Daniela Toporek

Alicante has everything you need for a glorious, sun-kissed getaway. This city, about a 40-minute drive from Benidorm, is less overcrowded by tourists, and offers a glimpse of the natural beauty and culture that can be found all across Spain.  From clear, blue beaches and island day trips, to museums and art galleries, and some of the best seafood tapas, it’s no surprise Alicante is one of our top places to visit. Whether you’re here for a relaxing escape or an epic, outdoor adventure, here are 10 of the best things to do in Alicante for 2026. Alicante’s top things to do, at a glance 👽 Most unusual: Cabo de la Huerta coves💶 Best free activity: Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA)👪 Best with kids: Santa Bárbara Castle👯 Best for adults: Cervecería Sento Rambla🎊 Best for young people: Tabarca Island 🛏 RECOMMENDED: The essential guide to Spain Mary-Ann Gallagher is a travel writer and author based in Barcelona, Spain. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is easily the most diverse, from the surf of the surging Atlantic to the turf of its lush north. This island capital holds all of Spain's microclimates to savour in one place. The best advice for anybody trying to hike its eminently trekkable terrain? Make like an onion, and wear plenty of layers so you can peel off and reapply as you cross into what feels like different worlds. Not an outdoor person? There is still plenty of fun out of the sun. From helicopter rides and aquariums, to feasting on fresh-caught sea delicacies, these are the best things to do in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria’s top things to do, at a glance 👽 Most unusual: Cueva Pintada💶 Best free activity: Los Tilos de Moya👪 Best with kids: Poema del Mar👯 Best for adults: Bodegas Bentayga🎊 Best for young people: Aphrodite RECOMMENDED: The essential guide to Spain + Best areas to stay in Tenerife

Granada, one of Spain’s most captivating cities, oozes in both, the languid sensuality of Al-Andalus and the brooding darkness of Christian conquerors. From showstopping architecture like the Alhambra Palace, which dominates the city from the top of a cliff, to the lush, verdent gardens that surround these prestigious buildings across the city, Granada has a way of wooing visitors, no matter what they're looking for in their Spanish escape. Here are the best things to do in Granada for 2026.  Granada’s top things to do, at a glance 👽 Most unusual: Sacromonte💶 Best free activity: Realejo👪 Best with kids: Archaeological Museum👯 Best for adults: Hammam Al-Andalus🎊 Best for young people: La Tabernilla del Darro 🛏 RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Valencia

The capital of the Costa del Sol was long overlooked in the race for top cultural destinations in Spain before it became the brilliant beach and art haven that it is now. The change started in 2003 when the long-awaited Museo Picasso finally opened, kick-starting a cultural resurgence that led to flurry of fancy new museums, including the only outpost of the Centre Pompidou. Add a couple of cliff-top Moorish castles, a pocket-sized Roman Theatre, a winsome little old town full of tapas bars and quirky boutiques, plus a newly primped-up port and fabulous beaches, and this exuberant little city on Spain's stretch of the Med can truly boast it’s got the whole package. Here are the best things to do in Málaga right now. Málaga’s top things to do, at a glance 👽 Most unusual: Teatro Romano💶 Best free activity: Playa Peñón de la Cueva👪 Best with kids: Gibralfaro Castle and Alcazaba Fortress👯 Best for adults: Museo Picasso Málaga🎊 Best for young people: El Tintero RECOMMENDED:🛏 See the best Airbnbs in Malaga🏨 or stay at the best hotels in Malaga  

