Travel Ready (2024)

25/03/2022

This Brand-new Tahiti Resort Has the Island's Largest Pool — With a Swim-up Bar, Cabanas, and Incredible Sunset Views

While French Polynesia may conjure images of dreamy overwater bungalows, Bora Bora beaches, and quaint islets, there's a lot more to explore and experience in this heavenly South Pacific archipelago, starting with the main island of Tahiti. Home to French Polynesia's capital, Papeete, the island is bustling with activity, with local culture, history, and stunning black-sand beaches on full display. And now, Hilton is giving travelers another reason to put Tahiti on their wish list: the brand-new Hilton Hotel Tahiti, which officially opened Dec. 1, 2021.

The elegant oceanfront property, conveniently located just a two-mile ride from Faa'a International Airport, is a culinary and wellness haven where elements of ancient Polynesian culture are intertwined with modern-day luxuries. From the moment guests step into the grand, semi-open-air lobby that offers stunning views of neighboring island Mo'orea to their first (downright life-changing) traditional Polynesian massage in the property's spa, Hilton Hotel Tahiti is a treat for the senses.

Foodies will certainly not be disappointed here. The property has three on-site restaurants that offer an elevated take on Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional Tahitian fare prepared with the freshest local ingredients. And trust us, once you taste the traditional Poisson Cru here, a version of Hawaiian poke prepared with coconut milk, lime juice, and freshly caught tuna, your culinary standards will never be the same.

But the crown jewel of the property is the pool, which is the largest on the island. It features a swim-up bar and six poolside cabanas nestled among fragrant Tahitian blooms and swaying palms. This is certainly the best place on the property to hide from the hot sun and enjoy a mai tai with a side of sweeping ocean vistas (and stunning sunsets in the evenings).

The 200-room resort is tastefully decorated in a neutral palette, inspired by the island's beautiful surroundings. If you're craving extra privacy, then opt for the nearly 2,000-foot royal suite with an oversized balcony and panoramic views.

22/03/2022

South Korea to Welcome Vaccinated Tourists April 1 — What to Know

South Korea will become the latest country to welcome international tourists next month when the country eliminates quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers.

Starting April 1, the country will welcome international travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Travelers who received the final dose of their initial vaccine series more than 180 days ago must get a booster shot.

Travelers who qualify as vaccinated will be exempt from the previous requirement to quarantine upon arrival.

Visitors will have to fill out a Q-CODE form with their passport information, vaccine record, and travel information before arriving in South Korea and will receive a QR code to scan.

While South Korea has remained closed to much of the world, the country previously opened Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Singapore for quarantine-free travel. In that case, vaccinated travelers had to arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure, take another PCR test six to seven days after arrival, and purchase travel insurance, according to the tourism organization.

South Korea may be preparing to open its borders to the world, however the country is experiencing its worst coronavirus surge with record pandemic-related deaths recorded due to the omicron variant. On Tuesday, the country saw more than 290 deaths from the virus and had more than 1,190 patients in serious or critical conditions, The Associated Press reported.

Currently, South Korea leads the rest of the world in average daily new infections, Reuters reported, "accounting for one in every 5 infections reported worldwide each day."

But the country has an extremely high vaccination rate and more than 62% of people have received a booster shot, according to the AP.

South Korea joins countries all around the world in easing border restrictions. Last month, Australia began welcoming international tourists and New Zealand plans to open its borders to the world in May. And several other countries have done away with pandemic-related border restrictions completely like Ireland and Iceland.

21/03/2022

Sydney, Australia
The city is very multicultural, so the food on offer is delicious, and it’s also a fantastic shopping destination. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country and the best holiday destination in the world, attracting over 32 million visitors per year.
Best place to visit in Sydney:
Opera house
Harbour bridge
Bodi Beach
Royal Botanic Garden
Darling Harbour
Queen Victoria Building
The Sydney Tower Eye
Taronga Zoo

18/03/2022

Whitsunday Islands
One of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, the Whitsunday Islands lie scattered off Queensland’s northeastern coast, surrounded by warm and inviting aquamarine waters. As it is part of the Great Barrier Reef, most of the archipelago lies within national parks, so stunning scenery and picture-perfect beaches abound.

