Northern Hemisphere Summer Hotspots - International Traveller

The summer solstice marks the start of warm and sunny days in the Northern Hemisphere. Check out what’s new and happening in our favourite Northern Hemisphere hotspots this summer.

Europe | Japan | North America

Europe

1. Hauser & Wirth Menorca, Spain

Hauser & Wirth Menorca is one of the Mediterranean’s dreamiest art destinations. Make a day of it and explore eight galleries in the repurposed 18th-century outbuilding of a naval hospital and follow an outdoor sculpture trail with works by seminal artists, including Louise Bourgeois and Joan Miró, in a garden designed by Piet Oudolf. Its summer exhibition is Come In From An Endless Place, by LA-based artist Christina Quarles.

the exterior of Hauser & Wirth Menorca — Hauser & Wirth Menorca is a dreamy spot worth checking out. (Image: Daniel Schäfer)

2. The Barcelona EDITION, Spain

Bask in the rays of a Mediterranean summer at The Barcelona EDITION’s al fresco terrace, The Roof, a bustling poolside bar that overlooks the Gothic Quarter and cobbled streets of El Born. The bartenders at this inner-urban sanctuary are said to be some of Barcelona’s best: ask them to muddle up a Clara de Yuzu (yuzu sake, beer and sherbet).

3. La Terraza, Generator Madrid, Spain

If you find yourself in Madrid, make a beeline for La Terraza at Generator Madrid. It’s blessed with great views and is the perfect spot to watch the city turn golden in the evening, sangria in hand.

an outdoor bar at La Terraza Generator Madrid — Kick up your heels at La Terraza, Generator Madrid. (Image: Anatol Gottfried)

3. After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art, National Gallery, UK

Bathers (1874-1875) is one of Cézanne’s first paintings in his series of nudes. The iconic artwork is on show in After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art, at London’s National Gallery until 13 August. Do make time to pop next door to check out the transformational rebuild of the National Portrait Gallery.

an artwork by LA-based artist Christina Quarles at Hauser & Wirth Menorca — Hauser & Wirth Menorca is hosting an exhibition featuring works by LA-based artist Christina Quarles. (Image: Keith Lubow)

4. The Rossettis, Tate Britain, UK

The Rossetti family comprised of painter and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti; his sister Christina Rossetti, a writer; and Dante’s wife, Elizabeth Siddal – a fellow artist, art model and muse. The Rossettis at London’s Tate Britain pulls together paintings, poetry and photographs from all three, evoking the unconventional world of these bohemian visionaries who rocked Victorian-era Britain.

5. The MAINE Mayfair, London, UK

Surrounded by foliage reminiscent of a classic British garden, The Terrace at The MAINE Mayfair is a peaceful oasis in the heart of London. The Terrace was once the original stables of 20 Hanover Square, a private townhouse built in 1720.

a dining setup at The Maine Mayfair — Meet up at The Maine Mayfair. (Image: Chris Terry)

Today, the Maine-meets-Mayfair space decked out with striped awnings, bamboo chairs and banquettes is a convivial place to gather to sample the hotel’s unrivalled selection of rosé.

a breakfast meal at The Maine Mayfair — Refuel with a hearty breakfast at The Maine Mayfair. (Image: Chris Terry)

6. Ridgeview and Wiston Estate on the South Downs, UK

The UK may be best known for its hoppy ales and honeyed meads, but most would look across the Channel when it comes to selecting a bottle of bubbly. But British sparkling is carving out a niche in the world of wine.

a verdant vineyard at Wiston Harvest — It’s the annual wine harvest at Wiston Estate.

The chalky soils of Sussex and Kent have yielded award-winning batches of bubbles, served up at cellar doors on charming stretches of English countryside. Ridgeview and Wiston Estate on the South Downs are part of this new vanguard of English winemakers. Both wineries serve up top drops and imaginative dishes surrounded by serene rolling hills just two hours from London.

wine and oysters at The Rows & Vine, Ridgeview Wine Estate — Indulge at The Rows & Vine, Ridgeview. (Image: Xavier D. Buendia/XDB Photography)

7. The Belvedere Hotel, Mykonos, Greece

The Belvedere Hotel ushers in a new era in 2023 aimed at elevating the arts. The family-owned boutique hotel on the island of Mykonos has commissioned a site-specific mural by British artist Luke Edward Hall that pays homage to the creative ethos that informs the hotel. It has also appointed DJ Arman Naféei as ‘director of ambience’.