Hidden coves, quaint old towns, Moorish architecture and dazzling hikes await in Spain's Balearic Island of Majorca. It's home to some of the clearest waters and soft-sanded beaches, but it's also earned a bit of a reputation for ‘Brits abroad’. But if you know where to go, you’ll see a different side of it entirely.  Go beyond the stereotype and you'll find colourful, hill-top neighbourhoods, local markets, an impressive art scene and ridiculously good cuisine, all surrounded by the island's natural beauty. Here are the best things to do in Majorca.  Majorca’s top things to do, at a glance 👽 Most unusual: Train to Sóller💶 Best free activity: Es Trenc👪 Best with kids: Artà👯 Best for adults: Miró Majorca Foundation🎊 Best for young people: Puro Beach Club RECOMMENDED:🛏 The best hotels in Majorca+ The best places to visit in Spain Mary-Ann Gallagher is a travel writer and guidebook author. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have 

There’s nothing like travelling abroad for a festival. You get to explore somewhere new, see a bunch of cracking artists, as well as maybe – just maybe – enjoy better weather and cheaper beer. Europe is certainly not in short supply of some really brilliant places to party, from tiny, lesser-known spots in the Azores to headliner-packed festivities in France and the Netherlands. This year, all eyes are on the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as it prepares for its 60th anniversary. Expect an epic line up and some extra jazzy surprises for 2026. The only thing missing from our list this year? That’s everyone’s favourite UK fest, Glastonbury  – which is taking its regular fallow year to make sure the land is looked after. But don’t fear: there are plenty more UK festivals on this list to discover in its absence. And there’s never been a better time to boogie down in lesser known, but equally fantastic festivals before its epic return in 2027. What is the largest festival in Europe? Many think that it's Glastonbury, and though it’s certainly one of the most well known, in terms of numbers, it’s not even the the biggest in the UK! The biggest in Europe is actually Donauinselfest in Vienna, Austria, which sees upwards of two million visitors a year. After that, it’s probably joint between Glasto and Tomorrowland in Belgium. The more you know! RECOMMENDED: 🌃 The most underrated destinations in Europe🌤️ The best European city breaks At Time Out, all of our travel guides are

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Boasting the likes of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, it’s no surprise that Italy is one of the most visited places in Europe (and the world). And the magic of Italy is that you can travel there every year and never, ever have a similar holiday twice. From the Dolomites’ sweeping mountains to the gritty city life of Sicily’s Palermo, this country has every kind of holiday destination imaginable.  What’s happening in Italy in 2026? With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 taking over in the next month, Italy has more to offer now than ever. Milan is the epicentre of all the Olympian action, and will be in the international eye from February 6-22 – but if the outdoors are calling, Bormio is the answer. The Italian alpine town in Lombardy is as charming as it is athletic with picturesque views of the Alps, medieval art and architecture, dozens of skiing, hiking and cycling trails and really excellent food.  ➡️ READ MORE: Time Out’s ultimate guide to Italy Ella Doyle and Grace Beard are Time Out’s travel editors. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

