CATEGORIES

WHY HAS HIRING A CAR BECOME SO COMPLICATED?

Recently, travellers have been arriving at their destination to find vehicles at exorbitant prices — or unavailable altogether. We look at what’s happening and how to get around it

Wales

In the east of the Brecon Beacons National Park are the mighty Black Mountains, straddling the border of Wales and England. It’s an area that’s often overlooked, but those who find their way here discover a region that belies its dark name: a greenscape of hills and valleys, home to thriving wildlife and passionate, forward-thinking communities

MEMPHIS

Barbecue may be king in the Tennessee city, but meat is only half of the story. Inspired by regional produce and the city’s love of soul food, creative chefs are putting new, plant-based spins on classic Southern fare

A New Dawn

A new era of travel is dawning across Africa. A truly special safari deepens our connection with the natural world, and the newest trips offer wildlife-watchers far more than just a twice-daily drive in a diesel truck. From cutting-edge lodges and innovative electric vehicles to hands-on conservation experiences and off-grid adventures in biodiverse landscapes, there's a raft of options for exhilarating, eco-minded trips that plug you into local culture

LAS VEGAS

Sin City is not all it seems. Beyond the intoxicating whirligig of casinos, concerts and costumed performers, local neighbourhoods are blooming with street art, while hiking trails offer desert vistas

EYRE PENINSULA

From kingfish to cockles, locals have enjoyed the bounty of South Australia's sparkling seas for decades. Now, a new generation is taking a sustainable approach to seafood — with mouth-watering results

VIENNA

Against an elegant backdrop of Habsburg palaces, the Austrian capital hosts a uniquely bohemian party scene. Come for the exceptional yet affordable wine, and stay for the off-beat cabaret, secret techno and arty bars

MEXICO

Stretching lazily along Mexico's Caribbean coast and ecompassing the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the lesser-visited Maya Ka'an region, on the Yucatán Peninsula, is renowned for its Maya ruins and cultural heritage. Today, Maya communities strive to protect the land and nurture ancient, sustainable crafts, from gum harvesting to rope making

Lava fields & LAKE SHORES

AT THE NORTHERN LIMITS OF PATAGONIA, A REALM OF HYPER-ACTIVE VOLCANOES AND GLASSY LAGOONS OFFERS SOME OF CHILE'S MOST ELEMENTAL EXPERIENCES, FROM ASH-STREWN HIKES TO WHITE-KNUCKLE WHITEWATER RAFTING. THE LAKE DISTRICT, AS IT'S KNOWN, MARRIES THIS DRAMA WITH A DEEP TRANQUILLITY, REVEALED THROUGH MEETINGS WITH THE INDIGENOUS MAPUCHE PEOPLE

MAKING WAVES

WITH AN ARRAY OF DESTINATIONS, SHIPS AND PRICES, AN ADVENTURE CRUISE OFFERS THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A LOCATION FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE, IN THE COMPANY OF EXPERTS.

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Decamp from the frenetic Thai capital with Bangkok's fashionable set, discovering up-and-coming rural retreats around Khao Yai National Park and the ruins of Ayutthaya -blossoming, variously, with new boutique boltholes, contemporary art galleries and vineyard experiences

BARCELONA

Since being thrust into the spotlight when it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has become of the world's most charismatic cities. Its hotel scene has witnessed a similar rise, characterised by design-minded properties that range from high-end luxury pads to chic, affordable boltholes. Not that you have to head miles out of town to bag a bargain - most hotels are concentrated around the Gothic Quarter and the famous promenade Las Ramblas, or the Eixample, a neighbourhood of tree-lined avenues, chic boutiques, and some of Europe's most show-stopping architecture to boot.

IS VENICE'S TOURIST TAX A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

In a bid to tackle overtourism, the city is set to charge day-trippers a 'tourist tax' of up to €10 in 2023. But what does this mean for travellers, and will other destinations follow suit?

Bearing fruit

WHETHER IT'S FRESH STRAWBERRIES OR JUICY PLUMS, SUMMER FRUITS ARE A TRUE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON, GRACING PIES, PASTRIES, DRINKS, DESSERTS AND EVEN STEWS.

Chanterelles

SIMPLICITY IS KEY WHEN PREPARING THESE GOLDEN WILD MUSHROOMS.

EDINBURGH

From a tiramisu-profiterole hybrid to a whisky-soaked baba, the Scottish capital is serving up some memorable dishes

Herring

PERFECT WHEN PICKLED AND OFTEN EATEN EITHER IN A SALAD OR RAW, THIS TASTY FISH IS GOOD FOR MUCH MORE THAN MAKING KIPPERS

JOLLOF RICE

Variations on this West African spiced rice dish abound, but slow cooking and a perfect base are key.

On the menu

FROM A STRAWBERRY MACARON GLACÉ TO OYSTERS WITH BLUEBERRIES, SUMMER FRUITS ARE SERVED UP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS ON MENUS WORLDWIDE

ON THE WATERFRONT

Whether from Bordeaux or Marlborough, coastal wines are often crisper and fresher than their inland counterparts.

IN A NUTSHELL

In the state of Georgia, Alex Willson is continuing the family tradition of growing, shelling and making sweets from a local speciality - pecans

RENÉ FRANK THE PIONEER

WELCOME TO BERLIN'S CODA, THE WORLD'S FIRST MICHELIN-STARRED DESSERT RESTAURANT, WHERE CHEF RENÉ FRANK CHALLENGES DINERS' PRECONCEPTIONS WITH HIS EXPERIMENTAL CREATIONS.

Outdoor food markets

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE SITTING OUT IN THE SUN AND ENJOYING SOME STREET FOOD

Seriously bitter

ITALIAN SPECIALITY AND ARGENTINIAN OBSESSION, FERNET-BRANCA IS THE BARTENDERS' CHOICE.

TOM ALLEN

The comedian and TV presenter on learning to bake, Danish fine dining and sandwiches in Spain

Vancouver

The Canadian city has long been home to a thriving Chinese community, its presence most apparent in the food scene, where the traditional and modern come together with a dash of West Coast cool.

Menorca

Quiet coastal hiking trails, rich gastronomy and an intriguing history — this stunning Balearic isle offers plenty beyond its dazzling beaches.

Zagreb

Croatia’s beguiling capital offers a heady mix of Western Balkan heritage, proud coffee culture and outdoor markets selling produce from the encircling Dinaric Alps

INSIDE GUIDE - OTTAWA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES, BUZZY BREWERIES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS THRIVING WITH BARS AND BOUTIQUES CANADA'S BIJOU CAPITAL HAS PLENTY TO DISCOVER BEYOND THE HALLS OF PARLIAMENT

ULTIMATE SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCES

25 - THE PULL OF THE WILD IS NEVER STRONGER THAN IN DENMARK, NORWAY AND SWEDEN. ON THE PERIPHERY OF EUROPE, SCANDINAVIA IS WHERE NATURE THROWS OUT THE RULEBOOK. SHAPED BY THE ELEMENTS AND RULED BY THE SEASONS, THIS IS A REGION NOT ONLY BOUND B CULTURAL TIES, BUT BY A LOVE FOR EPIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES