11 breathtaking Welsh views

The classic travel guide is being overtaken on online marketplaces like Amazon by completely generic, AI-written ones — but there are a couple of ways to tell if the guide you're looking at is a fake.

A TikToker documenting the shocking luxuries of his first-ever business-class flight and his stay in an expensive hotel has sparked discussion among viewers about how rich people live, and the way people treat them. 

Located about an hour outside of Paris by train, the Palace of Versailles is often among France's most-visited tourist attractions, per data from Statista. It's easy to see why: the palace, once home to generations of French royal families, is a sprawling, gilded feat of human artistry. 

From St. Peter's Basilica to the Vittoriano, the Pantheon to the Colosseum, Rome boasts one of the most iconic and romantic skylines in the world. So when choosing where to stay in the Eternal City, it’s ideal to find a hotel that gives you a bird’s eye view of the grand cityscape.

When visiting Tokyo, it’s key to book a luxurious hotel that feels like a serene retreat removed from the crowds. After all, Japan’s sprawling capital is populated by 37 million people, making it the single largest city in the world.

Thompson Seattle has long been my go-to hotel in downtown Seattle, just steps away from Pike’s Place Market and with an excellent restaurant (Conversation Kitchen & Bar), and a spectacular 4,500-square-foot rooftop bar (The Nest) from which you can survey the city’s iconic PNW landscape. This luxury boutique hotel has upped its own ante with the opening of two new 1,000 square-foot penthouse suites that have unparalleled views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the 12th floor and are decked out with local artwork and other design touches.

Flying to the U.S. from abroad? Get ready for potentially longer check-in times and new security measures. Effective this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will increase scrutiny on electronic devices travelers bring onboard.

TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) is the undisputed king of hotel user reviews. This week, it begins its quest to attain the same status in the realm of airline flight reviews.

I’ve stayed in so many Airbnbs over the past decade—upwards of 150, including an off-grid Earthship Biotecture in New Mexico and a barebones treehouse in rural Sri Lanka—you might just call me a super-user. I’ve met fascinating Airbnb hosts from all over the world along the way but none who have embraced unfettered hospitality quite like fifth-generation sheep farmer Harriet Olafsdóttir av Gørðum and her husband John, co-owners of Hanusarstova, a thoughtful little bed & breakfast in the Faroe Islands.

If you’re visiting Bangkok for its temples, it’s tough to beat the views from Sala Rattanakosin, which lets you see one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples right from your hotel window. A boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s historic district, Sala Rattanakosin overlooks the Chao Phraya River and iconic Wat Arun temple, and gives guests an immersive cultural experience.

Not only is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel one of the most standout landmarks in Singapore, it’s also an architectural masterpiece. A towering icon of modern luxury, the hotel features 2,561 luxurious rooms and suites that offer a stunning view of the city skyline, and is known for its rooftop infinity pool and “Rain Oculus” art installation.

Situated in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and one of the world’s most popular (and spectacular) UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monument’s grandeur, the intricate detailing, and the stunning play of light as the sun rises and sets all contribute to an experience that captivates millions of visitors each year. Many take the journey to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh solely to see the Taj — in fact, many would argue to trip to India would be incomplete without making the detour. Because of this, most visitors who come to Agra are there for the same reasons and stay for only a night or two. And there’s nothing wrong with this. There’s a huge amount to see at the Taj Mahal complex (with differing times of day offering a varying experience) and you shouldn’t overlook visiting other heritage sites such as the Agra Fort, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. And when you add the crowds and heat, a trip to Agra can be full on. That’s why carefully handpicking your accommodation is important. There’s a handful of superb hotels near Taj Mahal, the number one being The Oberoi Amarvilas that offers views of the monument from its range of suites and bedrooms. If your budget allows, a stay at this luxurious hotel will make the chaotic city easier to handle. But there are also a handful of other trustworthy, comfortable, and budget-friendly hotels in Agra. Here’s some of the best.