13 best beaches in Tanzania

The convenience of flying private became abundantly clear to fans of the hit HBO show Succession as we watched the Roys zip off to exclusive retreats and far-flung business meetings in a matter of hours. That level of ease of travel at a time when flying commercial has become fraught with long airport lines and cascades of cancellations and delays may have some travelers wondering, how much does flying on a private jet cost, really?

A lot has been happening in the Indian Ocean in recent years, with new hotels, wildlife breaks, private island escapes and tours offering the inside scoop on local culture. From Tanzania to Sri Lanka, via the Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius, here's what you need to know.

Epic landscapes, diverse wildlife and the creative capital city of San José draw many visitors from all over the world to Costa Rica – don't risk a last-minute disappointment by not having your paperwork in order.

August brings the last month of peak seasonal temperatures. There is also a last hurrah of summer travel before school resumes. Labor Day weekend signals that fall is right around the corner. As has been the case for most of the year, the travel restrictions are minimal for most destinations.

Travel in August is all about being canny. It’s a prime time to be in Europe but you need to be nimble to avoid the crowds and escalating prices across the Med and beaches radiating beyond. It's worth thinking of alternatives if you want more than a packed fly-and-flop beach break or an overheated European city visit where half the venues are closed for the summer.

No one forgets their first safari: the sunsets, the open plains, that heart-stopping thrill of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. When it comes to Tanzania, there are countless reasons why so many travellers choose to return to the country time and time again. One region that's especially well-suited to second-time visitors, a destination that keeps people coming back for more, is southern Tanzania. 

We’ve all waited in a cramped airport for hours because of a lengthy layover. But what if you could ditch the busy terminal to stretch your legs on an African safari? Kenya Airways is making that fantasy a reality by offering passengers a free safari during stopovers in Nairobi.

I don’t suppose that most travelers choose their trip destinations based on a country’s happiness index. On the other hand, if they knew that Country A scored near the top of the happiness index and Country B scored near the bottom, it seems probable they’d be inclined to book their flights to Country A. Who wants to spend their vacation among unhappy people?

Looking for the ultimate family-bonding trip? Check out G Adventures’ brand new Family Journeys, designed for multi-generational travelers.

A wildlife safari is arguably the most memorable thing to do in Africa, and one of the most popular experiences for tourists (for good reason). The Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge in Tanzania is the best option for travelers visiting Tanzania and hoping to see wildlife. The lodge, sitting on the banks of the Grumeti River and surrounded by rainforests, is perfectly located for giving you access to the area’s rich wildlife and natural beauty.

This month sees a series of exciting safari lodge openings in wilderness areas across Africa and more are on the horizon for debut by early 2024.

Botswana’s key safari destinations — the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park — are among Africa’s best loved. For an affordable option explore by mokoro (traditional canoe) or river boat, and travel overland to public safari areas where, crucially, self-drive cars and tour vehicles are permitted. You’ll see plenty of elephants and hippos.