7 places to sample Cape Town’s hedonistic nightlife

The fortunes of this estuary island are linked to the tides

Itching to squeeze in a last-summer getaway before Labor Day but worried about the cost? Good news: There are still plenty of affordable destinations with cheap flights and hotels, according to Priceline, which just released data showing the most significant summer 2023 travel trends until Labor Day.

America’s coastal areas don’t have a monopoly on great beaches . . . or groovy beach towns.

Woolacombe Beach is where soft sand meets the wild Atlantic and is perfect for our pooches. It consists of a wide, three-mile long sandy stretch from Barricane Beach down to Baggy Point, but dogs are restricted in certain areas. Parts of it are surfing areas and some kiosks even offered boards and lessons for dogs, though I didn’t want to embarrass Bob and Bertrand – our lovely Beagles – by insisting they try. Other pet owners were not so bashful. There are lots of dog bins and the cafes have bowls of water for four-legged friends. The Barricane Beach cafe is run by animal lovers, has great coffee and great-value curry nights.Gayle

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 its white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise seas framed by palm trees, lush greenery and soaring mountains, there could hardly be a more romantic destination than the Caribbean. Whether you want to snorkel with spectacular sea life, indulge in a moonlit dinner á deux, have your cares massaged away or lounge together in a private cabana, the Caribbean offers the ultimate idyllic couples’ escape.

You’ve already photographed the Big Five, sipped your way across Stellenbosch, straddled a camel beside the pyramids and now you’re looking for someplace new and different to feed your fascination with Africa.

Endless miles of scenic highways that wind coast to coast and meander around breathtaking natural wonders and ever-changing landscapes make hitting the open road second nature in the US. When it comes to the Midwest there’s often a misconception that it’s all about flyover states and repetitive countryside. But away from the big cities, industrial centers, and sprawling farmland, you can stumble upon some of the most European cities in America.

There’s no shortage of unique hotels in Cape Town, South Africa, that show you how a vacation should be done. Positioned between ocean and mountain, the breathtaking landscape is matched by a thrilling downtown district dishing up farm-to-fork fare and wines from the local vineyards. With international and boutique hotels vying for your attention, whittling down where to stay in Cape Town is the biggest hurdle. Complete with swimming pools and views for days, these luxury hotels in Cape Town’s top neighborhoods have you spoiled for comfort and location.

The core of Cape Town is anchored in its outdoor lifestyle, coast, and excellent wine, and all of those things are enjoyed to the fullest in an Airbnb home — not a hotel. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and have anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in the city, here’s a selection of some of the best Airbnb options. Most of these have baller status but are reasonably affordable. If you’re packing a surfboard or just want to enjoy a cold glass of rosé with ocean views, here are the best Cape Town Airbnb options.

Are you seeking an artful escape in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? Then check out the Art Studio On The Bay Airbnb inCape Town, South Africa. This Airbnb offers its guests a unique and luxurious experience, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind while exploring all Cape Town offers.

If all you do in Queenstown, New Zealand, is while away a few hours at the airport, you might still feel as if you’ve escaped to an alpine chalet. The mountains overlooking arrivals alone fulfill Peter Jackson’s promise of a landscape befitting the fantastical world of Tolkien’s creation, with every inch of the drive into town solidifying the suspicion that Middle Earth may have been discovered, not invented.