are involved. I’m looking, smelling, touching, listening, tasting. I’m having a conversation with nature. I’m in harmony with the earth.”