City life is kind of our thing here at Time Out. And we truly believe there’s no better way to spend a long weekend than cramming in as much nightlife, food and culture as possible in one of Europe’s many great metropolises. And in 2026, there’s a whole new host of reasons to get out there and explore – everything from international sports events to fantastic festivals, and major anniversaries to all-new art exhibitions.  But with hundreds of cities to choose from, where should be top of your travel list this year? Fear not: we’ve done the hard work and narrowed it down for you. Along with our experts across the continent, I’ve rounded up the very best city breaks money can buy this year, from the cities having a huge moment in 2026 to the old classics that are always great – and why this is the year to visit every single one. Itching to start booking? Me too. Here’s our ultimate city break guide for 2026. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED:💸 The best cheap city breaks in Europe🗺 The most underrated cities in Europe📍 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe Ella Doyle is Time Out’s Europe editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Solo female travel has gone far beyond ‘having a moment’ as more women than ever before continue to jet off on their own adventures, and it doesn’t look like the trend is going anywhere. That’s where we come in – Time Out has already compiled a guide on how to maximise your safety and minimise your stress on your first, third, or thirtieth solo trip, but now we’re here with a comprehensive guide to the best destinations in Europe. So, from whole countries which are known for their safety to cities with some of the world’s most outstanding public transport – all complimented with a helping of brilliant culture, pretty streets and impeccable local food, of course – here are our top picks for the best solo female travel destinations in Europe, with tips by our editors.  📍 READ MORE: Time Out’s ultimate guide to Europe Liv Kelly is Time Out’s travel writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Sure, Charlotte has historically basked in the shadow of its bigger, louder counterparts when it comes to U.S. cities, but here’s why it’s worthy of your attention. There’s a shedload of teams to come out and support (though you can also visit NASCAR Hall of Fame for a taste), the Levine Center for the Arts is primed for—you guessed it—art-lovers, and for those looking to amp up the activity, think walking trails, whitewater rafting and lakeside bliss. Whatever you’re feeling, Charlotte has you covered, and we’ve compiled all the city’s top places to rest your head.  Which area is best to stay in Charlotte? To be smack dab in the middle of the sporting, dining and creative center of Charlotte, stay in Uptown on your first visit. However, for an area with a little bit more edge (and plenty of breweries) go for NoDa. Alternatively, Ballantyne has plenty of family friendly options, including the gleaming eponymous hotel in spot number one on our list.  Charlotte’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: The Ritz-Carlton 👛 Best budget: Dunhill Hotel 🌃 Best view: JW Marriott Charlotte 👙 Best pool: The Ballantyne Hotel & Spa 🤩 Most iconic: The Ivey’s Hotel 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Charlotte  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels

There is simply no better feeling than zooming down a scenic motorway with the windows down, speaker volume up, and your free will to wander wherever the winding roads sweep you. It's catharctic, chaotic and a full-blown main character moment - whether you’re the one behind the wheel or not. Lucky for us, Europe offers infinite arteries to flow through, allowing drivers to hit the pedal to the metal and reach epic destinations with some elite scenery along the way.  What is the best country for a road trip in Europe? One of the best countries to roam the roads? Montenegro. This tiny country holds a hell of a lot to see, from its stunning, sparkling coastlines down in Kotor Bay to the impressive mountain ranges that reach to the stars near the northern village of Vranjak. There are also ferries that help roadies float from one town to the next, offering a few minutes to step outside, stretch and take in the surroundings. Plus, Montenegro is extremely affordable. Other countries on the four-wheeled bucket list include Germany and its unstoppable Autobahn, and Italy with its ferocious speed limits (and Ferraris). 📍 READ MORE: Time Out’s ultimate guide to Europe John Bills is a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

  Right in the pulse of Italy’s fashion capital, the Park Hyatt Milano combines family-friendly luxury with bold, Milanese pride. With a prime location near the city’s landmarks and fresh room renovations, this is your swanky, haute couture holiday sorted. Why stay at Park Hyatt Milano? Staying at the PHM means staying in a little piece of Milan’s fashion history. It was originally built as a palazzo in the 1870s before it was converted into the city’s very first department store, Aux Villes de Paris, (later changing the name to Aux Villes d'Italie, then the iconic La Rinascente) in 1877. After its closure, the building was transformed into the Park Hyatt Milano in 2003, and recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a €20 million-euro glow-up that was completed in 2022. Now, PHM provides remarkable hospitality encased in opulent Italian marble, with the vibes to match.  What is the service like at Park Hyatt Milano? Outstanding. The management and concierges know the ins-and-outs of Milan and will move mountains for you (or at least give you plenty of Mirto and panettone recommendations). There’s also tip-top room service, snazzy bartenders and nurturing spa attendants who bring you back to life.  What are the rooms like at Park Hyatt Milano? Each of the hotel’s 108 rooms are decorated with light, elegant, neutral tones and artwork that you’d fawn over in a gallery, along with heaven-sent king beds, fine, Italian bedding and blackout curtains. This includes 26 stately