Due to the abundance of underwater riches and colorful coral reefs, the Whitsundays are a great place to go snorkeling and scuba diving. Sailing around its 74 islands and islets is also very popular, as is lounging on its sun-kissed sands. In Whitehaven Beach, the archipelago boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

17/03/2022

Exploring Swedish Lapland Through the Eyes of the Indigenous Community

The northernmost stretches of Sweden are part of a greater nordic region known as Lapland. Tourism here is a relatively recent phenomenon, owing much of its genesis back to 1989 when the world's first ice hotel opened in the remote village of Jukkasjärvi (population 548). In the years since, a handful of novelty lodges have sprung up appealing to a growing subset of travelers who long for luxury-lined adventure — and aurora borealis sightings, of course. You can now stay in artfully rendered treehouse suites in the towering pine forests of Harads, or make your way to the surprisingly cosmopolitan borough of Skellefteå for an overnight in the world's tallest all-wooden structure.

Though its existence as a vacation getaway for U.S. travelers is new, primed by the Instagram era, Lapland's cultural history predates social media by several thousand years. In fact, the Sámi — a semi-nomadic people native to the region — are among the oldest known inhabitants in all of Europe. Connecting with these Indigenous stewards is essential to any proper visit to this part of the world, particularly for those compelled by ecotourism. And opportunities for such experiences are becoming more accessible as the Sámi take on a more active and central role in welcoming tourism to their homeland.

"I wanted to bring people into our land to enjoy our world and learn about our way of life," Lennart Pittja, who founded Sápmi Nature Camp in 2016, explains. The nature camp is set among the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Laponia World Heritage Site, a 90-minute drive from Pittja's hometown of Gällivare. "I have a little glamping place where we stay in traditional lavvu tents — but they are nicely fitted with heaters and beds and everything. From there we experience nature and the Sámi culture, which is best explored in the natural environment."

In the summer months, this entails observing wildlife such as moose and golden eagles along the Stuor Julevädno river. In the winter it means lacing up snowshoes or strapping into traditional wooden skies and spying uninterrupted glimpses of the Northern Lights. And no matter what time of year you arrive, it will always involve reindeer.

"I grew up in a reindeer-herding family, so there are a lot of stories to tell about our life with them," Pittja says. "Much the same as in other Indigenous cultures in the world, we have not been able to write in Sámi for that long — just a few decades. Before that all of the knowledge was passed on from one generation to the next by storytelling. So that's in our genes. And that's one of the reasons people appreciate coming here: because we are good storytellers."

04/03/2022

Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, an area in Turkey where entire cities have been carved into rock, is pretty incredible on its own. But whenever hot-air balloons pepper the sky—with many floating up starting at sunrise—its beauty level literally skyrockets.

04/03/2022

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.

04/03/2022

Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon (and serious Instagram darling) in the American Southwest. Its Navajo name translates to “the place where water runs through rocks”—an allusion to the canyon’s creation through erosion. The narrow, undulating spaces between rock formations allow for vivid patterns when sunlight filters through the striated stone.

04/03/2022

Angel Falls, Venezuela
Venezuela overflows with natural wonders, including the world's highest waterfall: the 3,212-foot cascades of Angel Falls, located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park. Canaima is by far the country's most popular attraction, and the falls stretch an astounding 19 times higher than Niagara Falls. Bonus: Pixar animators used the location as inspiration for Paradise Falls in Up—so you know it's good.

16/02/2022

The birthplace of both the king of the Olympian gods and of modern European civilization, Crete is a Mediterranean jewel. It’s rich with archaeological and mythological history that’s reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or the fortresses and monasteries of Rethymonon. The awesome Minoan ruins of Malia date to 1900 BC, and majestic Mt. Ida is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born.

16/02/2022

Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.

