A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
On our final morning in Berlin, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to visit a place we had missed out on during our previous trip: Charlottenburg Palace; and to also finally explore the Berlin Cathedral.
Morocco is one of the most unforgettable destinations I’ve experienced, with Marrakesh standing out as especially captivating. The allure of Marrakesh is difficult to pinpoint — it might be the raw charm of the place, the Arabic heritage, or the vibrant energy of the locals. The beautiful colors of the city and the unique shopping experience, along with the significant temperature changes from day to night, create a memorable adventure.
The greatest numbers of visitors to Georgia arrive in July and August, the ideal months for hiking in the spectacular mountains along its northern fringe and for relaxing along its warm Black Sea coast. However, this small South Caucasus nation, about half the size of England and located at a similar latitude to Rome and Barcelona, offers myriad reasons to visit at any time of year.
Castles, cathedrals, grand stately homes, and quiet country lanes are what many visitors look forward to seeing on any trip to England. One hidden corner of the country, centered on the beautiful cathedral city of Lincoln, offers all these quintessentially English trademarks but with fewer visitors than you’ll get at more famous locations.
After enjoying Sofia’s eclectic cultural scene, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife, many travelers head straight to Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast resorts. However, exploring closer to the capital offers an authentic glimpse into the country’s spirit, prominently visible in provincial towns and scenic villages. Marvel at unique historic sites, soul-stirring mountains, and natural hot springs, all within a day’s trip from Sofia.
It should come as no surprise that Antwerp’s cultural cred punches above its ‘second capital’ status. Back in the 16th century, it was one of the world’s greatest and richest cities where merchants, diplomats, sailors, and artisans mixed and mingled. Today, this multicultural city is as open and fluid as ever. Its mix of beautiful Baroque townhouses, Jugenstil districts, and regenerated industrial areas provide a moody and evocative backdrop to a flourishing creative milieu, contemporary art, fashion, and music scene.
Antwerp has been the centre of the diamond trade since the 16th century and today boasts a multi-billion euro industry, with approximately 85 percent of the world’s rough diamonds passing through its streets. The mercantile city has also thrived on the cloth business historically, and since the rise of the Antwerp Six designers in the 80s, it has established itself as a global fashion powerhouse. This vibrant city features picturesque streets filled with some of the best designer and high-end vintage shopping experiences in Europe, combined with an array of edgy and glamorous places to see and be seen.
Austin is one of the most exciting cities in the US – a proverbial incubator of creativity and youthful exuberance, a hotbed for start-ups, a musical and artistic epicenter, and home to the world-renowned South by Southwest festival (SXSW).
To experience the real Dominica is to rub sweat from your brow, to have your favorite pair of hiking boots caked in mud, and to thoroughly understand how a cool breeze and a few drops of rain can make an impossible hike suddenly bearable.
The culinary landscape of Busan – South Korea’s second city – is marked by lively markets, iconic street food, and local variations of Korean fare. Thanks to its oceanside location, the seafood is second-to-none.
Among Kazakhstan’s endless grasslands on the windswept northern steppes, the forward-looking modern city of Astana has sprouted. With a skyline punctuated by gleaming new skyscrapers that seem to defy the laws of physics, the capital is an eye-catching showcase of international, 21st-century architecture and a glimpse into a city of the future.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the depressed agricultural town of Tselinograd was completely revamped and renamed Astana when President Nazarbayev unexpectedly named it Kazakhstan’s future capital in 1994. The transformation from small town to world-class capital has continued since Astana officially took on the job title in late 1997 and was renamed from Akmola to Astana in 1998.
Tropical southern Taiwan is a land of turquoise waters and rocky coasts, night markets and beach bars, succulent seafood and fresh produce. As one of Southeast Asia’s unsung beach destinations, savvy regional travellers have been quietly arriving to relax in laid-back coastal towns and explore lush tropical parks.
The final twist of the towering walls of the Siq canyon brings the iconic image of Petra: the stunning Treasury in sudden view. This well-trodden trail, which breezes past the Street of Facades and onward to the Monastery, makes for a great introduction to one of the Middle East’s most-visited sights. However, if you dig a little deeper, the din of those half a million annual visitors will start to fade, and the real Indiana Jones experience can begin.
Cali may not be as scenic as Medellín or cosmopolitan as Bogotá, but the vibrant attitude of the localcaleñosis enough to win you over. Moreover, as a society built upon the blending of indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions, diversity and open-mindedness form the base of thecaleñoculture.
If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action, look no further than Bolivia. Its epic landscapes are giant outdoor playgrounds for thrill seekers, from climbing up glaciers to rappelling down waterfalls and cycling along one of the world’s most notorious roads. Here are ten adventures to take you out of your comfort zone and get your heart racing.
Chiang Mai has been heralded as an arty and mellow alternative to Bangkok for decades, and its popularity continues to grow. University students, locals, and travelers of every ilk mingle in this buzzing city, where its artistic past shines through in gilded temples, and its hipster present can be found in modern galleries and coffee shops. Known for its renowned artisans and craftsmen, Chiang Mai earned UNESCO Creative City designation in 2017.
There is no denying that Nagasaki’s intense and turbulent history has forever marked it as a distinct destination. However, this vibrant city today presents an opportunity to learn not only about its painful past but also to embrace its diverse charm and modern energy, which looks toward the future.
From ancient Athens to sun-soaked Santorini, Greece remains a cherished dream destination for many travelers. However, the country’s rising popularity could lead to overtourism challenges, with record tourist numbers anticipated in 2018.
Hygge(pronounced ‘hougga’) is a Danish concept encapsulating comfort and conviviality that transcends seasons. While many associate hygge with winter comforts like soft blankets and candles, Copenhagen embodies this form of contentment year-round. This vibrant city is characterized by ergonomic design and a lifestyle focused on life’s little pleasures. Enjoy quality time, charming locations, and delightful experiences in Denmark’s capital, particularly during the summer months.
In Patagonia, it’s the silence that captures your attention first, followed by the breathtaking landscapes – snow-dusted mountains resembling dollops of whipped cream, shimmering lakes, and aquamarine icebergs floating past giant, jagged glaciers that crash and calve into the milky blue water below.