If you’ve travelled through Italy, you might have seen All’Antico Vinaio’s big, bold, red signage, alerting you to their sensational sandwiches. This autumn, All’Antico opened its first UK store in Soho, marking the 48th location to sling their Florentine sandwiches worldwide. Schiacciata is a Tuscan flat bread that’s as fluffy as focaccia on the inside, but satisfyingly crisp at the crust. At All’Antico, this heaven-baked bread is cut in half and stuffed with meats, creams and cheeses that take you to the land of the Renaissance. There’s no way to look cute eating it. It’s a messy and greasy affair All’Antica’s small shop has already caused a stir on Old Compton Street. At lunch, white and blue-collar workers united by hunger pour out of the entrance and down the road. Inside, staff are efficient as hell. You immediately order at the counter, then inch your way to the register while the artists are at work. By the time you pay, your sandwich is securely wrapped and ready to go.  Deciding which sandwich to order is an excruciating task. There are 18 options, but if you’re a first timer, order La Paradiso – Italian for ‘the paradise’ and absolutely living up to its name. Slices of mortadella generously blanket a thick spread of pistachio cream and stracciatella cheese, with chopped pistachios added for extra flavour and texture. There’s no way to look cute eating it. It’s a messy and greasy affair. Same goes for the Italiana, slathered in basil pesto that drips down to stacke

You’ll find Hera, named after the queen of the Olympians, on the backside of Stratford Cross – past Westfield, past the newly opened Everyman and just opposite the new V&A East Storehouse. As soon as you think you’ve gone too far, there it is; a corner restaurant with tall glass doors and windows that make anyone who’s wandered this far want to peer in.  Inside, there’s a bar with an illuminated liquor shelf as tall as the ceiling. If Beauty and the Beast’s Belle had a penchant for booze over books, she’d roll her ladder from one side of the bar to the next in search of her top-shelf favourites.  Even more impressive is Hera’s gloriously vast dining room with chandeliers, elaborate foliage and plush booths. In the kitchen, chef Mario Salimis whips up a classically Greek-inspired menu with modern twists. The melitzano salata, diced aubergine with honey and balsamic, is a savoury delight, more so when spread thickly across any of the assorted breads at the table. The fried calamari has a perfect squid-to-batter ratio, and slivers of seabass carpaccio are fresh and silky smooth, though quite oily. Better still is the seafood orzo, one hell of a dish, with plump prawns and vibrant-orange mussels. Cocktails are interesting, too. The Arriani is Greece in a glass, with feta gin, Greek yoghurt, fig cordial. Meanwhile, the Helen of Spice is basically a mango marg with a kick. But the finest moment – as basic as it sounds – is the Greek salad. Chopped cucumbers, onions, olives, peppers

As sister venue to Hackney’s tiny wine bar Binch, Godet can easily be spotted by its peachy-pink exterior and checkered curtains. Not only are the vibes ridiculously cool, with a weekend DJ (at a reasonable volume), Godet have collabed with Ling Ling’s to serve up their epic Chinese and pan-Asian menu for the next year (think; hot and spicy tartare, Sichuan hibiscus octopus and turnip cakes, mala beef ragu with udon noodles, and steamed prawn, chicken and Thai basil wontons) to complement a small, but mighty selection of reds, whites and oranges.  

What is it? A historic theatre company and venue within Glasgow’s Gorbals neighbourhood that’s just been restored in 2025.   Why is it worth visiting? The Citizens Theatre holds some of the UK’s oldest theatrical equipment within its incredibly well-preserved Victorian auditorium, and has undergone a huge glow-up that’s been in the works since 2018. It was only supposed to take three years, but COVID and rising costs pushed its opening to August 2025. Inside the three-storey theatre, there's a spankin' brand new and more accessible foyer, a new bar, new social spaces and enhanced backstage facilities for performers. The six cherries on top are the fully restored statues of Robert Burns, Williams Shakespeare and the four Greek muses, Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy), Euterpe (song and poetry) and Terpsichore (dance) – all which were part of the original building in 1878.  How much does it cost?  Prices vary depending on production, which you can find here.  📍 Discover the best things to do in Glasgow

