Special offers—particularly where travel is concerned—are imperfect for the most part. They’re either too restrictive, not really what you want, or more of a compromise than you would like. But then there are the rare gems you need to take a closer look at. With the Six Countries Special, Wilderness Safaris has created a special offer that’s […]

Try looking for a guidebook on Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s boot. The few resources you will find are mere footnotes in the context of the volumes written about Italy’s more frequented destinations. I think it’s because Puglia’s most extraordinary moments cannot be tightly scripted. Puglia is certainly not lacking in dramatic coastlines, fertile farmland, […]

Maybe you’re that guy who can’t take the heat—sweatily clinging to the AC all summer, just waiting for January’s powder to arrive again. Dream a little dream of Iceland with me, where the weather changes as drastically as the landscapes. I arrived in Reykjavik in early February to one of the largest snowfalls they had […]

I may be alone on this, but have you ever stood on a balcony overlooking a pool and wondered if you could jump far enough that you’d land in the water? You know, the sort of thing James Bond might do. Where: La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang, Laos Why: Truthfully, you’d never make it. […]

It’s hard to see the differences between two hotels in a similar location without doing a little on-site research. I did just that this spring, and am happy to report that there’s a spot on the beach outside Hoi An suitable for all wallet sizes. High: The Nam Hai 800 USD and up (high season)  The […]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my wife happier than she was at La Clé des Montagnes. It was the kind of happy that spills out in giggles and wows, the kind you try to bottle and carry with you as protection against harder times. La Clé des Montagnes is not open to the public […]

While the safari experience is what most travellers focus on, Africa has its share of great cities too. Cape Town is where our Africa planners threaten to move permanently every January. Here we break down two of our favourite places to stay on both ends of the spectrum. High: Ellerman House 1,180 USD and up […]

Where: Jack’s Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Why: Shaded under a campaign tent in the most handsome shade of pink, it’s the perfect salve after a morning spent walking with the bushmen under a blazing Kalahari sun, or a dusty sunrise quad-bike excursion into the open-air museum of the pans. Greg Sacks has constructed a little […]

Sure the Olympics are based around sport, but the great thing about them is that they also highlight all the other amazing attributes of a city. If high diving or long jumping don’t turn out to be your cup of tea, why not get artistic at one of the Tate galleries? London is lucky enough […]

Ever find yourself opening and closing the fridge door compulsively, hoping that somehow the next time you open it you will magically find more inspiration than last time? I mean, what’s a guy to do with a few random eggplants, an apple and a container of yogurt, right? Where: Babel, Western Cape, South Africa What: […]

On my most recent jaunt through Cambodia, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend I made on my last trip. When I met Rure Rady, he was just finishing up guiding school and eager to start working in the tourism industry. He had a single tuk-tuk and a vision. We spent about […]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but is it not crazy cool to swim in a pool that’s on an island located between two continents? Where: Suada Club, Istanbul Why: The islet may be miniature, barely big enough for the pool and a handful of restaurants, but it’s a massively fun place. Smack dab in the middle […]

When an email comes in offering you three free nights on a private island in the Maldives, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s cruel spam. This is the real deal, though: volunteer on one of of three very cool projects and you’ll be repaid in luxury. Ever since our safari planner Greg returned from Soneva […]

Camden Town is an eclectic place with many facets, not just the market it’s famed for (though this too is worth a gander). A mishmash of influences (and lots of students) always turns up surprises—if you are willing to dig, there are treasures to be found among the tourist tat. The main high street is […]

There are many options to choose from when visiting the UK’s cultural and financial heart—from the terrific, small boutique choices to the larger, full-on luxury spa hotels. We have many favourites, but some of the closest to our hearts are the Firmdale hotels. Classy, quirky, chic and colourful, the Firmdale properties offer a comfortable and relaxed base […]

Honduras has had bad press of late for the gang violence in its inner cities. Yes, that is a reality in the country, but on a recent visit I found that Honduras is really made up of incredible ruins, amazing natural wonders, friendly folk and a stunning set of Caribbean islands. I had the pleasure […]