Global Explore (2024)

18/03/2022

Algarve, Portugal

Before you dismiss the Algarve – look between the tourist resorts and there is a quieter, more peaceful side to this coast. Not to mention some of the most fantastic beaches in Europe. In May the weather's hotting up but it's not yet too busy. Stay at the wonderful Bela Vista Hotel with an amazing spa on Praia da Rocha; and explore the secluded town of Castro Marim. Yes, the area is synonymous with beach holidays – but venture off the beaten track for quiet hillside retreats set in olive groves, such as Casa Arte, or Fazenda Nova, a quaint country house.

18/03/2022

Istanbul, Turkey

Before Turkey's blazing summer heat sets in, head to Istanbul for an easy and accessible city break from the UK. The city is a glorious mish-mash of European and Asian culture – buzzing bazaars filled with keen-to-haggle hawkers selling trinkets sit next to contemporary art galleries. Sunrise calls to prayer from glittering mosques intertwine with the sound of electronic music from boat nightclubs floating on the Bosphorus. There are countless palatial hotels to stay in; or consider Soho House's Istanbul outpost, a little haven in this electrifying city.

18/03/2022

Tel Aviv, Israel

A beach holiday and city break – Tel Aviv has the best of both worlds. Its outdoor-loving locals come alive in May, when everything spills outdoors and beautiful young people hit the beaches and restaurant terraces for the most superlative food and lively arts and social scenes. Those seeking history and culture should head to Jaffa, the old part of the city where hip boutiques are springing up in its ancient stone walls.

18/03/2022

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

Think of the Greek Islands and think of whitewashed stone villages illuminated against the blue Aegean, ancient ruins and tiny little fishing villages. The Dodecanese islands, a chain of 12 larger islands (Rhodes is the best known of them) and lots of little ones, are all these clichés and more. For a real taste of Greek life, the volcanic island of Nisyros is wonderfully welcoming and a haven for artists. Symi, half an hour from the Turkish coast, has Michelin stars and is glamorously old school, Kastellorizo inspired the likes of Pink Floyd and Patmos has incredible Byzantine architecture, or if you can't settle on one, go island hopping on the Calypso.

07/03/2022

Famous for its traditional fairs and markets (including a fantastic Christmas Market), Leipzig is well worth including on your Germany travel itinerary. Located amid picturesque scenery in the Saxon Lowlands at the junction of the Weisse Elster and the Pleisse rivers and an easy hour-long train ride from Berlin, Leipzig has long been an important center for trade and commerce, which in turn led to its rise as one of the country's leading centers of art, culture, and education.

07/03/2022

Thanks to its location just a few miles away from Germany's border with the Czech Republic, the historic city of Dresden makes a great base from which to explore not just the eastern part the country, but also Eastern Europe, too. Situated in a low-lying area of the upper Elbe valley, the city was first populated for its fertile lands, beautiful setting, moderate climate, and its access to important European trade routes.

07/03/2022

Those wishing to experience the wonderful hospitality of Germany's northernmost populace would do well to consider visiting the city of Hamburg. The country's second largest city is set on the estuary of the River Elbe, a short distance from the North Sea, a location that has ensured its importance as the country's most important port.

07/03/2022

Frankfurt has long been one of Germany's most important cities. For centuries an independent city state, the many old buildings and world-class attractions and fun things to do here make this historic former imperial city a great place to spend a weekend break, or even longer if you're looking for a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

07/03/2022

The attractive medieval Old Town area of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) today stands testament not just to the rich cultural traditions that have shaped Germany, but also to the country's modern ingenuity. After near total devastation during WW2, the vast majority of the city's famous medieval architecture previously untouched for centuries required rebuilding.

07/03/2022

The delightful town of Baden-Baden is well-known as Germany's spa capital. Thanks to its mild climate and hot springs, this charming town in the heart of the popular Black Forest tourist region has for centuries been the go-to destination for the rich and royalty seeking authentic (and therapeutic) spa town experiences. Nowadays, a visit to what is still regarded as one of the must-visit places to go in Germany is thankfully attainable for all, and every effort should be made by travelers to the country to spend at least a day exploring Baden-Baden.

07/03/2022

If you do partake in one of the increasingly popular week-long river cruises down the Rhine, you will at some point find yourself docked in the beautiful city of Koblenz. However you arrive, though, be sure to make your first stop the magnificent Deutsches Eck, or German Corner. It's here you'll witness one of the most incredible natural phenomena in the country the meeting of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, overlooked by the huge Memorial to German Unity, an impressive equestrian statue of King Wilhelm I.