When you look at photos of the Generator London hostel online, I get why you might be skeptical. Google’s feature photo of the entrance isn’t the most warm and welcoming, and the rest of the images, though professionally shot, still radiate a tint of sadness from the lack of life in those colourful, yet empty rooms. But I want you to take those images and presumptions about this Bloomsbury stay and throw them in the bin as Generator is the perfect example of why one should never judge a book by its cover – or Google search.  Why stay at Generator London? Generator London opened in 1995 within what was once a secluded police station on Tavistock Place. The once family-run hostel turned into a successful European brand with quirky, urban decor and locations across the continent, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona – and three in North America too. In 2014, the London location got an impressive glow-up, leaving the stereotype of grungy, risky hostels in the past, and it’s definitely kept its reputation up since.  The lobby is a large, contemporary, eclectic space with neon welcome signs, a street art-style photo of Queen Elizabeth blowing a pink bubblegum bubble, and the front desk to the left with self-check in tablets. However, for a more personal connection (and to avoid the tablet that kept freezing) check in with the kind receptionist instead. Once you’re checked in and free to roam the property, you finally see life, and all walks of it. People of all ages hun

Famous for its signature chicken, waffle fries and natural lemonade, American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A opened its first in a new bout of British locations in Belfast in January 2025. Now, the chain is testing waters in the Big Smoke with a first restaurant in London. The new Chick-fil-A branch will open in London’s far southwest: Kingston-upon-Thames. Located at 90 Eden Street – in what was formerly an HSBC bank – Chick-fil-A's Kingston outpost will be its fourth UK opening. The official opening date hasn’t yet been confirmed, though it’s tipped for early March.  Kingstonians can expect all Chick-fil-A’s classic menu items at the new location, like the chicken sandwich, grilled nuggets, iced tea and dipping sauces. The chain is famous for its queues, too, which are known to trail well out the door at peak times.  Chick-fil-A is currently in the midst of its second attempt to break into the UK chicken market. Back in 2019 the chain opened locations in Reading and Aviemore, Scotland, but they were met with backlash and a campaign by LGBTQ+ activists. The company’s charity arm has a controversial history of donating to organisations that activists judged to be hostile to LGBTQ+ rights, while the then-CEO made public statements opposing same-sex marriage. Both the Reading and Aviemore locations’ six-month leases were not extended. You can find out all about the controversy here.  However, it’s worth noting that Chick-fil-A has since stated that it stopped funding anti-LGBTQ+

Anyone who’s visited the British Museum in the last few years will know that its Great Russell Street entrance isn’t looking quite as grand as it once did. Since 2016 London’s busiest attraction has featured grubby, grey-ish tents for security, which often have lengthy queues streaming out of them. Soon, however, those tents – which many reckon are a bit of an eyesore – will be gone. The British Museum has submitted plans to Camden Council to swap its current security tents and barriers for two sleek new pavilions, turning the lawns on Great Russell Street into a ‘Mediterranean-style’ garden space.  The goal of this redevelopment masterplan, according to the museum, is to shrink chaotic queues and provide an easier, more aesthetically-pleasing welcome experience. The two pavilions will boast ‘state-of-the-art’ security scanners which not only mean that guests can be screened without having to empty their bags, but there won’t be any need for unsightly tents.  Co-designed between Studio Weave, Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud, the pavilions are also expected to provide more accessibility and interactive installations. Completion of the new pavilions could come later this year. Good news, right? Well, actually not everyone is on board this particular BM glow-up. Some heritage bodies and conservation groups have objected to the proposal, warning that the revamp could disrupt the symmetry of building’s Greek Revival architecture

