Forbes

Mom may have a daily skincare routine that she follows religiously at home but packing a variety of creams, gels and serums can be challenging when traveling – especially if she doesn’t want to check a bag.

Australia is home to its fair share of fascinating creatures—the frilled lizard, quokka and platypus, to name a few—and when it comes to spotting a massive array of native species in the flesh, few destinations can compare to Kangaroo Island. Located just southwest of Adelaide, this storied site serves as one of South Australia’s crown jewels for ecotourism, with no shortage of protected preserves that play host to all sorts of indigenous flora and fauna. As you plan your next trip to Australia’s southern shore, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a wildlife-filled foray into the depths of Kangaroo Island.

Boater or fascinator? A hat is said to bring good luck for those who are celebrating the 150th run of the Kentucky Derby, (rather than Star Wars Day) on May 4. Derby style advises that the topper dictates the rest of your wardrobe. A flamboyant hat may call for a more streamlined outfit, where a simple chapeau invites a flashy ensemble. Whatever you choose, there’s a spot in Boston to show it off. The festivities this year range from drop-in drinks to elegant soirees. Here’s a round up of top spots for watching the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Actress Samantha Pauly is starring as Jordan Baker in the hot new Broadway musical “The Great Gatsby,” based on the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The show opened April 25th.

The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is one of my favorite wine events in the U.S. Now in its 25th year, “Pinot Fest” is a gathering of more than 50 producers from this small, cool-climate AVA, many of whose Pinot Noirs exceed their Sonoma competitors in quality at a fraction of the price. The Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, 5/18, but I recommend spending the weekend and checking out the many related wine and food events that make Pinot Fest a longstanding destination to kick off Spring.

The birthplace of world-renowned dishes including elotes, chilaquiles and birria, Mexico has earned abundant acclaim for its national cuisine, with no shortage of endemic ingredients and time-honored cooking styles coming together to form one truly spectacular mosaic of flavors. While the national capital of Mexico City is home to a wealth of can’t-miss dining destinations, the country is dotted with foodie-friendly municipalities spanning from the Baja Peninsula to the tip of the Yucatan. As you plan your next trip to Mexico, don’t miss out on these essential cities, each one offering the perfect blend of high-end gastronomy and ultra-flavorful street food.

Thinking about travel to Europe this summer? I’ll whisper this two-word, game-changing suggestion in your ear: Swiss Bliss. Switzerland is a spectacular vacation escape, promising plentiful pampering, playful diversions, culture (music festivals, art experiences, unique museums—from sports to science, film to food) and stellar gastronomy. Taste Chasselas wine; its white grapes are grown in the terraced Lavaux vineyards along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva, where vintners produce artisanal batches that are rarely exported, so 98 percent of their singular sips can only be savored within the country. Discover abundant natural beauty and peaceful hideaways. Hike Alpine mountains. Swim in glistening lakes. Picnic amid wildflower meadows. For high-speed outings, ample opportunities abound: boating, road cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, skydiving and white-water rafting. Transportation within this tidy nation, especially via its SBB trains, is smooth and swift, accessing scores of destinations. (For itinerary details and surprising delights: My Switzerland Tourism.) Internationally renowned for training extraordinary hoteliers, hospitality is a revered profession, which adds smiles to your stay. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations—campgrounds to chalets to castles. If your vacay preference tends toward one-of-a-kind, five-star hotels, this article shines on three favorites, which are among French entrepreneur and winemaker Michel Reybier’s impressive collection of wellness-promoting properties.

Can’t impress mom with your cooking? Try scoring a special reservation to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12. Of course, brunch is the move here and so many New York City restaurants are pulling out the stops to celebrate moms, grandmothers, step-moms, dog moms - whoever wants to indulge in special mid-morning through mid-afternoon meals. Here’s where to treat mom to a top notch meal this spring.

