Destinations

Paganism is experiencing a global revival as more people are reconnecting with nature. Cities such as New Orleans, US; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Drogheda, Ireland, have commercialized their pagan festivals. However, there are still places where ancient celebrations continue in their original form, preserved as locally-kept secrets passed down through generations. These festivals preserve age-old customs,

With its enormous ice shelves, vast emptiness and silence, Antarctica is like no place else on earth. Its landscapes are a study in the color white: how it reflects light, accentuates mountains and crumbles atop the sea. Yet, it’s often the animals who leave the biggest impression. There are the tuxedo-clad Adelie penguins who belly-surf

A vision of eerie volcanic peaks, misty laurel forests and Atlantic-whipped shorelines, soulful Tenerife tempts with much more than its balmy weather and beach-vacation buzz.  On the largest island in Spain’s Canary Islands, you can meander around neighborhood markets and linger at low-key terrace cafes before diving into cutting-edge art, local crafts and regional architecture,

Somehow, even as the Algarve took off as one of Europe’s great getaway spots in recent years, Faro, the region’s principal city, seemed to fly under the radar. Yet that’s all changed now. Southern Portugal’s regional capital has slowly cemented its city-break credentials. And today, this exciting city is rightly considered one of the country’s

The Christmas season is all about celebrating the joys of life, and what’s more joyful than dessert? But just where do Christmas desserts come from? And how did they become part of the holiday season? Here’s a handy guide to some of the most delicious traditional Christmas desserts that you might not have heard of – and

From Amazon jungle to the world’s largest salt flats by way of soaring Andean peaks, Bolivia rewards travelers with a giddying variety of landscapes. Better still, this quiet corner of South America doesn’t see half as many visitors as neighboring Argentina, Brazil or Chile, so you can admire the views without a crush. This general

Many visitors may be surprised to find out that when it comes to food, San Juan truly has it all.  This hasn’t always been the case. When I was growing up in the sprawling metropolitan area throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, the options were mostly limited to Puerto Rican, Spanish and Caribbean fare, along

I’m a California-based photographer who recently visited Mexico City for a weekend getaway with my girlfriend. I had heard time and time again how amazing the city is. Given its proximity to Los Angeles, I needed to check out its exciting food scene, world-class museums, trendy neighborhoods and beautiful parks for myself. My biggest concern

I’m from Lisbon, less than an hour away from Sintra, so it’s one of my top destinations for a day trip. Again and again, I find myself driving along the mountain’s winding roads, strolling through the village towards places selling delicious travesseiros (Sintra’s signature almond and egg flaky pastries), or just peeking into the manor

Soaring over the provinces of Trentino and Alto Adige in northern Italy, the Dolomites are the Alps in overdrive. These mountains don’t just deliver height (though the mightiest peak, glacier-capped Marmolada, does top out at 3343m / 10,968ft). They’re about drama. These Dolomites whoosh up like natural fortifications – sheer, big-shouldered and rugged – above

Spain‘s rising star, Valencia has a remarkably humble, down-to-earth character. Dining out is affordable, nights out are unpretentious and drinks are inexpensive, with wine from €2.50 and a caña (small beer) around €1.50.  Many A-list sights are free or ticketed with modest entry fees (La Lonja only costs €2). Away from the well-trodden path, there

The gateway to Spain’s gorgeous resort-lined Costa del Sol, Málaga is one of the region’s most vibrant cultural hubs, loved for its museums, art galleries and historic sights. It’s also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and home to both Moorish and Roman ruins.  Even if it’s your first trip to Málaga, you should have no trouble

If you’re planning a trip to any of the seven Canary Islands, expect to find incredible beaches, epic hikes, fresh-from-the-farm-or-ocean meals and the best of Spanish culture. A two-hour ferry ride apart, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are two of the most beautiful islands to consider, each with their own personalities and opportunities for adventure. Leverage

Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and modern digital conveniences are far from being mutually exclusive. Just because Egypt is a land of antiquities doesn’t mean your experience needs to be antiquated – though we do still recommend grabbing a postcard or two for novelty’s sake. And while there are moments where you’ll want to switch off

From peasants tending village vineyards to starving artists and a thriving red-light district to gentrifiers with puppies: Montmartre and the rest of Paris’ 18th arrondissement have changed dramatically in the past 100+ years. The Sacré-Coeur basilica and Amélie Poulain’s greengrocer shop are today the main tourist draws of the area – yet this northern quarter

Stacked with museums, galleries, and Switzerland’s best gourmet scene, Zürich is a pleasure to visit. Excellent public transport also makes the city a fantastic base for exploring the region, with day trip options including visits to charming old towns, soaks in thermal baths and a cruise to an island on Lake Zürich. These are the

Whether your ideal vacation involves sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach, trekking in rugged mountains, exploring ancient ruins, or learning about a rich culture spanning more than five thousand years of history, Türkiye (Turkey) has something to captivate every kind of traveler. From sand-hemmed coves to the snow-capped summit of 5137m (16,854ft) Mt Ararat, Türkiye serves up

I’m basking in the holiday scene: happy Müncheners sip hot Glühwein around crackling firepits and shoppers pause at Christkindlmarkt stalls selling tiered Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide) and hand-carved Nativity sets. Suddenly, a cacophony of clanking overpowers the holiday tunes. Heads turn and people point, and I feel a heavy hand ruffle my hair. Turning around I’m face-to-grotesque-face

New Mexico is famous for its deserts, mesas, soaring plateaus and peculiarly shaped hoodoos, but don’t expect searing temperatures in every corner of the state. Many people don’t realize that four-fifths of the 47th state sits above 4000ft (1200m), rising to a breathless 13,000ft (4013m) at the summit of Wheeler Peak. With this raised elevation

Austria’s cultured and charismatic capital Vienna is anything but one-dimensional; the city changes with the seasons. Winter brings jubilant Christmas markets, and summer offers up delightful warm weather that entices locals to spend afternoons lounging in the city’s green spaces. An impressive array of annual events adds even more variety. Additionally, some city must-dos, like