A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
If learning to surf has been on your to-do list for a while, the good news is: it’s never too late. You can pick up this sport at any age. Moreover, now’s the perfect time as surfing continues to grow in popularity, especially with its recent debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
When you think ofPeru, Machu Picchu instantly comes to mind. Or maybe the Sacred Valley or perhaps Rainbow Mountain. These awe-inspiring sites are all worth visiting, no doubt. However, when you need a bit more elbow room and a lot more solitude, a trek through the Ausangate Mountains is a welcomed respite and just as gorgeous.
Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, has shed its country town image for a more cosmopolitan edge, intriguing Aussies and travellers alike. In plain sight, the Queensland capital is blossoming into a destination rife with culture, chic hotels, world-class developments and a ‘one to watch’ foodie scene, commanding serious respect (at last) from its big sister cities Melbourne and Sydney.
There are few better ways into a place’s soul than through its sports teams. Step into the feverish atmosphere of a stadium or arena mid-match, and you’ll find locals who are usually relaxed in a state of agitation or elation, depending on the scoreline. Head to one of these sporting destinations, and you’ll see a side of town impossible to find on the streets.
The concept of treasure hunting has long captivated our collective imagination. Whether it’s Long John Silver unearthing buried chests or Tintin, the world’s favorite traveling teenager, recovering priceless antiques, these adventurous quests invite exploration beyond fiction.
It’s a fact: travel is sexy.Studies have shownthat most people prioritize finding a partner with similar levels of wanderlust, while including a holiday snap in your dating app profile improves your chances of scoring a first date.
Rioisn’t the only city that knows how to celebrate Carnival in style. In the week leading up to Lent, millions of people across Latin America take to the streets for dancing, live music, drinking, and revelry—along with a range of unusual and surprising traditions.
What is it with India and colour? From deity-filled temples to rainbow-hued saris, India’s colours are vivid and supersaturated. However, the palette goes into overdrive once a year for the festival of Holi in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna – falling on 9-10 March in 2020 – when most of the country is drenched in coloured powder.
When it comes to large, wild gatherings, Edinburgh is best known for the Fringe Festival, a month-long revel dedicated to art, music, and drama. However, there is a much older, less-celebrated festival that is equally spectacular: the Beltane Fire Festival.
Upcoming filmFantasy Islandputs a terrifying twist on the hit ‘70s TV series, yet the crystal-clear seas and palm-fringed coastline are sure to inspire holiday plans. If you find yourself wondering ‘is Fantasy Island a real place?’ when you’re not jumping out of your seat, we’ve tracked down some of the stunning locations used in the film (release date 14 February).
The Caribbean is inextricably linked to rum, whether it’s the island of Nevis (considered the birthplace of the modern drink) or the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery (found in Barbados). There’s no shortage of islands to sip on the sugarcane spirit. You can plan your own rum tour while island-hopping or seek out a cruise that showcases top rum distilleries. Here are seven must-visit places to taste and tour the Caribbean’s favorite spirit.
Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna retains an air of grandeur and elegance. Today, its numerous parks and palaces are accessible to the public, featuring chandeliered ballrooms and frescoed corridors that house an incredible breadth of museums. Although it might not seem like an obvious family destination, there are several museums, parks, and gardens that are particularly suitable for families with younger children. Here are the top things to do in Vienna with kids.
For many years, the sight of hot orange lava plunging off cliff sides into the ocean was a significant draw for people to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. After Kilauea erupted in 2018 and effectively drained the park of its ‘biggest’ attraction, many were left wondering if it was still worth a visit.