Parents of preschoolers, consider this your official warning: Adventure Bay is coming, and with it will surely be incessant pleading of ‘can we go’ from countless young ’uns. The world of the Canadian animated children series PAW Patrol is leaping off-screen and set to open Chessington World of Adventures this spring. The 1.4-acre ‘World of PAW Patrol’ was announced back in spring 2025. It will bring Adventure Bay to life, complete with a full-scale replica of the show’s iconic Lookout Tower that will dominate the skyline of the Surrey theme park.  The £15 million World of PAW Patrol will feature four rides, each themed around a member of the pup pack. Chase’s Mountain Mission, an entry-level rollercoaster designed for brave little thrill-seekers (and their grown-ups), uses the Lookout Tower as the centrepiece of the ride.  There’s also Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, a spinning aerial ride with panoramic views; Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, a rocking, rolling adventure through Adventure Bay; and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, which marks the UK’s first-ever ‘drifter’ ride where vehicles will mimic the sensations of real-life sliding and skidding.  According to Chessington, the land’s storytelling focuses on teamwork, community and everyday heroism — core themes of the globally popular Nickelodeon series. Expect colourful landscaping, interactive elements and plenty of opportunities for small visitors to feel like part of the patrol. Photograph: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments ‘

The thing about the travel bug is that it really does bite hard. One trip turns into two and the next thing you know, you've quit your office job, been approved for a visa and booked a ticket across the world. Okay, this might be the most extreme case of the bug, but it doesn't negate the fact that there are too many places to visit and too little time. Luckily, Travel + Leisure has narrowed down the most worthwhile spots to visit next year. The curated mix has picks for food lovers, city explorers, beach bums and nature seekers.  Food and drink In the ‘Food + Drinks’ category, T+L mentioned Malaysia as an unmissable stop. There aren't many places where breakfast traditions are classed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, but the country's savoury roti canai and sweet nasi lemak made the cut. Elsewhere, Italy's Umbria region is slowly climbing the foodie charts for its popular truffle hunting experiences in lush landscapes.    Photograph: Shutterstock City life   For big-city thrills, no longer is Seattle only known for Starbucks and overcast. The city's undergone a glorious glow-up over the past couple of decades, and is solidifying its new chapter with a new multibillion-dollar park, consisting of 20 acres that connect downtown to the coast – just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Singapore also continues to impress with futuristic architecture and sustainable endeavors. It's now getting an adventure-focused zoological park and an immersive IMBA T

Fifteen destinations across six continents were represented at the World's 50 Best Vineyards awards, held in Australia's Margaret River region this week. The annual ranking is created using the votes of 700 international wine and travel experts. Their winner for 2025 is VIK, a vineyard in Chile's Millahue Valley. Ranked in second place last year, VIK is surrounded by a 4,450-hectare nature reserve and is equal parts wine producer, luxury retreat and architectural marvel. It has 327 hectares of grape vines spread across 12 microclimates, giving its wines complexity, diversity and a deep sense of terroir. The vineyard's design isn’t just practical; it’s a contemporary work of art. A bronzed titanium roof seems to float over the winery – an ode to Frank Gehry and Richard Serra. Inside, VIK’s Milla Milla restaurant offers fine South American barbecue, seafood, locally grown produce and homemade baked goods, all accompanied by VIK wines in a glass-walled space with views of its massive wine cellar. To get a 24-hour experience, guests can also stay on the property in one of the 22 themed rooms or private bungalows. If you can briefly break away from the wine, there are plenty of outdoor activities, too. Picture horseback riding in the valley, trekking or having a cosy, boozy stroll through the reserve. ‘The estate has shown exceptional dedication to creating immersive vineyard experiences, seamlessly blending innovative design within the stunning Millahue Valley landscape and offer

