A Corner To Discover (2024)

28/03/2022

Essaouira, Morocco

A couple of hours’ drive to the coast from Marrakech brings you to the cute seaside town of Essaouira, painted every shade of blue. Its Atlantic breakers and wide sandy stretches lure surfers and its bohemian vibe bring hippies. Plus, now its collection of cool galleries, boutiques and chic little places to stay and eat makes it a destination in its own right, whether for an early spring beach break or a Moroccan escape a little off the well-worn path.

28/03/2022

Cayman Islands

At last, there’s a compelling reason to choose this archipelago over other Caribbean islands. Palm Heights is the Caymans’ first smart all-suite boutique hotel, and something entirely different for the Caribbean. Design is 1970s retro-Tropicana – bold in orange, tan and sunshine yellow, with an eclectic mix of vintage classic furniture and contemporary art. There’s a huge wellness centre with visiting athletes, superb restaurants headed up by New York chefs, and a diverse crowd of islanders as well as guests. The location is one of the best in the Caribbean, on icing-sugar Seven Mile Beach. March is the best month to go to the Cayman Islands – for weather, for watersports, and lower rates and fewer tourists between school holidays.

25/03/2022

The dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains can be appreciated in many areas of North America, but in Colorado, the climate and small mountain towns make this one of the best places to visit the Rockies. Waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, more than 50 of which reach a height of 14,000 feet or more, make this a beautiful area for sightseeing and appreciating mountain life.

25/03/2022

While the Grand Canyon is on most international travelers' itineraries, Yosemite is a national treasure that should not be missed. Yosemite Valley is home to some of America's most famous landscapes and iconic natural attractions, from the dramatic waterfalls to the soaring cliff walls of El Capitan and Half Dome.

25/03/2022

Located along the Eastern Seaboard, Boston is a city of history. The famous Freedom Trail leads past some of the city's most famous and historic sites, making sightseeing and navigating through the city extremely easy.

25/02/2022

Sitting atop a hill across the river from the center of the city, Prague Castle casts an imposing aura over its surroundings. The castle is an incredible collection of buildings constructed from the 9th to 14th century. Stroll over the ornate 14th century Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River and head up the hill to wander the narrow, twisty streets in the castle complex. The castle is one of the largest in the world, and around almost every corner is a historical building, church, or open square.

25/02/2022

Like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, in Beijing is one of the top places to visit in China. The sprawling complex dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is a spectacular example of historical China. Over the centuries, the palace has housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors. Inside the city, the Palace Museum holds over 340,000 artifacts showcasing the treasures of China's dynasties. In front of the Forbidden City is the massive Tiananmen square.

25/02/2022

If there is one museum in the whole world that you absolutely must see in your life, it's the Louvre. Even if you are not a fan of museums, this one is worth the trip to Paris to see. Although most people know it as the home to the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, this is just one of the reasons to visit the Louvre.

22/02/2022

Paris has it all — incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks and centuries of history. Those are just some of the reasons it’s the second best place to visit in the world, according to U.S. News.

Though you’ll want to spend your time hitting up popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also carve out time to explore other parts of Paris — the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods, called arrondissements, for instance. Standouts include the 2nd arrondissement, which touts covered passages and some of the city’s hippest restaurants, and the romantic 18th arrondissement, with charming squares, cafes and bars, set apart from the city’s more tourist-packed areas.

Hot tip: Yes, summer in Paris is busy, but the weather is also ideal — average highs are in the 70s.

Fun fact: Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be temporary, and was almost torn down in 1909. Luckily, local officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station, preserving the future tourist icon for generations to come.

22/02/2022

Though Rome’s historic significance cannot be overstated, don’t assume that this Italian city is stuck in the past. On the contrary, you’ll find posh storefronts and luxurious hotels not far from iconic structures like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD).

And then, of course, there’s the city’s art. Stroll through Rome, and you’ll stumble upon some of the greatest treasures the world has ever seen — an astonishing collection of frescoes, paintings, ceilings and fountains created by icons like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

After all that exploration, take advantage of ample opportunities to eat and drink, including at several Michelin-starred restaurants. City staples include suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella and ragu meat sauce) and cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple mix of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano and fresh black pepper).

Hot tip: Tourists congregate here in the summer, when temperatures are also sweltering. Go instead between October and April, when there are thinner crowds, better rates and cooler temps. Just make sure to bring a light jacket.

Fun fact: Each year, travelers throw about $1.5 million worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain. The money is donated to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports charities focused on health, disaster relief, poverty and migration.

22/02/2022

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that feels luxurious but won’t break the bank, start searching for flights to Phuket now.

