Destination Station (2024)

15/03/2022

Quebec, Canada

Summer is when Québécois finally feel safe to take off their thermals, having survived another winter of -40°C temperatures by the sheer, warming heft of poutine. And what a world they liberate their legs into. Festival-mad Montreal is warming well into the 20s and comes alive with outdoor amusements: Sunday dance parties at Electronik Picnic in leafy Parc Jean-Drapeau; and June’s annual Mural Festival, celebrating Montreal street art. Others may heed the call of the wild coasts of the Gaspé Peninsula, where heavily scented pine forests sweep across impossible promontories. Imagine a more rugged Maine, dotted with oh-so-French gîtes.

15/03/2022

Corsica

Imagine a Mediterranean island soaked in Italy’s summer sun, only it’s eluded the season’s legions of solar-seekers. Actually, don’t imagine it – see it for yourself, on Corsica. A region of France anchored off the western coast of Italy, it is a tale of two islands: ritzy Porto-Vecchio’s superyachts and designer shops dominate the south, while isolated bays, hilltop stone towns and a growing crop of quiet, designer villas define the north. Flights from Britain have long been stubbornly ill-timed; this May, however, Air Corsica launches the most frequent service yet between the island and London, leaving twice-weekly from Stansted. Better to wait until June, though. It's just before the crowds and still clocks in the second-highest sunshine hours of the year behind busy July – at a not-too-terrible 11.

15/03/2022

Andaman Islands

Where do you go for a castaway-in-paradise fix with all the good looks and deluxe touches of the Maldives, but none of the other guests? A savvy few have been whispering about the Andaman Islands – a far-flung archipelago of white-sand beaches and tangled mangroves in the Indian Ocean, 150km off Indonesia – for a while. But, at last, the luxury hotels have caught up. First came eight-suite, teak-chic Jalakara, on Havelock Island, all private tropical splendour in a hilltop plantation. And now, brand-new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa beckons with its 72 glass-and-timber villas, also on Havelock – or, more precisely, Radhanagar Beach, said to be one of the most beautiful in Asia. Nip in just before heavy monsoon rains hit at the end of June – there will be none of the high-season people, so you can go full Alex Garland.

10/03/2022

Cape Verde
Known as Africa's answer to the Galápagos Islands, richly diverse Cape Verde is good for a guaranteed hit of sunshine located in The Atlantic. The dramatic interior hides volcanic hot springs and arid deserts, while the beaches, with their azure seas and white sands, are more befitting of the Caribbean. With this abundance of natural resources and a dash of African charm and culture, Cape Verde's potential is finally being recognised.

10/03/2022

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.

10/03/2022

Vancouver Island
In amongst the knotted tangle of Vancouver Island's evergreen forest, it's easy to forget that this is supposedly the most populated island in North America. Mother Nature is still queen, with bears (grizzly and black) roaming the interior and excellent whale-watching off the coast. Even if you're not barmy about wildlife, this island is one big playground. Daredevils can throw themselves down whitewater rapids, paraglide from peaks or snorkel and dive the sea. There's a more chilled-out side too; the surfer town of Tofino is quickly becoming the best place for food, while glamping takes on new heights at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort.

10/03/2022

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.

08/03/2022

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.

08/03/2022

Watching these two mighty rivers meet is a sight to behold. If you time it right, you can even enjoy a summer evening classical music concert at the same time. Great views of the German Corner and the two rivers can also be enjoyed by taking the Koblenz cable car up to spectacular Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

08/03/2022

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.

08/03/2022

Located high above the River Tauber, Rothenburg escaped the ravages of war that devastated so many other old medieval towns and cities, and as such has retained the majority of its many authentic medieval buildings in their original form. As a result, stunning old structures such as the 13th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, remain much as they would have been over the centuries. Equally well-preserved structures include the magnificent Imperial City Museum, set in an old convent, and the historic Castle Gardens, which remain pretty much unchanged since being established in the 17th century.

08/03/2022

The city's rapid growth saw it develop into an important center for arts and trade, as well as a religious center. These days, in fact, no visitor can fail to notice the city's many surviving churches, including Peterskirche, the old inner-city church built during the 1300s, the iconic cathedral, the Frauenkirche (also the city's most recognized building), and the large Renaissance-era Michaels kirche.

08/03/2022

Berlin is also considered one of Europe's top cultural destinations, home to numerous excellent art galleries and museums just waiting to be explored. Some of the best of which are located on Museum Island, a must-see destination that alone can take days to explore.

03/03/2022

Stunning Persian Gulf views, heart-pumping activities and historical landmarks await you in Dubai. This Middle Eastern city is filled with some of the world's most notable and unique attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and indoor Ski Dubai. But the city still holds onto its heritage, as seen in the Bastakiya Quarter and the traditional Gold and Spice souks. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to a sandy shore like Jumeirah Beach, Sunset Beach or Al Mamzar Beach Park.

03/03/2022

Year after year, millions of visitors travel to California's Yosemite National Park to stand in awe of natural wonders like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Take in the panoramic views from the Glacier Point and Tunnel View overlooks. Hit the hiking trails early in the day to avoid crowds looking for the perfect photo-op. If you're eager to learn more about the park, visit educational centers like the Yosemite Museum and the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee. To save money, skip the hotel and camp out for the full experience (just be sure to book your spot well in advance).

03/03/2022

A visit to this national park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming is considered by many to be a rite of passage for Americans, and it's sure to leave you in awe of nature's power. Marvel at the kaleidoscopic waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring, catch the Old Faithful geyser's hourly show, admire (from a safe distance) the roaming bison in the Lamar and Hayden valleys or simply relax with a picnic at Yellowstone Lake. To get more in touch with nature, reserve a spot at one of Yellowstone's 12 campgrounds and spend the night beneath the stars.

03/03/2022

Home to some of America's most recognizable landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island San Francisco has the ability to satisfy outdoorsy types, foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. Prioritize exploring the Castro district, eating your way through Chinatown, browsing the thrift shops in Haight-Ashbury and admiring nearby Muir Woods National Monument. Don't forget to also save time for a picnic with a city view in a popular spot like Bernal Heights Park or Mission Dolores Park.

03/03/2022

Argentine Patagonia is a must-visit destination if you consider yourself an adventurous traveler. Otherworldly landscapes await you in Southern Patagonia, while endangered species (think: Magellanic penguins) roam Península Valdés a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another must-see is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the only glaciers in the world that is growing rather than shrinking. And if you're up for the challenge, a hike through the surrounding Andes (especially Mount Fitz Roy, or Chaltén) will provide unforgettable views.

02/03/2022

We couldn't help adding our hometown to this list. While New York is undeniably noisy and crowded, don't knock it until you've watched the sunset over the Manhattan skyline which is just plain beautiful.

02/03/2022

While Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" for the trademark color of its buildings, Hawa Mahal, which translates to Palace of the Winds, is one of the most beautiful examples of the city's rosy hued architecture.

02/03/2022

It's hard not to fall in love with a city like Paris. Every arrondissement is full of postcard worthy architecture, idyllic city parks seem to outnumber the people and the food! Even that's beautiful macarons, anyone?

02/03/2022

Located in Namibia's coastal desert, the remote Sossusvlei region is home to the world's tallest sand dunes including one that is nearly a quarter mile high.

02/03/2022

Located southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon gets its trademark color from the silica rich waters that feed it. And it isn't just pretty the geothermal water is great for your skin too.

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