8. La Tartane, Saint-Tropez, France

The needle is pointing towards Saint-Tropez and five-star hotel La Tartane as the place to be during the northern hemisphere’s warmer months. Designer Jordane Arrivetz, of Notoire Agency, has updated the 27-room seaside hotel in line with the sunny, old-world ambience of the French Riviera. Spend your days sipping cocktails by the stylish poolside bar.

a cocktail drink on the table by the poolside bar at Hôtel La Tartane — Linger a little longer for happy hour at Hôtel La Tartane. (Image: Romain Ricard)

9. Hotel Windsor, Liguria, Italy

The beautifully renovated Hotel Windsor leans into its location in Laigueglia, a small seaside village regarded as one of Italy’s prettiest. The hotel’s stunning seafront setting makes it idyllic for dipping a toe in la dolce vita of the Ligurian Riviera.

the exterior of Hotel Windsor — Hotel Windsor is the latest Ligurian locale. (Image: designhotels.com)

10. Vocabolo Moscatelli, Umbria, Italy

There are just 12 rooms at Vocabolo Moscatelli, a 12th-century monastery transformed into a hotel in the heart of Umbria. The atmospheric inn marries mid-century design with a style that befits the bones of the 800-year-old building.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at Vocabolo Mosacatelli — Vibe at Vocabolo Moscatelli. (Image: designhotels.com)

11. La Roqqa, Tuscany, Italy

Surrounded by Tuscan history and natural beauty, you’ll want to lock down during a stay at this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. La Roqqa nods to the fact the 55-room hotel is surrounded by defensive structures built by the Spaniards when they ruled Porto Ercole.

12. Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Casa Angelina has reopened with the new design-forward Suite Azure offering headswivelling views of sea and sky from its cliffside perch on the Amalfi Coast. See you in the Seascape Cocktail Bar for limoncello mojitos.

sea views from the balcony at Casa Angelina — Soak up the seaside and cliffside views from your balcony at Casa Angelina.

13. Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como, Italy

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como’s new 40-metre infinity pool blends into the blue of the sunlit lake. The pool is one of the largest infinity floating pools in the world. And that golden deck is set to become prime real estate, pronto, for soaking up some rays.

an aerial shot of a yacht at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como — Splash out on a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como.

14. The Rebello, Porto, Portugal

Another member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Rebello is housed in a collection of UNESCO warehouses on the banks of Porto’s River Douro in Portugal. Named for the boats that transported wine down the river, it bills itself as ‘a new hotel with an old soul’.

the living room interior of The Rebello — The Rebello offers new perspectives over the city of Porto.

15. Ljubljana by train, Slovenia

Travelling by train across Europe is back in fashion, especially when it comes to reaching off-the-beaten-track destinations. “There are numerous high-speed and regional trains connecting hundreds of European capitals and secondary cities across Europe," says Jody Bauer, research analyst at Eurail.

Slovenia is an oft-overlooked destination on the rise “which gained a new position in the top 10 countries," Jody says. The capital, Ljubljana, can be reached via direct trains from cities across Europe, including Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Budapest and Belgrade.

an aerial shot of the train travelling across Europe — Eurail is back on track.

Japan

16. More joy, less planning with Travel Associates

There’s been a 907 per cent surge in bookings to Japan from Australia for the first quarter of 2023. And while this spike relates to Japan reopening after two years of isolation, it’s also part of a broader trend. Travel Associates’ Danielle Galloway says travel trends include “revenge travel, holiday stacking, longer itineraries and upgrades". Bring forward your Japan bucket list – explore caves in Mt Fuji, watch fireworks in Nagaoka or sip sake in a hidden izakaya in Tokyo.