07/03/2022

Cologne is another of those wonderful old German cities that has managed to preserve its past for modern generations to enjoy. Originally settled by the Romans, Cologne was for centuries an important religious center and a place of pilgrimage. These days, the best places for visitors to go in Cologne are located in and around the Old Town, home to 12 classic old churches, including the famous Cologne Cathedral. Expect to spend hours exploring this magnificent structure and the surrounding former merchant homes, many of them now bustling with modern trade, including art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés.

07/03/2022

If there's a single travel destination in Germany that encapsulates all that's wonderful about this amazing country, it's the old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Located in the heart of beautiful Bavaria and an easy drive from some major cities such as Frankfurt, Rothenburg, as it's most often called, boasts superb photo opportunities everywhere you look.

07/03/2022

The capital of the state of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, Munich owes much of its popularity as a tourism destination to its location on the outer edge of the beautiful Bavarian Alps. Although not one of Germany's oldest cities its roots can be traced back to a settlement of monks pre dating its official founding in 1158 Munich has played a major role in shaping the country's cultural and political make up.

07/03/2022

If you're only ever able to make a single trip to Germany, you'll want to spend at least a few days in Berlin. The country's capital is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in Europe, as popular for its superb dining experiences as it is for its shopping and entertainment.

04/03/2022

Key West, Florida
In Key West there’s no ball drop for New Year’s Eve: Instead, a drag queen is lowered from the balcony of the Bourbon St. Pub in a giant red high-heel shoe—and that’s all you need to know about how fun and inclusive this city is. The offbeat municipality has proclaimed itself a micro-nation called the Conch Republic, where people seize the day by hitting the high seas, beer in hand, or chowing down on signature seafood dishes at seemingly endless happy hours. The best part: Locals welcome any guests to partake in all the festivities with open arms.

04/03/2022

St. Lucia
The winter doldrums may be gone by the time April rolls around, but that doesn’t make the thought of a tropical escape any less appealing—especially one in the Caribbean. There are places in the region to suit every type of traveler, but we generally love St. Lucia this time of year. Not only does the island welcome perfect weather in April (i.e. warm and dry), but it also sees a dip in tourist numbers between the winter and summer holidays.

04/03/2022

Carlsbad, California
Every year from March to May, ranunculus flowers take over 50 acres of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, with peak bloom occurring in April. This year, the sleepy surf city is launching a new visitor program called “Pedal 2 Petal,” a sort of scavenger hunt that provides cyclists with a list of floral-themed specials at local attractions—think flowery cocktails at bars, lavender scrubs at spas, and ranunculus shortbread cookies at bakeries.

When you’re not busy filling your body (and Instagram feed) with florals, rest up in peak luxury at the Park Hyatt Aviara, a Hot List and Readers’ Choice Award winner. The 200-acre coastal resort attracts visitors with an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, and both family-friendly and adults-only pool areas. The 327 spacious guest rooms recently underwent a massive redesign (book a coastal view room for balconies overlooking the Pacific), and the new Ember & Rye restaurant is already the hottest spot in town for steak and seafood.

01/03/2022

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
About a three-hour drive north of Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama, this salt lake in the shadow of the Andes is known for its blood-red waters—the result of algae that thrive in extreme heat. Flamingos (and the lake) look their best from December to April: the lake is full of water, making it more reflective for photos, and the birds are breeding. Be sure to try and catch the lake at sunset, when it’s at its reddest.

01/03/2022

Banff National Park, Canada
Easily one of the most beautiful spots in Canada, Banff National Park overwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies and a regular cast of wildlife. The park is also known for its abundance of beautiful lakes, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and glacial Lake Minnewanka—each more pristine than the last.

01/03/2022

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Separated from continental Africa by 250 miles of water, Madagascar is the greatest adventure to add to your list. The island nation's secrets include giant moths, bug-eyed lemurs, and places like the surreal Avenue of the Baobabs, where the centuries-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.

22/02/2022

It might take nearly a full day of travel to reach Cape Town, but the city's sweeping vistas from Table Mountain and miles of beaches are totally worth the long haul.

22/02/2022

Legend has is that after St. Basil's Cathedral was completed in the 16th century, Ivan the Terrible had the architect blinded to prevent him from creating anything as stunning ever again.

22/02/2022

This remote volcanic archipelago located about 200 miles off Brazil's coast is famous for pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters filled with sea turtles and dolphins.

22/02/2022

Situated on a series of hills over the Tagus River, Portugal's scenic capital is brimming with magnificent views, pastel-colored buildings and charming yellow streetcars.

22/02/2022

Before you can swim in these beautiful blue green waters located near Grand Canyon National Park, you have to hike ten miles to get there. Trust us, it's totally worth the trek.

Global Explore

18/03/2022

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