This island in southern Thailand, which is just an hour flight from Bangkok, is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so white sandy beaches abound. If a stunning sunset is what you’re after, head to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on the island and a popular spot for photo-ops. For views of the island and beyond, climb to the top of the massive alabaster statue called Big Buddha.

You can even learn something during your vacation by visiting the Soi Dog Foundation, an innovative animal shelter that’s fighting the meat trade and taking care of the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area.

Hot tip: Visit between November and April for the best weather — and ideal conditions for beach activities like swimming and boating.

Fun fact: The island is not pronounced in the rather colorful way it appears to be. The correct way to say it is “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”

22/02/2022

You can look at picture after picture, but you still really need to visit the Maldives to believe its beauty. If rich sunsets, flour-like beaches and vibrant blue waters are your style, this is the destination for you.

Though it’s somewhat difficult to get to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka, that also means it’s incredibly private and secluded, which makes it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic beach getaway.

And don’t worry about getting bored, either — explore the water by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.

Hot tip: May to October is the island-nation’s rainy season — but that also means it’s the best time to go for fewer crowds and better rates.

Fun fact: In 1153 AD, the nation’s people converted to Islam. Today, the Maldives remains the most heavily Muslim country on earth.

22/02/2022

Some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery and vistas are located in Banff, the tiny Canadian town located at 4,537 feet above sea level inside the national park by the same name. Banff is the highest town in Canada, and Banff National Park was Canada’s first, established in 1885.

Shred some powder at Banff’s three ski resorts in the winter, then come back in the summer for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and scrambling (scaling steep terrain using nothing but your hands).

Hot tip: June to August and December to March are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities.

Fun fact: Banff National Park has more than 1,000 glaciers.

18/02/2022

The long stretch of white sand and dunes at Orange Beach make it easy to find your own little nook, but when you want to stretch your legs, hop on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a 15 mile route that passes through several ecosystems, including those that house otters and alligators.

18/02/2022

Siesta Key's namesake beach lives up to the hype the long stretch entices thousands of visitors with its white quartz sand and warm, shallow waters. Plus, the area's year round mild weather means that your beach vacation doesn't necessarily have to happen in the summer. And don't be afraid to go for a dip, as lifeguards look over the beach throughout the year, making it safe and fun for the whole family.

18/02/2022

There's a little something for everyone on this island, which is known for being the "longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world." In addition to lounging on pristine beaches, you can get out on the water via kayak, try windsurfing, or walk along the wide shoreline. Those looking for more can swing by the visitor center to see if there's a sea turtle hatchling release taking place usually mid June through August.

18/02/2022

Biloxi gets all the press, but if you have your heart set on a clean, pristine stretch of sand and clear waters, head to Bay St. Louis. The seaside city takes a lot of pride in the cleanliness of its stretch of the Gulf Coast, providing visitors with a welcoming, relaxing experience. Once you've had your fill of white sand, make your way through the galleries and antique stores downtown, or swing by a restaurant and order the catch of the day, the area is known for its excellent fishing.

18/02/2022

Golden sand and striking limestone cliffs are calling cards for beaches in Portugal's southern Algarve region. Picking the most beautiful is like splitting hairs, but special honors go to Praia de Marinha for its rustic, end of the world appeal and lack of commercial build up. Other quintessential Algarve must-visit beaches include Praia dos Três Irmãos, Praia de Benagil, Praia da Falésia, and the super sheltered Carvalho Beach.

16/02/2022

Thailand’s largest island is an international magnet for beach lovers and serious divers, who enthusiastically submerge themselves in the Andaman Sea. Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal. Watersports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve had enough sun there’s still plenty to explore at the island’s aquariums, gardens, and Buddhist temples.

16/02/2022

Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.

16/02/2022

The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.

16/02/2022

Tribal Terenife still shows influence from the aboriginal Gaunches people. Visitors clamber to conquer Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) and to stretch out on the sands of Los Gigantes. Squawk hello to the playful parrots of Loro Park, or brave the petrifying drive to beautiful Masca Valley. For a true taste of Terenife, sample fresh farmhouse cheese and local bananas. A piece of delicate calado canario lace makes a special souvenir.

16/02/2022

The “Red City” of Marrakesh is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. Find inner peace at the serene Jardin Majorelle or take in the beauty of one of the city’s historic mosques (taking note that, unless you are Muslim, you are not allowed to enter).

10/02/2022

Located in southern Thailand, Phuket offers something for everyone, especially budget minded travelers. Activities like spa treatments and boat tours come with low price tags, as do accommodations. For stunning scenery, check out the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and lounge on Phuket's gorgeous white sand beaches (Freedom Beach and Bangtao Beach are two visitor favorites). Other must sees include Wat Chalong Temple and the Big Buddha. Once the sun sets, take part in the island's lively nightlife scene.

