Top places to travel in 2023 | International Traveller

From clean, green European gems to a cluster of Pacific islands with unique personalities all their own, and some old favourites ripe for revisiting, these are the places to add to your travel schedule in the coming year.

Busan, South Korea

The rise of Korean pop culture

The Korean Wave has engulfed the world over the last few years, fuelled by K-pop (you would have to be a hermit not to have heard mention of BTS and Blackpink) and K-dramas (there is a lot more to this art form than just Squid Games, people).

While pop-culture phenomena might have been your introduction to South Korea, there is so much to discover in this country of 51.7 million: amazing food, ancient culture and a diverse landscape of mountains and islands.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched on a cliff by the side of the ocean — Haedong Yonggungsa Temple looks out over the Sea of Japan from Busan, South Korea.

A glimpse of South Korea’s second city

While the capital of Seoul gets a lot of attention, the second city of Busan is worth a look-see. Located on the country’s south-east coast, Busan has a laid-back disposition and an artistic soul.

Colorful landscape of Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, South Korea — Colourful homes are perched on the mountainside in Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan.

For visitors this translates to beach visits, hiking in mountains that hug the city’s edges, strolling the streets of Gamcheon Culture Village with its rainbow-hued houses, rubbing shoulders with locals in bustling markets such as Gukje and Jagalchi, and exploring the seaside temple of Haedong Yonggungsa.

If you visit in October, you might even spot the stars of Korea’s film industry at the Busan International Film Festival. Renew your Netflix subscription and start surfing the wave!

The Maldives

If you ever want to feel the exquisite quiet of being totally alone in the world, as if standing at the edge of forever, the islands of the Maldives are the place to head.

Young adult woman snorkeling in a turquoise clear sea in Maldives — See through the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.

A slice of paradise

These beyond-blissful patches of sand, sprinkled across the clear, blue waters of the Indian Ocean, are isolated in all the best ways: removed from the wearisome routines of everyday living, unconcerned by the passing of time and focused on the micro – the drifting of clouds through the sky, the progress of the tides as they ebb and flow, the ascent of the moon across an inky-black expanse, the sound of the wind sweeping across the sand.

Of course, this particular brand of edge-of-forever comes with lagniappes in the Maldives: designer island resorts, exquisite overwater suites, butlers on call, gourmet food and drink, spa treatments and unbridled luxury. It’s a mix of nature and nurture that results in island holidays at their most fundamental – and their most irresistible.

Morocco

The wholesale return to travel is the chance to prioritise the kinds of places you had previously put on your ‘one-day-I-will-get-there’ bucket list, never imagining that the world could completely shut down for years on end or that you would be forbidden from travelling to the end of your street, let alone the end of the Earth.

An eclectic blend of history and architecture

Places like Morocco, which has long filled travellers’ imaginations with visions of vibrant souks and stretches of sun-soaked deserts. With easy access through Dubai straight to Casablanca, take the opportunity to go far flung in this far-flung destination.

Ouarzazate on the edge of the Sahara desert in Morocco — The city of Ouarzazate in Morocco is the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

While Marrakech is an absolute must for its colour and buzz and history, invest the time this country deserves in order to experience gems like Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains of north-west Morocco, with its cobblestoned old town daubed in a romantic, hazy blue wash; the port city of Essaouira (pictured below) on the Atlantic coast, with its fortified medina (Old Town) scented with the tang of spices; and Oukaimeden for something totally unexpected, where you can enjoy uncrowded ski runs in the High Atlas Mountains during the winter months.

Aerial view on old city of Essaouira in Morocco — The city of Essaouira, Morocco is a Bohemian wonder full of houses painted in white and blue facades with crenellated walls.

Ireland

Road trips are the perfect post-pandemic freedom ride, and the perfect European road-trip destination requires a triptych of scenery, hospitality and access. The Republic of Ireland, anchored by its delightful capital of Dublin, is the perfect road-trip triple threat (or should we say triple treat?).

Parliament Bridge on river Lee and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church on a sunny summer day — The Parliament Bridge is an 18th-century limestone bridge built with fine voussoirs and a modillion cornice.

The countryside charm beyond seaside cliffs

It provides visitors with a topography of stunningly lush countryside and dramatically unspoilt coast; a famously welcoming personality fuelled by unbridled pride in their homeland and a healthy dose of laughter; and a ribbon-like network of stunning drive itineraries that lace their way from impossibly pretty towns to historic sights to incredible outlooks.

Whether traversing the atmospherically named Wild Atlantic Coastal Way (fun fact: at 2500 kilometres, this is the world’s longest signed coastal driving route) past hidden beaches and abundant wildlife. The Boyne Valley Drive in the country’s Ancient East, where you can stand in wonder at UNESCO-listed historical sites are older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids; or Connemara’s Sky Road, considered by many to be the most beautiful drive in Ireland (and that is saying a lot).

