DESTINATIONS
Whether you're planning an incredible solo trip or looking to build your perfect family bucket list, the first place to start is with where you want to go. Find all the classics here plus some destinations that I hope will surprise you.
Africa
Popularly known for its wide open plains and safari wildlife, Africa offers all this and more. From the sand that swirls around the Egyptian pyramids in the north to Table Mountain that rises out of the ocean in the south, this is a mighty continent with much to share and so much more than you see in the headlines.
Start with this article on the best places to visit in Africa and then widen your search from there.
Europe
Born in Europe and having lived in Europe for most, but not all, of my life, it's no surprise that this section bursts the most with untold stories, practical tips and did-you-know-about-this stories.
It took until my 30s when I lived in France and then Spain to realise that Europe has more than I can hope to explore in a lifetime.
The united States
There's so much to say about America that it's difficult to know where to start.
But if there's one thing for certain, it's that America was made for road trips. Check out our itineraries, especially:
- A road trip from Boston through Massachusetts in New England
- How to Spend Two Weeks driving the Gulf Coast in Florida
- The Best Alabama Road Trip Itinerary for Civil Rights, Space and Nature
- Your Perfect Road trip from New Orleans through Louisiana
And the cities aren't bad either. We have articles on subjects ranging from instagrammable places in New York and how to enjoy New Orleans with kids to the mysteries behind the Tabasco sauce factory and the lyrics to It's a Wonderful World.
Dancers in Santo Domingo: people tend to dress up!
The Caribbean
While the Caribbean islands may share the same pristine beaches and sparkling shores, the history, landscape, culture and food make each and every island distinct.
Start with this guide to the best Caribbean islands for solo travel (even if you're not travelling solo.) Some of the easiest islands to get to include Nassau in the Bahamas and Barbados. But to get off the beaten track, try this beautiful spot in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Asia
To explore Asia fully would take more than nine lifetimes.
Once the starting point for young Europeans as they filled their backpacks and explored the world, Asia has plenty to offer the more mature traveller in search of a little more luxury.
Here, we've split the continent into North Asia and South Asia. If you're wondering where to start, great entry points usually include Hong Kong and Singapore as cities or finding outdoor things to do in the Maldives.
Head here if you're planning a trip to India and here to plan itineraries for Japan. And browse the rest of the section for wonderful stories and travel tips from across the rest of Asia.
- Browse through our sections on North Asia and South Asia.
Bondi Outdoor Pool - Australian Landmark
Australia
Australia makes for a fascinating place to visit, no matter your age. Start with the Australian landmarks you need to know and then move on to more hidden gems in Australia. We have more on the country, of course, but those are the best places to start. That and discovering how to drive the Great Ocean Road.
The Middle East
Frequently misunderstood, the Middle East is one of the most intriguing and hospitable places that I've ever been to visit. Perhaps I'm biased, I lived in Saudi Arabia as a small child. But my subsequent travels have revealed layer upon layer of warmth and friendship, outstanding natural landscapes, fresh food and world altering history.
But where should you start? Right here with this article on the best places to see in the Middle East.
If you're new to the region, how about these interesting facts about Dubai and the Dead Sea. Or, if you're ready to go a little deeper, check out these curious facts about Sharjah and the best things to do in Jordan. And definitely don't miss this guide to Jordanian food.
South America
This beautiful continent has some of the most impressive natural landscapes on earth. For example, look at what you can do in the Amazon rainforest or how you can hike the iciest point in Patagonia. It has incredible cities as well. I just need to get on and write about them more!
WHERE TO GO WHEN
We write travel guides based on when you are able to travel rather than only where you want to go. Because we understand there isn't always a choice. Not to worry, the world is a great big place and here's what you can do with it...
The best places to visit in January
For a spot of year round sunshine, try the Caribbean or the Middle East.
The best places to visit in February
Embrace the cold and the sight of the sun by travelling to the Arctic Circle to stay in an ice hotel or hitting the European and North American ski slopes.
The best places to visit in March
Catch the last of the ski season in Europe or else enjoy some off peak art in Italian hotspots like Venice and Florence.
The best places to visit in April
Make sure to head to Seville to catch Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril.
The best places to visit in May
May is a wonderful time to start visiting Southern Europe before the skies become too hot or everyone leaves for the August shutdown.
The best places to visit in June
Zanzibar and New York City are just two extremes open for travel at this time of the year. And literature lovers should make their way to Dublin for Bloomsday.
The best places to visit in July
July marks the month for Canada, with the first of the month marking Canada Day. It's a summer of festivals and the great outdoors.
The best places to visit in August
August marks your best shot at Britain as the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline warms up and the Royal Parks of London spill with summery good cheer.
Surprise beach spots in Europe, like Scheveningen in The Hague, also make sense.
The best places to visit in September
September's a dream month for much of Europe, as the crowds melt, the kids go back to school but the days are still long, the air fresh. Much of China and Japan is readily accessible and the oppressive levels of heat in the Middle East begin to wilt down to more bearable levels.
The best places to visit in October
Greece and the Galapagos come into their own as travel destinations in October, while "leaf peeping" makes forests scarlet in New England.
The best places to visit in November
November is a great time to visit the UNESCO side of Tenerife with warm days and evenings to match both beach and culture activities. It's also good for Yangon and Myanmar as well as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in the Middle East.
The best places to visit in December
Tis the season for Christmas markets, not to mention the start of the ski season in Europe. In the southern hemispheres, this marks one of the few times you can access Patagonia and it's just fun in the sun in Australia and South Africa.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Once you've decided where to go and what you want to do there, it's time to plan your trip. Here are some articles to help you do just that. I've also gathered together my favourite companies into a handy travel resource list for you here.