A beautiful, unassuming peak where hikers prioritize nature over selfies, Mt Takao could well be the perfect complement to the popular Mt Fuji hike and stands as one of Tokyo’s best day trips.Shinto-Buddhist roots run deep on Mt Takao, yet it is the majestic cedar trees that accompany me as I hike toward the summit on a crisp winter morning.I am climbing the 599m peak not simply for the elevation, but for the serene beauty it offers. Taking a swift 50-minute train ride from Japan’s capital Tokyo, I find that Mt Takao is free to climb. Although popular with locals, it remains overlooked by tourists drawn to the celebrity of Mt Fuji, resulting in low crowds and low costs. Blessed with tranquil trails, lush forests, and Shinto temples, Takao makes an easy and memorable addition to any Tokyo itinerary without straining budgets.Stone statues at Takao’s base honour the Buddhist god Jizō © Kyle Gillis / GoTravelDailyThe Spirit of TakaoUpon arrival, the first impression of Takao is how it blends into the scenery. Nestled in the Kanto Mountain foothills, the mountain is surrounded by a quaint village filled with soba restaurants and sweet bun stalls.While Takao may not boast the dramatic visuals of Mt Fuji, it compensates with a rich spiritual presence. Statues at the base of the mountain honor Jizō, the Buddhist deity who protects the spirits of deceased children, reminding visitors of the mountain’s ethos: self-reflection over taking selfies.Ten trails weave up Takao, and I begin my journey on Trail 1, the most popular path adorned with kanji-inscribed stones, lantern boxes, and native cryptomeria trees. The trails vary in difficulty, ensuring that casual hikers and experienced trekkers alike can find a suitable route.Okunoin Fudo-do Hall is part of the Yakuo-in Shinto temple complex dating back to the 7th century © Kyle Gillis / GoTravelDailyTrail 1 leads me to Yakuō-in, an impressive Shinto temple established in the 7th century, adorned with red arches and numerous prayer shrines nestled among towering oaks and cedars.Early-morning temple visitors engage in prayers to Tengu, a mountain deity with a complex history. Some stories portray Tengu as a mischievous spirit, while others depict him as the ‘Slayer of Vanity.’ Acknowledging this, I decide to show my respect and dip my hand in thetemizuya(font) of prayer water before bowing to his weathered statue.I then switch to Trail 4, the Suspension Bridge Trail, which presents greater challenges than Trail 1. Crossing the 35m-long Miyama Bridge that spans a forested gorge, I navigate steep grades marked by bulging roots and slippery rocks. Trail 4 could very well be dubbed the Tengu Trail, as it certainly humbles any lingering vanity.The view of Mt Fuji from Mt Takao © Daniel Raps / ShutterstockA Serene SummitOne of my favorite aspects of climbing Takao in the morning is that, within a metropolitan area of 14 million people, you can experience a wonderful natural environment almost in solitude.The few hikers I encounter are older locals who diligently use sticks for walking, choosing contemplation over capturing selfies. They engage in quiet prayers instead of snapping photos. Although afternoon crowds of schoolchildren and local hiking groups will eventually disrupt the tranquility, for now, the mountain is the most serene place in the region.Takao’s summit offers a humble and peaceful experience, exactly as intended by the mountain gods. The peak lacks ostentatious signs or whimsical directional posts; it only offers peace and a spectacular rising sun.As the clouds dissipate on the horizon, Mt Fuji reveals itself, undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful mountains when observed from a distance, with its white snow cap and grand volcanic form. Fuji exudes a sense of parental oversight, almost questioning why one would choose to stand atop a lesser peak.However, my ascent has demonstrated that – relative to its size – the minimalist charm of Takao beautifully complements the bucket-list allure of Mt Fuji. I bow once more and take in the breathtaking sunrise before descending from my tranquil high – or should I say low?
On the first night of the Dientes de Navarino trek in Chilean Patagonia, I lay in my tent with my sleeping bag pulled tightly closed around my face, shivering as the wind mercilessly whips through our campsite, making the sides of the tent flap hard, like a gull in a storm.
The town dump near Pescadero, Baja, Mexico was burning plastic trash, and MacKenzie Campbell was choking on the smoke. As an asthmatic, she decided it was time to take action by inviting local anti-plastic activist Mayra Gutierrez to speak in her community, rallying neighbors to tackle Baja’s plastic use problem.
With over 80 museums and countless galleries, the art scene in New York City can overwhelm even the most passionate aficionado. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses over 2 million ft of exhibits, and most visitors spend a minimum of two hours examining art from Greece to Egypt and beyond. If your time and attention span are a little shorter—or if you simply prefer to admire art with more ambience and less foot traffic—The Beekman hotel features the perfect hidden collection.
London is steeped in musical history and has produced more iconic bands and artists than most cities. Consequently, it’s brimming with an array of impressive music venues. From rising stars in lively rock clubs to classical music in unrivalled concert halls, along with secret basement shows from arena-worthy bands, we’ve rounded up the best venues, old and new, to help you catch the most unforgettable shows in town.