Each day has the potential to reach its full stop in a cosy local pub with a pint in hand, a hearty meal to feast on and an impromptu late-night sing-along to lend your voice to. Now that’s a triple treat indeed.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the kind of destination that has built a solid reputation for never disappointing visitors. The Peninsula, one of the most famous hotels in the world, has you covered if you are going there for a luxury city escape, and it is also perfect for a shopping holiday, a dim-sum-fuelled culinary journey, or to see sights as diverse as the busy neon-lit streets of Mong Kok and the peaceful Tian Tan Big Buddha on the island of Lantau.

Asia’s vibrant and bustling World City

With its tough COVID restrictions now lifted, Hong Kong residents seem determined to regain their people-pleaser mantle and, in the process, revitalise their vibrant, hard-working community and economy.

Case in point: half a million airfares, bought from Hong Kong-based carriers suffering during the first year of the pandemic, are about to be offered up to travellers for free.

All the better to spend your travel dollars in a family-owned noodle restaurant – many of which are in possession of Michelin recommendations; touring the mesmerising street art Central with a local guide; or shopping in neighbourhoods such as Kowloon’s Sham Shui Po, with its tofu shops and streets dedicated to all things creative: Ribbon Street, Button Street, Bead Street and Leather Street.

New York, USA

The city that never sleeps went into a deep slumber during the darkest days of the pandemic, when it is estimated that four per cent of its population left to take up residence elsewhere. But New York isn’t relinquishing its position as the world’s original – and best – metropolis just yet.

people walking in East 42th street in Manhattan early morning — Many pedestrians take advantage of how Manhattan is easily accessible by foot.

The city has sparked back to life and there is a constant thrum of industry once again, as evidenced by the slew of new hotels ready to accommodate the 207 per cent increase in visitors the city has experienced in 2022 (as compared to 2021), and the expected influx in 2023.

NYC’s most coveted hotels

Places such as the 83-suite Aman New York, which opened in August within the iconic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, and Nine Orchard, located in a sympathetically renovated landmark neo-Renaissance bank building in the Lower East Side; both are a riot of sophisticated interiors filled with understatedly chic designer pieces.

the stunning interior of Nine Orchard hotel in New York City — Nine Orchard is a former century-old Jarmulowsky bank transformed into an opulent hotel.

Or the elegant Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, situated in an Art Deco building in Greenwich Village that presents like a charming French bolthole, complete with a classic Parisian brasserie that is sure to become the city’s latest destination dining spot.

And the Grayson Hotel, fashioned as an ‘urban hideaway’ right in the thick of the Midtown action, with its sleek modernist style and ‘Story Curators’ customising experiences that connect you to local people, culture and cuisine. New York is wide awake again!

New Zealand

It comes as a surprise to many people to find out that New Zealand is actually made up of 31 distinct regions that patchwork together to cover the length and breadth of the North and South Islands.

It’s not that we don’t travel extensively when we visit Aotearoa – the road-trip swag of this 268,021 square-kilometre country with its 5.1 million people is legendary, and Australians love a campervan – but drilling down into the offerings in each area really confirms the diversity of our neighbour to the east.

Volcano Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park, Southland, New Zealand — Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park featuring volcanic wonders.

Home to secluded natural landscapes

How else to discover that The Coromandel is home to Hot Water Beach, where hot water bubbles up through the sand two hours either side of low tide to create curious spa pools and natural springs? Or that the Poor Knights Islands in Northland/Te Tai Tokerau are considered one of the world’s top diving sites?

That Taupo’s Tongariro National Park, with its three towering volcanoes, is home to what is considered one of the best one-day treks in the world; and that the Whanganui River in the Whanganui region of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui has the legal rights of a human being?

Drilling down into the country region by region will help you discover the best places to see penguins in their natural environment, the best stargazing locations, where to start and stop monumental hikes and the ultimate ski runs, and where to engage with the Māori culture in an authentic and respectful way. So, 31 regions but limitless reasons to visit in the coming year.

a beautiful sunrise over Emerald lakes on Tongariro Crossing track, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand — The emerald-hued lakes in Tongariro glow beautifully due to volcanic minerals and sunlight.

The Pacific

Each of the Pacific’s islands offers up equally sybaritic beach and blue water combinations, as well as compellingly unique cultural experiences that are all their own.

Muri Lagoon at sunrise from an aerial or birds eye view in Rarotonga the main island in the Cook Islands — Muri Lagoon is laid out with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

Private island retreats are calling your name

When it comes to island paradises, we are seriously spoilt for choice here in Oz, with some of the best the Pacific has to offer at the end of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flights from the east coast. While Fiji has been luring us back (and back) for decades, the likes of Samoa, the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands are proving increasingly alluring to travellers.

a man standing on a dugout canoe, Santa Isobel, Solomon Islands — The locals in the Solomon Islands use dugout canoes for fishing and travelling to other islands.

