House Of Travel

21/12/2021

The nightlife-rich capital city is often compared to Berlin in the ’90s, but its cool-kid persona is getting a luxe upgrade in 2022 with the opening of a St. Regis. The hotel will be set within a 42-floor tower that will be the tallest skyscraper in the Balkans outside of Istanbul and will anchor the new $3 billion Belgrade Waterfront urban revitalization district, a collection of gleaming high-rises and green spaces.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad, has been named one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2022, marking one of the first non-E.U. cities to receive the honor. A progressive hub of music, art, and literature set along the Danube River, Novi Sad has opened several new venues in preparation for its close-up: a former pasta factory, a silk-dyeing facility, and an 1890s château have been transformed into contemporary art galleries and performance spaces that will host events and exhibitions throughout the year.

21/12/2021

Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia 30 years ago, many of its constituent nations (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro) have emerged as major tourism hubs. Yet Serbia has taken a backseat—until now. Belgrade has earned a reputation as a culinary destination, and the Michelin Guide will soon bestow stars on the city, celebrating its East-meets-West cuisine which draws liberally from neighboring Greek, Turkish, and Central European influences. Standout restaurants include Langouste, run by chef Guillaume Iskandar, whose work at Paris’s Garance earned the place a Michelin star. And the opulent Salon 1905 (pictured) serves a tasting menu with Serbian wine pairings that proves domestic truffles, cheeses, and charcuterie can hold their own against Europe’s best.

20/12/2021

We’ve taken great care in selecting places to suit all travel appetites, taking our cue from those in the know – the surfers, the food-truck vendors and the museum curators. On the list you’ll find destinations varied in character and geography, from north-east Australia to the very best places to visit in Europe. Evergreen spots such as Edinburgh and Thailand will be singing louder than ever, while others – Jersey and New Orleans – are shining a light on their own untold histories.

20/12/2021

As the green shoots of travel turn to tall, towering oaks, 2022 is a chance for us to reconnect to the best holiday destinations in a deeper, more authentic way. We’ll be reminded often of why we travel; those sparks of curiosity and adventure will be fanned to roaring flames, and as travel steadily finds its way back into our lives, we’ll appreciate every moment that comes with it – every hidden street-food shack, every quiet beach gilded by the low sun, every slow and magnificent swoop of a train journey.

Which is why this year, our list of top holiday destinations is perhaps more important than ever.

15/12/2021

The remnants of Moroccan power can still be discovered on a road trip through the Ounila Valley. The decaying homes of Telouet Kasbah and Tamdaght Kasbah show just how prosperous the caravan route was to this part of the country.

Carving its way from the high Atlas Mountains to the barren plains just north of the Sahara Desert, the Ounila river has transformed the landscape. A rich variety of green crops line the valley floor, contrasting with the rusty red rock of the canyon-like walls.

15/12/2021

Aït Benhaddou is a fortified town on the banks of the Ounila River. Built from local mud bricks, it’s one of the best places in Morocco for a thoroughly captivating sunset.

Having been partially rebuilt as a set for iconic films such as Gladiator, Jewel in the Nile and Jesus of Nazareth, it’s not an authentic look at rural Morocco life. But exploring in the late afternoon is an experience worth grabbing.

15/12/2021

Life in Marrakech is lived on the street. Narrow alleyways are lined with endless rows of stallholders selling handmade lanterns, colourful embroidered fabric and tacky tourist souvenirs.

Just strolling around the central souks in the heart of the medina is an experience worth savouring. Our highlights were the edgy jewellery in Souk des Bijoutiers, craftsmen hammering out metal pots in Souk Haddadine, wool dying in Souk des Teinturiers and leather in Souk Cherratine. Read about them all in our favourite things to do in Marrakech.

15/12/2021

The Fez medina is a maze of alleyways bursting in sensory overload. An exotic labyrinth where ancient traditions captivate modern tourists. The call to prayer floats over the clatter of metalworkers bashing pots, tanners beating leather, and donkeys trotting down cobbled lanes. Intricately carved mosques and medersas gleam against the dust and grit of a well-used city.

15/12/2021

The medina of Essaouira oozes charm and buzzes with energy. Local markets favour a traditional way of life and the Game of Thrones-famous port sings to the hubbub of fishermen hauling in the morning’s catch.

And yet beneath the energy, a chilled vibe spreads throughout the small town. Art galleries hide down narrow side streets and cafes line shaded pavements.

15/12/2021