Graham Greene travel tips

At the 123-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the finest suites have long been named after the most memorable guests—Graham Greene, for one. Now those spaces, along with the rest of the hotel's original Heritage Wing, have reopened after an extensive renovation. New touches include imported Italian marble and hand-tufted carpets, while the hand-painted artwork adorning the elevator car shines as bright as it did in 1901. The grand original wooden staircase also remains—be sure to descend it in a wardrobe that would befit those glamorous visitors of the past. To help you look and feel as luxurious as this iconic hotel, we gathered a list of chic and sophisticated packing essentials inspired by the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, from silk midi skirts to printed one-piece swimsuits.

Hanoi's Old Quarter has many constants, from its French Colonial architecture, Opera House and 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature to its vibrant street food and the chaotic two-, three- and four-wheel traffic that swirls all day and much of the night around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.

Britain’s original destination for a dirty weekend, Brighton has had a reputation for licentiousness since the Prince Regent (later King George IV) started bringing his mistress Maria Fitzherbert here in the late 18th century. The construction of his coastal party pad, Brighton Pavilion, sealed the deal — slowly transforming the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmston into a fashionable destination for the Regency elite, as well as setting a deliriously high standard for subsequent society pleasure dens.

TV viewers have reveled in the world of Reservation Dogs since the revolutionary FX show debuted in 2021. With an almost entirely Indigenous team both behind and in front of the camera, the dark comedy offers a rare authentic look at modern Native American life. It revolves around the lives of four teenagers growing up on a fictional Indian reservation in Oklahoma as they confront the many complicated issues facing tribal communities, from Indigeneity to intergenerational trauma to high rates of poverty and suicide. And yet, so much joy and humor surges throughout the series.

With its natural wonders, revolutionary history and captivating culture – informed by the vodou (voodoo) religion – Haiti is like nowhere else in the Caribbean. Look beyond the trash talk and the misconceptions and you’ll be richly rewarded.