Art tips

One of the reasons Philadelphia is sometimes referred to as New York City’s sixth borough is the influx of former New Yorkers seeking more affordable and manageable lives in Philly.

Barcelona, the charismatic capital of Catalonia, is known for its dynamic energy, sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring architecture. Yet, even in this thriving metropolis, the iconic works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí stand out as masterpieces of creativity and innovation.

A time-out-of-mind atmosphere pervades the mountain town of Magome, a centuries-old staging post on the eastern border of Gifu Prefecture. On the main street, stone steps ascend alongside a trickling stream, where a wooden waterwheel ticks around slowly like a sleepy clock, setting the town’s somnolent tempo as it has for some 300 years. Houses line the road, old but beautifully preserved, shuttered with wooden screens and hung with swaying lanterns. Gingko and maple leaves crown the street in a blaze of saffron and cardinal red.

The French Riviera is often defined by what made it famous in the first place: Historic grande dame hotels, spectacular scenery, visions of jet setters basking in champagne-soaked glamour, and cruising the coast in vintage convertibles a la Grace Kelly. These scenes remain beyond Slim Aarons’ iconic photography, and each summer, a parade of well-heeled travelers arrive, toting the latest bags from Chanel and Dior.

One of the world’s most dazzling destinations, Brazil is packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands and exciting cities. 

Over-tourism remains an ongoing headache for Venice, and there are few times of the year you won’t come up against flocks of tourists (even on a cold and rainy day in late February, I found the top of the Rialto Bridge crowded), but off-season travel is unquestionably a gentler, more beneficial time to visit the city. Here are eight things to check out if you’re heading to La Serenissima this fall and winter.

If you fell in love with the frivolously fashionable Netflix hit series Emily in Paris, now might be your chance to experience a little of the lavish lifestyle yourself.

Central Asia’s biggest showstopper, Uzbekistan promises rich travel experiences on the Silk Road in historic cities but also a vibrant living culture. The nation is alive with bazaars, arts and crafts, sustainable fashion and exciting music festivals.

When you think of Paris-based hospitality company Accor, brands like Sofitel, Raffles and Fairmont are likely the first things that come to mind.

An iconic Brooklyn party spot is now a new lifestyle hotel.

The City of Brotherly Love has a rich history and a thriving art scene, much of which can be enjoyed for nothing at all. From free museums to fun neighborhoods to explore – and some very famous steps to run – here are 17 of the best free things to do in Philadelphia.

Affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia has top things to do for sports fans, museum-goers and everyone in between.

For ultra-wealthy travel lovers, six-figure getaways continue to trend ever upward. Encouraged by the pandemic’s wake-up call to maximize life’s positive experiences, these vacationers are engaging luxury outfitters to brainstorm off-the-beaten-path itineraries that illuminate exclusive, eye-opening, one-of-a-kind adventures. Among the best of the best tour-planning companies, Abercrombie & Kent — founded in the 1960s by visionary safari pioneer Geoffrey Kent — just announced its latest pinnacle, Around the World With Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet. Limited to 46 participants, this epic 26-day transit (October 13 to November 7, 2024) will touch down in Japan, India, Malta, Senegal, Saint Helena, Uruguay, Easter Island and French Polynesia. Kent, who will accompany the group from start to finish, explains to Forbes: “It’s true that the world is well-traveled, but there are still unexplored spots. My goal is to take A&K guests to places of immense beauty and rich culture, but where others rarely venture.” Indeed, many of the destinations are dazzlingly remote with unique behind-the-scenes encounters. To smooth this far-flung journey en route: a chartered Boeing 757, featuring all lie-flat, first-class seats, with a dedicated crew and executive chef. Price: $184,950 per person; see below for further details. (Perhaps you may be inspired by these highlights to tuck one or two intriguing ideas onto your DIY wish list.)

In a mere half-decade, Istanbul, where the whispers of Byzantine antiquity meld with the rhythm of a bustling metropolis, has unfurled architectural marvels that continue to captivate and astonish. This metamorphosis greets visitors upon arrival: The colossal Istanbul Airport, unveiled in 2018, presents columns that echo Ottoman splendor, juxtaposed against modern art installations like the evocative Wish Tree and the kinetic Istanbul in Motion mural. Remarkably, this nexus ushers in over 90 million travelers annually, eclipsing even the iconic Hagia Sophia's draw.

You don’t need to be more than an occasional cruiser to have noticed a boom of late in fine art displays on luxury vessels. In addition to all the great design innovations to discover on Silversea’s new Silver Nova, one of the most exciting elements is the enormous and diverse multimedia contribution from fifty-nine world artists.

As the home of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed by the country’s forefathers, Philadelphia is a top destination for history buffs.

Steeped in American history and culture, Philadelphia is a popular destination for kids and families from all over.

The #1 hotel in the world, along with another 20 on the list of the 50 Best Hotels in 2023, is in Europe.

Global Fashion Collective (GFC) showed at Milan Fashion Week again this month, this time surrounded by glorious frescos in the 16th-century San Barnaba church. Led by Jamal Abdourahman, director of Vancouver Fashion Week, the second largest fashion week in North America, GFC is one of the top showcases of new talent from around the world, producing runway shows in various fashion capitals. In addition to Milan, GFC creates shows at New York, Paris, Tokyo and London fashion weeks and plans to add showcases in Mexico in 2024. As well as being a keen advocate of emerging fashion, Global Fashion Collective has partnered with a popular new makeup brand for all their runway needs. The healthy, mineral-based, chemical-free brand BullyBlocker, was founded two years ago by American businesswoman Donna Baker Brittingham and is fast becoming a top choice of makeup artists. Seven international talents were in the spotlight in Milan during an exclusive Spring/Summer 2024 runway presentations.

OK, so I cheated. But with a panorama like this, can you blame me? Our yogic sensei (master) is counting us through meditative breathing — inhale ichi, ni, san; exhale ichi, ni, san — and despite her instruction to keep eyes closed, I’ve cracked open my right lid. Beyond the deck where 20-odd people are breathing serenely in unison, I spy a rambling green expanse of forest stretching to meet the Seto Inland Sea. I feel suspended above the foliage, weightless in space. This definitely beats meditating in a packed London studio.

Which neighborhood you decide to base yourself in on your trip to Mexico City is a key consideration when it comes to planning your vacation.