17. Japan’s flower parks

It’s no surprise that summertime in Japan is one of the most picturesque times of year to visit. There are vast flower parks all over the country where you can simply walk or ride at leisure through the vibrant blooms that blanket the hills. Appreciate the seasonal beauty of Japan’s summer while strolling through sunflowers in Hokkaido or spotting blue and pink hydrangeas in Kamakura.

a farmhouse set on a sunflower field — Shirakawa-go is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

18. Hoshinoya Hotels

Hoshinoya offers unique stays that are in sync with the four seasons in Japan. The luxury hotel brand has six locations dotted across the country that have specially curated experiences that coincide with summer. Paddle past soaring cliffs in Okinawa’s pristine waterways, enjoy a seasonal kaiseki feast at Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture and a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience on Taketomi Island.

a seaside accommodation at Hoshinoya, Okinawa, Japan — The lavish Hoshinoya Okinawa seaside resort in the Okinawa Islands, Japan.

19. Seeing fireflies

Firefly viewing has been a traditional summertime activity in Japan for centuries, with the luminescent flies featuring as a metaphor for passionate love everywhere from ancient poetry to popular culture.

Visiting one of the country’s firefly fields over summer is a must as the beetles unite to create a mesmerising show of pulsing light. Top spots to see fireflies include: Hotel Chinzanso, Tokyo; Tsukiyono Firefly Village, Gunma; Kemi Firefly Village, Nagano; Tottori Prefecture; and Nasu Fishland, Tochigi.

fireflies flickering in a forest at the Tottori Prefecture, Japan — Fireflies turn a forest in the Tottori Prefecture into a buzzy light show.

20. Stargazing

Camping while travelling overseas doesn’t have to mean roughing it. You can experience a true wilderness escape in Japan with all the modern conveniences of a hotel stay. Expect plenty of forest bathing at glamping sites in spectacular locations such as Circus Outdoor near Tokyo, Grax near Kyoto, and Mt Fuji Satoyama Vacation where you can glamp under the stars by the country’s star attraction.

a glamping site at night in Mt Fuji Satoyama — Go glamping at Mt Fuji Satoyama Vacation.

North America

21. Dude Ranch, Montana, USA

City slickers will appreciate holing up at a Yellowstone pop-up at the historic O.T.O. Dude Ranch near Yellowstone National Park.

Stay in a rustic lodge at O.T.O. Dude Ranch in Yellowstone. (Image: Scott T Baxter)

Montana’s first Dude Ranch will offer classic adventures such as hiking, trail riding, fly fishing and archery, as well as traditional campfire cookouts. Proceeds from a stay during the pop-up (25 June to 12 August) go toward preservation efforts at the ranch.

a woman riding a horse at Yellowstone Ranch, Montana — Ranch adventures await at the Montana pop-up. (Image: Scott T Baxter)

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22. Wildland Trekking, Washington, USA

Wildland Trekking’s new tour includes a hike through North Cascades National Park and a stay at a remote lodge on Washington’s Lake Chelan. Backpack over alpine passes and through pristine wilderness to the lodge, then hike to views of the Stehekin Valley before returning to civilisation by boat.

23. Hike to Athabasca Glacier, Jasper, Canada

Jasper in Canada’s Alberta province is home to some of the world most exquisite glacial terrain. Rockaboo Mountain Adventures’ guided hike to Athabasca Glacier is its most popular summer tour, seeing visitors don crampons to trek to the glacier, take scientific samples and descend down into the ice via rope – conditions permitting.

24. Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon, Canada

Despite its name, Tombstone Territorial Park in Canada’s Yukon Territory bursts with life and colour in summertime. The trees and rocks are mottled with lichen, the landscape is blanketed in wildflowers and you’ll spot an abundance of wildlife roaming through the park as you meander along the trails.

25. Matonabee, Churchill, Manitoba

Lazy Bear Expeditions will offer its passengers greater access to wildlife with the launch of Matonabee, the new 23-metre catamaran that is the only cruise ship able to hug the western coast of Hudson Bay. This next-level experience will provide out-of-this-world opportunities to spot beluga whales, polar bears and bearded seals during the Canadian summer in Churchill, Manitoba.

24. Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody, The Broad, Los Angeles, USA

The Broad is the first-ever museum in Los Angeles to present Keith Haring’s expansive body of work. Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody will feature more than 120 artworks and archival materials at the exhibition, which runs until 8 October.