It’s not hard to see why, with each of them offering up equally sybaritic beach and blue water combinations, as well as compellingly unique cultural experiences that are all their own: from Fa`a-Samoa – the Samoan Way – which is all about community, to the ancient tribal rituals on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, to the fascinating archaeological monuments of the Solomon Islands.

a ladder heading down to Sua Ocean Trench — Sua Ocean Trench is a giant swimming hole in Samoa.

Add island fresh cuisines, experiences from diving to hiking to village visits, and warmly welcoming locals and it is hard to know which destination to prioritise over the other. Island-hopping anyone?

Natives selling products to a Liveaboard in Melanesia, Pacific Ocean, Solomon Islands — Melanesians ride their boats to sell fresh produce.

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Japan

Of all the places that Australians were eagerly awaiting reopening after the pandemic, it seems that Japan was the most hotly anticipated. Our love affair with the Land of the Rising Sun has long been fuelled by stunning ski fields, exquisite traditions, singular experiences, consistently fabulous food and prompt and efficient everything.

distant view of Kinkaku-ji Temple with colored tree leaves on the background — Kinkaku-Ji Temple sits on a serene lakeside in northern Kyoto, Japan.

Japan’s thriving music and arts scene

Travelling in Japan is one of life’s true joys, dashing between cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto via hyper-speedy Shinkansen, discovering quiet repose at ancient temples, witnessing exuberant festivals and celebrations that have been observed in the same way for centuries, immersing yourself in its wildly contrasting natural landscape (from volcanic lunar landscapes to thick green forests to blissful sub-tropical islands) and scoring a seat at a tiny sushi bar to watch chefs who have trained for decades master a single skill.

The list of allures offered up by Japan is endless; quicker to hop on a flight and let the destination woo you in person.

Curacao, Lesser Antilles

When is the Netherlands not the Netherlands? When it is Curaçao, an island country in the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea that is officially a constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The contrasts presented by this island paradise of some 155,000 residents is irresistible: a tropical Caribbean climate and disposition playing out against a backdrop that is decidedly European.

coloured buildings in Curacao — Pastel-coloured buildings that surround Curacao date back to the early 1800s.

Amidst sun-kissed, turquoise Caribbean waters

The historic waterfront of Handelskade in the capital of Willemstad is lined with a row of rainbow-coloured buildings that look like they have been transplanted from the edge of a canal in Amsterdam, while the beaches are decidedly Caribbean: soft and white and sandwiched between swaying palm trees and impossibly blue waters.

With dishes melding Dutch and Caribbean flavours, ingredients and influences, the local cuisine is also a delightful hybrid of location and history. And, of course, there’s its blue namesake liquor, which was the go-to ingredient in the fanciful cocktails of the ’70s, but which the locals take very seriously, with well-crafted examples sipped neat like a good whisky.

Estonia

With the Estonian capital of Tallinn set to take up the mantle of European Green Capital in 2023, it seems that now might be the perfect time to explore this hidden gem. Situated on the Baltic Sea, the country is a riot of medieval architecture, pristine wilderness and tranquil rural islands overlaid with a unique culture, language and cuisine.

Sweeping views of the charming two-tiered city

Most visitors start and stop their exploration in Tallinn, where the picture-perfect, UNESCO-listed walled Old Town is the stuff Disney fantasies are made of – all cobblestoned streets and soaring church spires – and its funky neighbourhoods such as Kalamaja, Telliskivi and Pirita offer diversions enough to fill a short break.

But spend more time here and go beyond the city limits to hike through pristine – and protected – pine forests, witness the indigenous culture and traditions of the Seto people in the south of the country, happen upon unspoilt beaches along the rugged west coast and discover the charm and history of islands such as Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Kihnu.

Even the most cursory Google search will have you wondering how you haven’t had this destination at the top of your list before now.

view from the tower of St. Olaf church, Tallinn, Estonia — Capture panoramic views of the old town and Toompea hill from the tower of St. Olaf church, Tallinn, Estonia.

California, USA

When your mind’s eye conjures pictures of California, it is inevitable that the Hollywood sign, Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge loom large. But the west coast state – the third largest in the United States – is also home to swathes of uncorrupted nature that is often completely overlooked by out-of-towners.

Cali’s impressive roster of state parks

The fact is, Cali boasts some of the most famous national parks in the country – Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia and Redwood among them – and in 2023 its impressive roster of state parks (the largest in the country, in fact) will increase with the acquisition of Dos Rios Ranch Preserve.

The 1000-hectare-plus tract of land is set to be gifted to the state by River Partners, a not-for-profit environmental organisation that has been working for years to rehabilitate and rewild the former farmland.

pine forest aerial view at dusk — Pine forests thrive in the fertile lands of California.

It’s a fitting addition to the rollcall of attractions in a state that has managed to stay resolutely forward-thinking in its liberal and environmental views throughout the social and political turbulence that has beset the US over the past decade. That in itself is reason to prioritise a return to California in the coming year.

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.