We all know that flying isn’t great for the planet. But what to do about it? There‘s always opting for overland travel, but not every traveller has time on their side. Short of setting annual limits for frequent flyers, adding an extra tax for air passengers is one way to help bolster decarbonisation efforts – and one Asian country is doing just that. Starting October 2026 and applying to all tickets purchased after April 1, passengers departing from Singapore will face a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy, the first of its kind in the world, as part of an ambitious goal to decarbonise the sky. Don't think of it as a tax. Think of it as a eco-friendly, forward-thinking step to help air travel become more sustainable across the world. So, what is this tax for? According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the levy is based on the volume of SAF needed to meet its one percent target for 2026, as well as SAF's projected price premium. While SAF is significantly more sustainable than conventional jet fuel (SAF is made from recycled oils and agricultural residue), it is also significantly more expensive to produce.  How much will travellers have to pay? Thankfully, the new charges won't break the average traveller's bank. Short routes will only charge S$1 (£0.58), while passengers on long-haul economy flights will be charged S$10.40 (£6.08). Even the highest rate, S$41.60 (£24.33) for first-class or business flights, is still significantly cheaper than paying for

Where can you find a mish-mash of bright, historic architecture, creative local art exhibitions, buzzy bars, exciting new restaurants and loud and lively samba all in one place? It can only be in Rio de Janeiro, where vibrant city street Rua do Senado has just been named the coolest in the world for 2026, according to Time Out.  Time Out’s annual ranking is created thanks to the insight of local editors and experts, who each nominated a street that represented the best of their city. The global travel team then narrowed down and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  Rua do Senado landed in the number 1 position this year for its excellent food and drink scene, fascinating art and culture, and for generally being a whole lot of fun. The street is a gleaming representation of the country: curious, creative, joyful, proud and just downright cool. Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Lívia Breves’ highlights include chef Lucio Vieira’s restaurant Lilia and its sister bar, Labuta, where you can enjoy ice-cold caipirinha cocktails. There are creative shows at Ateliê Bonifácio or Solar dos Abacaxis, and locals flock to the street for Saturday samba sessions at the iconic Armazém Senado.  And raising the bar even higher, Rua do Senado is getting a new Mercado Central, or central market, located within the street’s 113-year-old, bright yellow Granado factory building that will soon house over 40 new food, drink, shopping and enterta

If you've got a four-legged friend who loves the sand and sea as much as you do, then you’re not alone. Searches for ‘dog-friendly holidays’ have jumped by nearly a third in the past month, according to holiday home rental company CV Villas, and they've just crunched the numbers to reveal Europe’s most dog-friendly beaches for 2025. From windswept strips in France to sun-soaked shores in Portugal and England (yes, there is sun in England if you're lucky), these sandy spots scored top marks for temperature, terrain, and tail-wagging potential.  Recommended: The best beaches in Europe, according to Time Out France's Plage de la Salie took first place with an overall score of 90.33. The beach, located in La Teste-de-Buch in France’s Gironde region, boasts vast stretches of flat sand - perfect to get those zoomies out before going for a dip in the clear waters of the Bay of Biscay.  Second place went to Praia do Cabedelo in Darque, Portugal, which has equally long shores, making it ideal for walks and games of fetch. If your pooch is especially talented (you've seen those viral videos of dogs on surfboards, right?), the area’s strong winds make for great surfing and kitesurfing sessions. Cabedelo’s beach scene is laidback, but leashes are still required to respect those around you and will help other beachgoers and your pet stay safe.  Photograph: Shutterstock The third most dog-friendly beach in Europe is in England, specifically Holkham Beach within Holkham National Nature Re

Whoever said ‘more money, more problems’ never had to endure the financial risk of booking a holiday with unpaid leave through irrational company procedures. Luckily, some countries have laws that make paid time off not only available to their workers, but a requirement – easing the mind and wallets of employees while they take a bit of R&R.  But which countries have the most enviable set-up when it comes to annual leave? Payroll and HR supplier Moorepay has analysed statutory PTO and public holidays across the globe to find the destinations with the best benefits for their workers, as well as the countries coming up short.  Recommended: The island nation named the best country for work-life balance (again) The country with the most paid days off is Yemen, with a whole month and a half (46 days) of paid leave and public holidays available for workers. Libya (45), Bahrain (44) and Austria (43) follow suit with well over a month off, with Monaco ranking as the fifth best option with 42 days.  The country with the least amount of paid time off goes to the United States, and by ‘least’, we mean zero. The US has no federal law that requires workers to receive paid vacation or public holidays. The ‘land of the free’ is followed by Japan with 10 total days, Guyana with 12 and Liberia and the Philippines with 16.  While the UK offers 28 days, its European neighbours France, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Italy offer over 35 paid days off, offering a better work-life balance and much be