16/02/2022

Sunny Cancun has much more to offer than its party-town reputation might suggest. Plenty of gorgeous, drama-free family resorts cater to folks who want to experience the tropical Yucatan climate. There are significant Mayan ruins here, such as El Rey and the Yamil Lu’um, a crumbling tower of pale gray stone. Learn more about this ancient civilization at the Museo Maya de Cancun. For a literal taste of Mexico, take a tour of the Museo Sensorial del Tequila.

16/02/2022

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s p***y vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

16/02/2022

Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.

09/12/2021

Lago di Sorapis is a glistening turquoise lake backed by the craggy buttresses of the 3,200 mountain which shares its name. While many of the lakes in the Dolomites are packed with people, this one requires a decent hike. You may have it all to yourself.

09/12/2021

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is possibly the finest hike in the Dolomites. Circling the three soaring spires of Tre Cime, this easy walk on simple to follow paths, has breathtaking views the entire way. Spiky peaks, reflective lakes, and well-positioned rifugios. If you only do one hiking trail in the Dolomites, make it this one.

09/12/2021

While the Val di Funes hike admires the peaks of Odle-Geisler from afar, this hike gets up close and personal with the jagged teeth and countless soaring spires. So close you’ll be straining your neck to see them. It’s one of our favourite hikes in the Dolomites and it’s an excellent day out in the mountains.

09/12/2021

Lago di Braies is the most Instagram friendly of the Dolomites’ lakes. Emerald water shimmers against dramatic cliffs in the background, with romantic wooden boats lining the shore.

This very easy Dolomites hike circumnavigates the lake passing a quaint chapel nestled among towering pine trees and a few shingle beaches. It’s a beautiful but popular spot so arrive early in the morning, just as the sun starts to rise over the peaks for a quieter visit.

09/12/2021

Val di Funes is a stunningly picturesque valley and another Instagram favourite. The highlight is two attractive churches, surrounded by fields of hay, backed by the soaring spires of the Odle-Geisler peaks.

The best views are captured on this easy Dolomites hike along the Panoramaweg and Sunnseitenweg trails.

08/12/2021

WANDER THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERIC HILL TOWN OF BERGAMA ACROPOLIS
Bergama (Pergamon) was the Roman capital of Asia Minor before Ephesus and a major cultural centre of the Greek world. It was originally a Greek hill town overlooking the Caicus River Valley which provided strategic access to the Aegean Sea.

Today, it’s a sprawling ruin complex with testaments to its mighty past decaying on the hillside. There are a number of impressive sites.

08/12/2021

SEE THE RUINS OF AN INCREDIBLE BYZANTINE CHURCH, THE BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN
Perched on a hill just outside Ephesus, the Basilica of St John is a ruin different than all the others. Instead of an ancient town or Roman Temple, it’s a Byzantine Church with a special resident. This site is the alleged resting place of St John, who spent his final days in Ephesus and is rumoured to have written his gospel on this hill before dying aged 100 years old.

08/12/2021

STAND IN AWE AT THE LIBRARY OF CELSUS AT EPHESUS
Ephesus is the jewel in the crown of ancient ruins in Turkey. Although originally a Greek City built in the 10th century BC, Ephesus became a place of prominence after the Roman Emperor Augustus came to power in 27 BCE and named it the capital of Roman Asia Minor.

Money and power flooded into the city resulting in some remarkable construction.

08/12/2021

UNCOVER ONE OF THE GREATEST LEGENDS OF ALL TIME AT TROY
In the interests of full disclosure, there is not a lot to see in Troy. There are no grand theatres, or towering temples, no mighty walls or monumental baths. Even the sea, that used to surround this ancient hill town, has receded many kilometres into the distance.

But what Troy has is the mystique of legend that surrounds its very name. In the 8th century BCE, Homer wrote his famous poem the Iliad telling the story of how the Greek Kings capture Troy after the ten-year Trojan War. That legend and its protagonists live to this day.

08/12/2021

EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY LANES AND TROJAN LEGENDS AT APOLLON SMINTHEION
Wandering Cretans were attacked on this site by an infestation of mice. Recalling an old prophecy which said they should settle where they were overrun by the ‘sons of earth’, they decided to stay and build a temple to Apollo Smintheus (Apollo the Slayer of Mice).