Standing tall above Sydney’s Darling Harbor, the recently opened W Sydneywill command your attention before you even step foot inside. The feeling of marvel doesn’t stop once you enter the building; an illuminated vertical promenade inspired by the Australian Waratah flower leads you into the heart of the hotel where 585 rooms and many thoughtfully designed communal enclaves await. The largest W property to date, W Sydney welcomes visitors and Sydneysiders to enjoy round-the-clock moments big and small. From the sprawling rooftop pool to small tipples in your room, this hotel is designed to create your own adventure and symbolizes a new chapter for W Hotels.

This Mother’s Day, why not give the mom who loves traveling something to help prioritize herself while she’s on the road? Research has proven that consistent self-care is linked to improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

The world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibition, the Venice Art Biennale opened last week and runs until 24 November in two main locations, the Giardini and the Arsenale, as well as throughout Venice, in museums, foundations, galleries, churches and palazzos. These “collateral events” are free and are mostly open through the fall. From stunning painting shows to sculptural installations, here are ten must-see exhibitions dotted throughout the city nicknamed "La Serenissima."

Sit on a bench in Stanley Park long enough and you’ll hear a symphony of languages spoken. Stroll down the streets of Gastown and be ready to encounter a fusion of cuisines from dozens of cultures. Take a closer look at British Columbia’s biggest city and there also lies a vineyard of international connection. No event encapsulates this global unity through the art of winemaking quite like the Vancouver International Wine Festival. From the rolling hills of Sonoma and Napa Valley to the coastlines of New Zealand, the world of wine is as diverse as the cultures and climatic zones that nurture its vines. This unrivaled celebration of oenophilia is a testament to the worldwide beauty found in each and every glass.

As the sun descended into the horizon, a Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island speedboat whisked us to a secluded sandbank that, at first sight, was deserted. Our arrival, however, revealed a solitary pergola draped in gauzy fabric and adorned with fresh flowers, moving in the breeze.

With summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out—and into.

Fine luggage is an architectural timepiece that makes the first, and often only, impression when you are racing through airports or pulling through hotels. This Mother’s Day, give Mom a fresh and daring piece of luggage that will ignite her enough to book the dream vacation she’s been talking about. Here is the best luxury luggage for Moms who travel.

There are many reasons to head to France in 2024—the Olympic Games in Paris, the Euro 2024 football competition or an Impressionist festival—but many will be heading to Normandy to commemorate the 160,000 Allied troops who landed on its beaches in World War Two in the biggest military seaborne invasion in history.

Barcelona has a food scene like none other. Home to some of the world’s most extravagant dining, including three three-star Michelin establishments and the world’s second-best restaurant according to The World’s 50 Best, the Catalan capital is also a surprisingly laid-back destination, brimming with casual tapas bars and natural wine joints.

Set in the heart of South Africa's Western Cape, Stellenbosch is widely regarded as one of the top wine regions in the world. Famed for its full-bodied reds and crisp chenin blancs, the region is equally acclaimed for its jaw-dropping landscape of lush vineyards set against towering mountains. Equally rich in wine and natural beauty, Stellenbosch offers extraordinary experiences that cater to both the wine aficionado and the enthusiastic traveler alike. Here’s some of the best things to do on your visit to this remarkable region.

This Mother’s Day (12 May 2024), treat a travel-loving mum with one of these indulgent beauty gifts to make a long-haul journey just that little bit easier. From skin rejuvenating creams to hydrating mists, these gifts will pamper and make every Mum feel loved when away from home.

Capital A—the parent of budget carrier AirAsia that’s owned by tycoons Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun—is merging its various airline affiliates across Southeast Asia in a deal valued at 6.8 billion ringgit ($1.4 billion).

Finding a great bookstore while traveling can be just as satisfying as spending the day at a beloved museum or sacred monument—and that’s certainly the case in Istanbul. The city is packed with hidden second-hand bookstores and flea market-style book alleys. The thing is—the majority of these places sell books written in Turkish, which, while beautiful to look at, mightn’t be the most practical if you’re looking for something to bring back to your hotel and read (unless of course, you speak Turkish).