In addition to Haring’s animated imagery, the exhibition will highlight his philanthropic legacy with a program of events curated by the American artist’s own inner circle from the 1980s clubbing scene.

Book a ticket to Summer Happenings: 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop to celebrate a half century of the genre that inspired Haring with legendary artist Grandmaster Flash on 26 August.

the artworks of Keith Haring in LA — Check out Keith Haring’s famed artwork in LA.

25. Aman New York, USA

Aman New York is inviting guests to delve deeper into the dynamic city with a range of Exclusive Journeys for 2023. The hotel occupies the historic Crown Building, which remains connected to the city’s creatives.

The experiences range from interludes with local artists in their city studios, a Through the Lens program designed to capture New York City in its best light and walking tours of local neighbourhoods led by art historians.

While you’re in town, make it a point to stop by the Met Museum’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, an exhibition that examines works spanning the iconic designer’s 60-plus-year career.

a garden and terrace bar at Aman New York — The Aman New York gets creative. (Image: Robert Rieger)

26. Hotel Genevieve, Kentucky, USA

The new design-forward Hotel Genevieve is the latest project from Bunkhouse, the hip hospitality brand born in Austin. The 122-room hotel in Louisville aims to ‘go beyond Bluegrass’ in line with the brand’s commitment to connecting guests with the cultural fabric of the local community. It comes complete with a rooftop bar serving French street-food-inspired fare and views across the city and the Ohio River.

a look inside the grand king room at Hotel Genevieve — Get cosy in Bunkhouse’s new Hotel Genevieve. (Image: Nick Simonite)

In addition to its colourful portfolio of properties in Texas, California and now Kentucky, the acclaimed Bunkhouse brand opened its first international property, Hotel San Cristóbal in Baja, Mexico. The stunning Bunkhouse properties are known for their bold use of colour and rich interiors.

an overhead shot of the pool with sun loungers on the beach at Hotel San Cristóbal, Mexico — Laze under the sun by the sandy pool at Hotel San Cristóbal. (Image: Nick Simonite)

27. Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

Putting off getting your summer flower fix? Well, Colorado has got you covered, as the state sees its best blooms in July and August. Head to the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte, in July, where you will also find great hiking opportunities. Or stay in Steamboat Springs to spot the red Indian paintbrush flower on the trails.

a carpet of wildflowers in Crested Butte, Colorado — Stroll along the carpet of wildflowers in Crested Butte.

28. A taste of Colorado, USA

A lively celebration of food and culture will take place in downtown Denver for A Taste of Colorado on 9 July and 6 August. Local food vendors such as Flavor of Tabasco and The Rolling Stoves will converge for the food fair, which will coincide with Viva Streets Denver when the city streets are reclaimed for pedestrians.

29. Guided food tours of Juneau, Alaska, USA

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has curated three Epicurean Explorer Tours to tie in with its summer season cruising the Inside Passage in Alaska.

a sailor using his telescope onboard Seven Seas Explorer — Admire Juneau views onboard Seven Seas Explorer using your telescope. (Image: Stephen Beaudet)

Highlights of Seven Seas Explorer sailings between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver include shore excursions to a sustainable oyster and kelp farm, seafood masterclasses and guided food tours of Juneau.

three people walking along Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier — Conquer Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier. (Image: Stephen Beaudet)

30. Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail, USA

Learn about the history of hot tamales when you connect the dots along the Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail. The cultural journey was developed by the Southern Foodways Alliance to celebrate the portable snack, thought to have arrived in the early 1900s with waves of Mexicans who moved to the region to work. Download the SFA app to curate a road trip that celebrates the many versions of this parcel of dough stuffed with meat, vegetables and jalapeños and wrapped in a corn husk.

a plate of tamales — Indulge in the trail of tamales and tradition in the Mississippi Delta.

31. Vancouver Foodie Tours, Canada

Vancouver’s Gastown is bursting with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. On an outing with Vancouver Foodie Tours, your guide will pull back the curtain on the district’s signature eats, which you’ll sample in tandem with tipples from the bars most beloved by locals. Experience all things classically Canadian, from regional wines to local produce.

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.