Living the digital nomad life ain’t too shabby – if you do it right, that is. Think appropriate, ethical accommodation, ever-changing work spaces, a chance to build a new little community for yourself and the freedom to explore the world. While some countries aren’t yet convinced of the lifestyle, others are embracing it with open arms and temporary visas, allowing people from overseas the opportunity to roam while contributing the country’s tourism economy.  So, which countries are embracing the nomadic way of life? Well, Instant Offices, a global company that helps businesses secure workspaces, has researched the best cities for remote workers according to connectivity, affordability and weather, the city which ranked top of it’s list with a total score of 52.11 would be Dubai. Its futuristic backdrop, sparkling beaches, low crime rates and world-class cultural experiences - whether it be dining, art galleries, museums or music festivals - offers remote workers an afterwork urban playground that never gets old. As for co-working spaces, there are plenty of options to help get into work mode while exploring the city of gold. Recommended: All the countries offering digital nomad visas in 2025.  Dubai’s digital nomad visa gives travellers the chance to work remotely for an employer or business based outside the UAE for one year (with the possibility to renew) as long as you show proof of employment and a monthly income of $3,500 (€2,998). Oh, and did we mention that it’s tax f

Mountain climbing is a serious hobby (which can cost you some serious cash) but in an exciting announcement, the Nepalese government just shared that it plans to make 97 Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years. Now that’s a serious deal.  But, why is this happening? Well, despite Nepal having over 490 summits to hike (including eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks), most climbers flock to the same select few. Mountain-climbing is a huge industry in Nepal, and Everest brought in three quarters of the country’s $5.9m revenue last year, according to the BBC. However, from September, it’s thought the fees to climb it will soar up to $15,000. So, the government is keen to give other mountains their time in the spotlight, and it hopes the strategy will spread that the income received from overcrowded peaks to lesser-known, hidden Himalayan gems like the regions Karnali and Sudurpaschim, where a good chunk of these 97 mountains stand. They’re also two of the least developed regions in the country.  Just last year, Mount Everest saw 421 climbers, whereas the 97 other mountains only saw 68 in total. It’s caused overcrowding and environmental concerns, forcing the government to implement a new rule that future Everest climbers must show proof that they’ve scaled at least one 7,000-meter-plus mountain in Nepal first.  By opening these new summits, climbers will not only get the experience needed, they’ll also pay a fraction of the cost while still financially assisting

In a scorching, record-breaking summer, Greece continues to burn from rapid wildfires that are ravaging the mainland and its popular holiday islands. High temperatures, thick smoke and long-lasting embers provoked by strong winds have created life-threatening scenes that have led to evacuations of thousands of locals. With such a threat weighing in on summer holidays, it’s no doubt that travellers are concerned about their holidays. That’s why we’ve been keeping up to date on all the latest news regarding the wildfires across Europe. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags. Where are the wildfires in Greece?  The latest wildfires were reported Wednesday, and blazed through the outskirts of Patras, the country’s third largest city, as well as the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, and in at least other three inland locations.  In the past month, fires have ravaged regions near Athens, Petralona, Atheras, Faraklata, and Protopappas, and continue to spread through the mainland and islands. Is it safe to travel?  This really depends on your destination. If you had travel plans for Patras, fires have ripped through nearby olive groves, forests, a cement factory and an entire car yard of over 500 cars. According to Reuters, authorities have evacuated almost 8,000 people and continue to issue alerts for nearby villages.  Flames in Chios have also forced the coast guard to evacuate locals to safety by boat, and the situation has gotten so now reached a point that