23/11/2021

Bringing winter sun to travellers flying from Edinburgh, Virgin Atlantic's new route to Barbados puts the Caribbean island firmly on our list for 2022. The route from Scotland's capital to Barbados marks the first time Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from Edinburgh in its 37-year history. It's also Scotland’s only direct flight to the Caribbean.

With Virgin flights from both London Heathrow and Edinburgh, we've got our eyes on the sun, sea and white sand of this Caribbean idyll for early and late 2022. What's more, a stylish new hotel has arrived in Christ Church, giving you a five-star all-inclusive retreat to experience when you get there. O2 Beach Club and Spa is set on 1,000 feet of the powder white sand on Barbados' south coast. It's the hottest new place to experience indulgent dining, top-notch pampering and a trio of pools.

23/11/2021

The Lithuanian city of Kaunas, along with Novi Sad in Serbia, is the European Capital of Culture for 2022, allowing the photogenic destination to step into the spotlight to showcase its cultural offering to the world.

A visit to Kaunas is ideal for a short European city break, with direct flights from the UK with low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air. The city combines tree-lined promenades and historic architecture with contemporary street art and high-class dining. As Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas offers a unique take on art deco design, fairy tale attractions like Kaunas Castle and Pažaislis Monastery and Modernist architecture to browse.

23/11/2021

Fresh from its Olympic and Paralympic success, Japan is a dream holiday destination that should be firmly on your list for 2022. This year, however, it's time to go beyond Tokyo and explore the country's rural side. Japan's newest bullet train route, Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, is set to open between Nagasaki and Saga in autumn 2022. This will help speed up Nagasaki connections from the current Kyushu bullet train line that comes into Fukuoka from Tokyo.

The trains themselves will be called kamome meaning 'seagull,' following the popularity of lockdown video game franchise, Ghost of Tsushima, which is set on the stunning archipelagos surrounding the city of Nagasaki. Over the next decade, there will also be new bullet train lines joining Tokyo directly to traditional Fukui, snowy Sapporo and passing through the Nakasendo walking trails of the Kiso Valley. Japan is set to be one of the biggest rail holiday destinations of the future...

23/11/2021

If ever there was a year to visit the Netherlands, it's 2022 when the Floriade floral spectacle takes place, with its timely eco-theme of ‘growing green cities’. Held every 10 years, the Floriade Expo returns for six months from April to October and will bring an array of unique and fascinating exhibitions to Almere, near Amsterdam.

With a focus on imagining sustainable, city living for the future, you can expect inspiring gardens, workshops and exhibitions mixed with striking attractions and tasting sessions. The 150-acre site is also where 300 eco-homes have been built, with plans for the area to be turned into a green residential neighbourhood of 660 homes, so if you're after a sustainably-focused holiday destination for 2022, Holland is the place worth considering.

23/11/2021

From major events taking place, to new flight routes opening up beautiful places and highly anticipated movie releases bringing Hollywood-worthy locations to our holiday wish lists, there are many reasons to get excited about travelling in 2022.

In sport, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will put the Middle Eastern country under the spotlight - but with its ultra-modern architecture influenced by Islamic design and thriving arts and culture scene, you might wish to discover the destination before the football crowds arrive.

Closer to home, Holland will host the magnificent Floriade Expo. With its timely eco-theme of ‘growing green cities’ and fascinating floral exhibitions, we'll have six months to soak up the horticultural marvels at this once-in-a-decade attraction.

For beach-lovers, one classic Caribbean island has become easier to reach from the UK with a new flight route from Virgin Atlantic that winter sun fans will appreciate. In fact, there are two Caribbean beauty spots on our radar for 2022.

When it comes to hopping over to the continent for a city break, a new European Capital of Culture offers a photogenic destination you might have previously overlooked. Its tree-lined promenades and historic architecture are worth the low-cost flight.

Here on home soil, we’ve got our eyes on the foodie city hosting the Commonwealth Games. And there's countryside close to Edinburgh with a host of new openings and glorious coastal views.

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