Rio de Janeiro is one full-on fiesta of a city. Spilling down from the Atlantic forests of Brazil’s tropical south, it has one foot in the jungle and another in the ocean. Glittering beaches packed with tanned bodies string their way along the bairros, from the bumping beachfront of Copacabana to the jazzy quarters of … Read more
Straddling its namesake river on the cusp of the US border in the east of Ontario, Ottawa is often overlooked by travelers making their way through Canada. But those who do decide to linger a couple of days often stay for many more. They’re beguiled by a surprisingly laid-back global capital that sports a majestic … Read more
Ditch the shisha pipes and Grand Bazaar of ancient Istanbul and set your sights on the sun-kissed south of Turkey. That’s where Antalya beckons with old Ottoman architecture and access to some of the very best beaches in the country. You’ll need to be ready to do a pretty long trip, because there’s over 500km … Read more
So, you’re looking to swap the hedonistic capital of Spain for the golden sands of the Costa del Sol? You’re going to need to make the hop from Madrid to Malaga. The destination? An enthralling city where Moorish-era castles loom above beautiful Baroque churches, sierras behind, sands in front. It’s hard to resist, which is … Read more
Shrouded by the Moorish turrets of mighty Santa Barbara Castle and blessed with golden beaches by the Med, Alicante is up there with the top sun and sea holidaying spots in Spain. But what if you’re done tanning yourself and want to get your fix of culture in the museum-packed Spanish capital? This guide’s the … Read more
Dresden is a town that rarely fails to enthral and entertain. Although it was completely razed in WWII, it’s bounced back bigger and better than ever, with complete reconstructions of its stunning Baroque Frauenkirche and the flamboyant frontages of the Semperoper leading the way. Throw in a buzzy Neustadt area that’s packed with bars and … Read more
Salou is one of the dream destinations on the Spanish Med. Fringed by the golden sands of Llevant Beach and Playa de Ponent, it’s long been a top getaway for families and folk in search of sun and sea. Throw in a few rocky coves for the snorkelers, award-winning golf courses that creep into the … Read more
The Shangri-La of the United States lies thousands of miles out in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. A paradise of daffodil-tinged beaches that roll beneath pockets of palm trees, it’s long been a place to come for no-holes-barred R&R. Golf resorts collide with deluxe honeymoon hotels, all before the vibrant resorts of Waikiki and … Read more
Prague has a maze-like Old Town guarded by one of the biggest castles in the world. Budapest has a gritty nightlife quarter of ruin bars and a grand Neo-Classical palace that once housed the Habsburg emperors. Joining those together on the same itinerary is now possible for travelers keen to explore the jewels of Central … Read more
Every Spain bucket list should include both Barcelona and Madrid. One is the home of the spiked turrets of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, fringed by vibrant summer beaches, and cut through by the Art Deco playhouses of Las Ramblas. The other is the nation’s fun-loving, hedonistic capital, where nightlife pulses through the streets and the ghosts … Read more
Grab a marker and get ready to strike two lines from your bucket list: Paris and Barcelona await on this cross-Iberian odyssey. Among the greatest cities on the planet, they beckon with a Flamenco twirl of tapas, wine and top-notch sites, ranging from the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower to the haunting spires of … Read more
Amsterdam to Paris is a route followed by thousands of travelers every year. Backpackers, business folk, city hoppers – you name it, they’re on the hunt for ways to move from the 16th-century canal rings of flower-strewn Holland to the rich art collections and romantic wine bars of the French capital. If you’re among them, … Read more
Paris to Nice is a journey from buzzing metropolis to chic riviera. One has the spires of the Eiffel Tower and the romantic cafes of Montmartre. The other is about sunning yourself on the Cote d’Azur, between pebble beaches and pine-topped hills. No wonder, then, that so many travelers try to do the trip each … Read more
Only 220 miles separates Amsterdam and London in a straight line. But, check the map, and you’ll find that a dash of the North Sea and the whole Thames Estuary also comes between the two. That means simply hopping in the car and going from A to B isn’t possible. However, you can switch 16th-century … Read more