Rough Guides editors' favourite countries

Last year, we hired a lovely property sleeping eight two miles from Lake Garda. It was in a hamlet with two gorgeous Italian restaurants and a shop selling seemingly everything. We drove from Lincolnshire with our two dogs, in our motorhome. Our three grown-up children and their partners joined us there. The property owner arranged a pasta cooking day with local wine, meat and cheeses. We barely left the villa and the time spent just talking and playing games was priceless. Having nothing but time to chill and talk proved to be our best holiday.Cath Delsignore

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

Americans use 500 million of them a day without thinking about it, and now, a growing number of countries, cities, airlines, and restaurants are banning this popular item. Plastic straws—we use them to sip our cold brew coffee, they come unasked for in our cocktails and sodas, and they are killing our environment.

If you’re dreaming of long days soaking up the sun, ice-cold drink in hand, soaking up the scenery, the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team has just the ticket. Here are our 10 favourite pubs in the UK for summer drinking, from a remote beachside boozer to an urban brewery bar.

Well, 2023 marks 100 years since Ernest Hemingway’s work was first published. So let’s go with his favourite cocktail — the daiquiri. Made with the tasty trinity of rum, lime and sugar (with ice), it deftly dovetails strength, sourness and sweetness. What’s more, this year is the 125th anniversary of its invention.

In Willemstad, the capital city on the island of Curaçao, the waterfront is dotted with buildings the color of tropical fruit: mango orange, banana yellow, kiwi green. Paired with the bright blue water in nearby bays, it’s almost a full kaleidoscope of color. Originally, the structures were limestone white, but an 1817 law forbade white facades on buildings to protect islanders’ eyesight from the bright reflections of the Caribbean sun – but locals joke that it was a money-making bid on behalf of the island’s only paint supplier.

Most people think traveling from the US to Europe means crossing the Atlantic Ocean, usually on a six-plus-hour flight. However, there’s a whole other part of Europe smack in the middle of the ocean that melds the green, rocky hillsides of the UK with the Mediterranean vibes and culture of Portugal.

Business-class seats are no longer just the purview of suits shuttling between meetings. In recent years, more leisure travelers have started upgrading on long-haul flights—in part, thanks to the desire for more space during the pandemic. This has led to a number of new business-class offerings on domestic and international airlines alike, as well as the all-business-class airline La Compagnie that flies between the USA and France for half the normal price.

The Fisherman’s Trail in south Portugal is magical. We started from Porto Covo and ended in Lagos, walking 140 miles in 12 days, staying overnight in rustic villages, cobblestoned towns and surfer spots. Those short of time can walk a smaller section of the trail. The walk has breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, wild beaches with crystal-clear waters, pine forests, vineyards, and meadows of wild flowers. Lots of wildlife can be spotted – lizards, storks, cormorants and countless other birds – and the wine and seafood in the restaurants along the way is a treat.Miana

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

Secluded, serene and unspoilt, Dark Skies Camping, near Llandovery, offers camping without the crowds. With just 10 pitches (from £40 a night for two) set within 12 hectares of meadows, which run alongside a mountain stream, this is the perfect spot to unwind and get back to nature as you sit and enjoy the incredible night’s sky beside a crackling fire. The Cambrian mountains and Brecon Beacons national park offers plenty of nearby hiking opportunities. Hosts Tanya and Duncan keep the campsite facilities immaculately clean and are always on hand to offer local walking and wild swimming recommendations. The Neuadd Arms is close by for a great pint.Helen

For low-tide loveliness, the coastline between Alnmouth and Cresswell in Northumberland takes some beating. With the tide out the beaches and skies are overwhelming, especially on a sunny day. The coast is vast, so if you like solitude you’ll find it here. You have the bonus of a wander into the beautiful village of Warkworth and the small town of Amble. Access to public transport in this area is pretty good too, considering its remoteness.Barry Peaden