Travel in city This

We’ll always have Paris. And Amsterdam, Berlin and Rome. But the heart of Europe is often found in its small towns, not only in its bustling capitals. From Mediterranean islands to Bohemian castle complexes, and from the heart of Transylvania to the hills of England’s Cotswolds, these ten gems prove that small can be beautiful.

Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast to the south of Valencia, Villajoyosa has been named the “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024,” according to European Best Destinations, which has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year. The best secret destinations in Europe is a ranking that recognizes hidden corners, spots far from the crowds, beautiful villages lost in time, and places where some of Europe’s natural beauty can be experienced by simply taking a short walk.

Ah, summer in Europe. Slow mornings spent reading books and trying all the local pastries you can get your hands on; afternoons strolling along the river or exploring quiet neighborhoods; evenings sipping rosé in sun-dappled squares. The only thing that can disrupt the pure bliss of summer in Europe is the threat of heaving streets, packed bars, and overbooked restaurants—a reality that is, unfortunately, all too common in the continent’s most popular destinations.

A trip to Albuquerque­ offers a unique chance to care­ for yourself.

The quest for a better quality of life influences many Americans’ decisions on where to live, work, play and travel. U.S. News and World Report has just released its ranking of the top 25 U.S. cities that offer the highest quality of life.

"The energy is shifting. Can you feel it?” It is a cloudy Sunday afternoon in Highland Park. A perfect day to hear about ghosts.

More than 10,000 rooms will surround the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, recently inaugurated in the United States. It is located just steps from Disney World and Universal Studios in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually. This city offers a wide range of entertainment options but lacks a beach, an issue remedied in this great development with a crystalline lagoon of the multinational innovation company founded by the scientist Fernando Fischmann. The lagoon forms part of the Evermore Orlando Resort, one of the largest tourism projects in Florida. The large 8-acre body of water with extensive beaches breaks the hotel paradigm by providing truly superior standards and consolidates the presence of Crystal Lagoons in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

With its glittering seas, colorful harbors and beaches filled with primary bright umbrellas, the French Riviera is a visual treat most everywhere you look. For an even more vivid mise en scène, head to the Côte d’Azur in spring, when this ribbon of revered coastline hosts numerous spring festivals, and towns pull out the stops to celebrate a cherished local bloom or fruit.

Manchester is located in the northwest region of England. This city has a storied history of originally being known as a hub for industrial manufacturing — but today has transformed into a trendy spot boasting spirited energy, soccer fever, tasty food, a vibrant music scene, and interesting cultural offerings.

Many visitors to Marrakesh spend most of their time losing themselves in the ancient medina.

America’s town names often venerate famous historical figures and benefactors, or borrow place names from the country where settlers originated.

The epicenter of Mayan culture in Central America, Guatemala is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, black-sand beaches, biodiverse jungles, thriving Mayan townships and the stunning ruins of Tikal.

Mountains, music and sweets mit Schlag: Austria’s charms are irresistible, and draw millions of visitors each year.

From towering redwood forests in foggy northern California to perfectly sun-kissed surf beaches in the south, the Golden State on the Pacific simply begs to be explored.

London is a world unto itself and it's only natural that many travelers never look beyond the confines of the city limits.

St. Louis is known as the Gateway to the West. A major stop on the Mississippi River and just south of the Missouri River, it was the jumping-off point as the United States expanded its border westward and the city boomed in 19th and 20th centuries. Today, you can see vestiges of an affluent past mix with a forward-thinking, artistic community that make St. Louis an exciting destination year-round.

More than London at the moment, Bristol seems to encapsulate the contradictions, energy and frustrations of the British nation. This city, which straddles the River Avon, is small (the population was just under 500,000 in 2019) but it punches well above its weight when it comes to politics and art. When a group of activists threw the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol harbour in June 2020, it focussed attention on Britain’s historic role in the slave trade. (Colston, who had endowed schools, almshouses and hospitals in Bristol had, in the 17th century, been instrumental in the transportation of at least 84,000 enslaved people during his involvement with the Royal African Company). Nowhere in Britain voted more fervently to remain in Europe (62 per cent versus 38 per cent voting to leave).

When you think of San Antonio, the picturesque River Walk often comes to mind – and rightly so. This iconic waterway meandering through the heart of the city is undoubtedly one of its most famous attractions. However, San Antonio has so much more to offer families beyond this charming waterway. There are plenty of historical landmarks, thrilling theme parks, a wealth of cultural institutions, and plenty of active-adventure activities to be had. This city is a treasure trove of experiences for families.

If you’re headed to one of the most popular destinations in the world for spring break—yes, it’s Mexico—then check out these cheap Mexico vacations before you book.

It has to be Berlin. During a month-long summer trip in the late noughties, I fell in love with Kreuzberg’s €2 kebabs, cheap pilsner and vibrant street art. I strolled through leafy Prenzlauer Berg, home to endless coffee, cake and culture. This city has whatever food you could possibly want (currywurst is a must – meat, veggie or otherwise, big and budget-friendly). But the highlight was taking a train out to the stunning lake Wannsee. We packed a picnic, stripped off, sank our toes in the sand and swam, swam, swam until the canalside clubs began calling our name.Jessica Cole

So gloomy they named it goth? Not in the slightest. This town can certainly do black-eyeliner bleak with the best of them – anywhere with docklands can, and Gothenburg has got the largest port in Scandinavia. But Sweden’s second city is actually a ray of sunshine: friendly, funny, multicultural (23 percent of people living here weren't born in the country) and on the thrilling cusp of massive expansion.