The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.
With beaches reminiscent of those in Thailand — but often feel more like they’re in Greenland — Barra is one of the most beautiful Hebridean islands. Before rushing north, be sure to visit 16th-century Kisimul Castle, the similarly named Indian restaurant with its scallop pakora, and the local airport, which sees light aircraft landing on sand.
Few people think they know anything about Eriskay but it was off this coast in 1941 that the SS Politician was wrecked, with its famous cargo of whisky, and a considerable amount of cash. The following raids by locals were the basis for the 1949 film Whisky Galore! Today the Politician Bar offers a popular nod to that ignoble history.
Each of the three Uist islands has a highlight, but the Hebridean Smokehouse offers a chance to pick up a souvenir, learn about the history of peat-smoking, and meet an earl. Fergus Granville is not only the owner of the smokehouse, he’s also a talented artist and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s godson.
A stop at Luskentyre means you can visit one of the most gorgeous beaches in Europe while being in the right spot to visit a traditional Harris tweed shop. Owner and weaver Donald John Mackay is well practised at explaining exactly why the tweed’s trademark matters so much — and perhaps why you should buy some.
Completists will want to make the journey all the way to the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost extremity of the Hebrides. An almost 30-mile drive north from Stornoway, it feels suitably storm-lashed and dramatic, with a battered lighthouse, thriving colonies of northern fulmars and, incredibly, masochistic surfers coming to try their luck in the cold waves.
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India is a country that’s almost a continent. From the sky-high peaks of the Himalayas to the waterlogged jungles of Kerala and the dry-as-a-bone deserts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, this enormous nation covers an astonishing variety of terrain. There’s always somewhere worth visiting no matter what the weather is doing.
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
On a Saturday morning in the Lake District, perhaps at the base of a popular fell or along the shores of a placid lake, you might think you were at a countryside Crufts. The region’s footpaths are bustling with spaniels, labradors and golden retrievers – and the ubiquitous cockapoo, of course – all in procession, dragging their owners up hills or along forested trails, tongues out, tails wagging, noses poised to sniff the behind of anything they might pass.
With rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft taking over, you might be wondering where in the world it’s still possible to take a cheap taxi. Cabs aren’t dead, yet: These countries still heavily rely on them.
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.
With Michelin launching its first-ever guide to the city, the food scene in Bangkok is (literally) on everybody’s lips right now. But with an estimated ten thousand new restaurants opening every year in Thailand's capital, choosing where to eat can be a minefield. Here’s our guide to five places that you simply can’t afford to miss.
No matter where in the world you're headed, we bet you're looking forward to a delicious meal or two. And many of the dishes easiest on the pocket are the tastiest on the tastebuds too.
From the pristine shores of Bali to the rugged beauty of Australia's Whitehaven Beach, these best beaches in the world offer incomparable beauty, crystal clear waters and a sense of tranquillity, making them truly unforgettable destinations for beach lovers.
From city breaks to romantic countryside escapes, options for weekend breaks in the UK abound. Whether you're looking to get active, overindulge or just chill out, we've got you covered. Here's our pick of the best weekend breaks in the UK. Need more inspiration? We've also rounded up 20 of the most memorable places to stay in the UK.
A thin sliver of land on the western edge of the South American continent, Chile offers a wealth of landscapes to explore. This country stretches across the Andes mountain range, to the Atacama Desert, and boasts 4000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Caro Bohets says on Facebook that the colourful houses of Valparaíso are a must-see.