A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
The biggest city in northeast China was once – briefly – the capital of the Qing dynasty, before the all-conquering Manchu moved to Beijing in 1644. Shenyang’s magnificent Manchurian legacy is best explored via its UNESCO World Heritage palace complex, royal tombs, and hearty, game-rich cuisine, while China’s biggest Korea Town adds a multicultural vibe. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in the buzzing metropolis of Shenyang.
The famed Mayan ruins of Copán and the world-renowned diving on the islands of Utila and Roatán reflect the beauty of Honduras. However, it is the smaller areas, coastal cities, tucked-away street vendors, small reservoirs, and lush cloud forests that truly define this Central American country as a place to wander. Therefore, there’s no better way to experience it than embarking on a journey through the roads less traveled in Honduras.
Maybe it’s that glittering chandelier hanging in the lobby, or the cool claw-foot tub in your hotel bathroom. “Aesthetics, and thoughtful details, have a lot to do with drawing guests back to a hotel,” says Heather Richardson, the marketing and editorial director atJacada, a London-based safari and tour operator.
One thing is perfectly clear in our list of the best cities in the United States: travelers (and locals, too) love the charming, historic cities of the American South. Of the top 15 cities on this year’s list, one-third are below the Mason-Dixon line, and two more are in Texas.
Florida is rightly famous for its theme parks and beaches, but the state’s upscale accommodations are pretty incredible, too. Among Florida’s most notable hotels are pedigreed resorts, sleek beachfront towers, and elegant urban retreats. You need no more proof than our list of the Sunshine State’s best.
A safari experience may be the ultimate bucket-list trip, and it’s not just because of the animals. The chance to see lions, elephants, hyenas, and other incredible creatures in their natural habitat is undeniably appealing. Moreover, the safari dream is also about indulging in luxurious accommodations while immersed in nature—dining on fine china under the stars, sipping afternoon cocktails beneath a towering baobab tree, and sleeping in spacious tents furnished with antiques. The lodges that GoTravelDaily readers named the best in Africa this year deliver on all counts.
Nashville, the talented Southern city on Tennessee’s Cumberland River, is a vacation spot that seamlessly blends metropolis with the charm of the American heartland. Even if you think you don’t enjoy country music, this soulful city will captivate you with its attractions, amazing food, a nightlife scene filled with stellar live performances, and an impressive selection of top-quality hotels.
Ethiopia is a land of legends and mystery—home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Moreover, the landscape itself is mesmerizing. The far north features the Simien Mountains—a mystical world of primeval forests, misty peaks, bizarre plants, and exotic creatures. Therefore, trekking through these stunning highlands is akin to stepping into an otherworldly paradise.
During his lifetime, Bowie was a songwriter, rock star, actor, music producer, and celebrity—all while remaining a perpetual outsider. Just as it is impossible to pin Bowie down as one type of person, he cannot be tied down to just one city. In honor of what would have been his 70th birthday, we’re looking at two of the great cities Bowie called home. For all those who want to pay homage to the legend, these are the spots in New York and London where Bowie would shed his iconic persona and just blend into the city.
If “Beauty and the Beast” has you wishing you, too, lived in a castle, don’t despair. There are several hotels in the United States where travelers can live like royalty. These are some of the best castle-like hotels and bed and breakfasts in the U.S., according toYelp. The properties were identified based on reviews mentioning “castle” and ranked based on the quality and quantity of reviews. From the Norumbega in Maine to the Castle Marne in Colorado, these hotels take luxury seriously. More than simply high class, they’ve created ambiance fit for a queen.
The following day in York was one of the quickest I’ve ever prepped for (or at least very close). For starters, the breakfast atthe Gray’s Court hotelis worth arriving early and allowing ample time to enjoy. (I didn’t take any pictures today but I promise to pack my camera tomorrow to provide you with a visual treat!).
You’ve enjoyed city delights in Waikiki and Honolulu – now it’s time to escape to Oʻahu’s North Shore. From sunrise yoga salutations and sips of Hawaiian coffee in charming Haleʻiwa to experiencing a sunset at a sacredheiau(ancient stone temple), a day trip to this laid-back surf haven will have you throwing your worries to the wind.
The frenetic energy of city life demands a careful choice of hotel. A great location is a must—the farther you are from the action, the more time you’ll waste traveling. Conversely, if a hotel is too touristy, you might miss the chance to experience local life. Ideally, you want an in-the-know concierge, a room that feels like an oasis, and most importantly, a real sense of place. Fortunately, discerning travelers have shared their views, leading to this selection of 15 exceptional hotels. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the finest hotels, resorts, and more. Hotels are rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, with properties classified as City or Resort according to their amenities.
Monserrate Palace, often overlooked in travel guides about Sintra, Portugal, is an architectural gem. Despite its beauty and historical significance, many visitors tend to skip this location in favor of more prominent landmarks. Interactions with local residents from nearby Cascais confirmed that Monserrate Palace is a must-see. This distinctive site showcases stunning Arabesque architecture, set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
Large or small, rich or poor, every community in Iceland has its own public swimming pool. Here, neighbors catch up, children misbehave, and the local mayor is confronted about his latest decision. Moreover, with naturally heated water and stunning settings across the country, it’s easy to see why a trip to the sundlaug is a delightful experience for visitors to soak up Iceland.
Cruising has made Alaska’s once-impenetrable wilderness accessible to millions. However, to really get a feel for the unforgiving landscapes that made erstwhile gold rush ‘stampeders’ quiver in their boots, you need to get off the ship and stretch your legs a little. Here are a few very Alaskan things to do in some of the classic ports of call that dot the 49th state’s rugged shoreline.
Traveling with your kids can enhance their understanding of diverse people and societies, ultimately expanding the entire family’s cultural horizons on these inspiring trips.
With year-round sunshine, huge sandy beaches, gorgeous scenery, and vibrant world-class cities, the Valencia region can provide everything you desire from a trip to Spain. Additionally, thanks to multiple bus and train connections, it’s easy to explore its two biggest cities – the dynamic namesake capital, Valencia, and the lively beachside town of Alicante – on a single trip.
That award for best weather city? Minneapolis is 100% not winning it, given the long, wind-whipped winters and short-lived summers. However, you won’t catch locals hiding indoors. Instead, they gear up and head outside, where a slew of parks, trails, lakes, and cultural activities beckon no matter the season.