10/02/2022

When you visit the Eternal City, prepare to cross a few must-see attractions including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon off of your bucket list. Additional treasures, such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, can be found in nearby Vatican City. Escape the tourist crowds by taking a twilight stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, or head to Mercato Centrale Roma to sample local delicacies like gelato and pizza. Before leaving, peruse some of Rome's lesser-known museums, art galleries and boutiques.

10/02/2022

London is a world unto itself. The eclectic neighborhoods, which are home to a blend of historical landmarks and modern day attractions, can keep you occupied for days. If it's your first time in London, plan to visit the Tower of London, Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace or the British Museum before sitting down to a classic afternoon tea. The best time to travel to London is during the warmer months, but be warned that this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.

10/02/2022

Travel to this island – the largest in French Polynesia if you've been dreaming of a vacation spent lazing in a lavish overwater bungalow. Beyond the posh resorts, Tahiti boasts black sand beaches, a bustling capital and prime snorkeling and surfing conditions. If you're looking for more cultural experiences, check out some of the island's ancient temples or shop at its traditional covered markets. To save money, opt to stay in a vacation rental.

10/02/2022

Whether you're driving along the Road to Hana, enjoying a bird's eye view of the lush coastline from a helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles or simply relaxing on the Hawaiian island's honey- or black colored beaches, you'll find that Maui is unlike any other tropical destination. Don't miss a chance to visit Haleakala National Park, which is home to the world's largest dormant volcano. You should also attend a luau for a dose of local culture and a taste of Hawaiian specialties like poi, poke and mahimahi.

09/02/2022

Although replete with the kind of fecund scenery that inspires poets, painters and natural history filmmakers, central Tanzania is often overlooked by tourists, who flock instead to the country’s much-touted Big Five safari hotspots. But as the way we travel is evolving – encouraging us to pause for breath in those ‘in betweeny’ spots – this previously underrated area is finally getting its time in the sun.

There are high hopes, in particular, for a change in the way that we safari. Instead of simply pinging around in small planes between various elephant-pummelled airstrips, there’s hope that we might choose to take more considered overground journeys between camps, bringing focus and much-needed tourism to these oft-deserted areas.

In Tanzania’s Uluguru Nature Forest reserve – where the climate is so humid and land so isolated it has resulted in an eruption of diverse and endemic species – money has been funnelled into boosting tourism as well as ensuring sustainable farming practices. Local authorities have been working alongside traditional beekeepers to promote safer methods of harvesting, while wildfires have been drastically reduced and visitor numbers are on the up due to much-needed improvements to the roads.

In the south-central Udzungwa Mountains National Park, you’ll find the second-largest biodiversity of any national park in Africa (earning it the tantalising nickname ‘the African Galapagos’). The mountain range here is the most extensive in Tanzania, formed at least 100 million years ago by ancient crystalline rocks that were gradually uplifted through fault lines. ‘Old man’ colobus monkeys and Sanje crested mangabeys swing on stringy limbs through the trees, and the park sustains over 400 bird species, including four that appear nowhere else on the planet, making this overlooked prospect a true nature-lover’s utopia.

09/02/2022

For decades, Siquijor has remained largely untouched by outside influence, thanks, in no small part, to its persistently spooky reputation. Whispered about as ‘The Island of Witches’ (witches being a firmly European concept thrust upon locals when the Spaniards settled in the 16th century), Siquijor is known for its ‘wise people’ and healers who source materials from the land to create their mysterious concoctions.

But a slow glug of curious travellers are making their way to this petite island, coaxed in by its pristine rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and thick jungle bloated with fruit bats. The island can be easily circumnavigated by bicycle, and you’ll find plenty of snorkel spots at which to cool down among the corals. There’s little by way of hotel development, but the options that do exist – most notably Coco Grove Beach Resort and some sound glamping and treehouse operations – are unfussy and comfortable. As a result, the island is rarely busy, although you might bump into a few blow-ins at Cambugahay Falls, taking long-exposure shots of the rapids.

Intriguingly, Siquijor’s mystic traditions are still very much alive and well. A Folk Healing Festival is held once a year during Holy Week, celebrating the island’s heady blend of Christianity, shamanism and other ancient practices. Healers, known locally as mananambal, gather at the sacred foot of Mount Bandilaan to proffer potions and tinctures made with ingredients gathered from Siquijor’s mountains, forests and seas. It’s a beguiling experience and reason enough to make the trip to this small but mighty island.

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