Castle tips

Most people start their visit to the Czech Republic in Prague, the cradle of Czech culture and one of Europe’s most intriguing capitals.

Osaka is half the size of Tokyo but just as much fun. Lightning-quick shinkansen trains link the two cities in a little over two hours while nearby cities of Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara are an easy day trip. Osaka itself is home to its namesake castle, scores of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and a belting street food scene. The central districts are defined by Honmachi, Dōtonbori, Namba (Minami), and Kita (Umeda) although Osaka Bay is a handy base for visiting Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) and Universal Studios Japan. Mingling Japanese and Western traditions, these are the top-rated Airbnbs in Osaka’s coolest neighborhoods.

Kyoto, Japan has become one of the hottest destinations around the globe in recent years, and for good reason. Surrounded by lush mountains, rivers, and bamboo groves, and studded with exquisite gardens, the city’s natural beauty is positively enchanting.

Allow your teeth to break through a crisp, golden pastry shell and the reward of soft clouds of sweetened ricotta await. Sicily’s emblematic dessert — the cannoli — has captured the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide, but there’s also a fascinating story behind its shape.

On the Kent coast, where the North Sea meets the English Channel, the historic town of Deal was at one time the busiest port in England. Today, though, it’s less dockyard and more seaside resort, popular with day-trippers and weekenders from London and beyond, who come for the pebble beach and pretty castle and stay for the town’s growing culinary scene.

In the midst of winter with its low grey skies, the scents and colours of embryonic spring are a welcome morale booster. These gardens will offer spectacular views over the coming months, as banks of delicate snowdrops, and armies of budding daffs, bluebells and tulips return.

The UNESCO World Heritage sites of the former capital Kyoto give unforgettable insights into Japanese history, but across Japan are numerous, less heralded (and less visited) destinations that can transport travelers back in time. Be it the tales unearthed in castle ruins or fortresses that have withstood the tests of time, a journey to Japan's Kansai region and the islands of Okinawa can offer travelers fresh insights into Japan's past and the moments that shaped its future.

Today, savvy travelers—perhaps surprisingly even those with independent DIY inclinations—readily book ace tour guides to boost their sightseeing quests, access coveted behind-the-scenes experiences, enhance special-interest themes, skip lengthy queues and bypass crowds. London, a cool tourism hot spot, is revved up for a tourist-eager 2024. VisitBritain forecasts 39.5 million vacationers to Great Britain this year. How to make the most of your on-the-go moments? London’s longest-running operator, Evan Evans Tours—established in 1933 and since 1991 part of globally far-reaching, impressive The Travel Corporation, a fourth generation, family-owned travel company—is among the best of the best, emphasizing the art of storytelling in its personalized guided narratives. Consider these favorite, fine-tuned, horizon-stretching forays.

Disneyland Paris has this week reopened the doors of its landmark hotel following a total transformation of the space. The “royally reimagined” Disneyland Hotel marks the first luxury property to be dedicated to Disney royal stories; the stories will be combined with unparalleled hospitality, high-end dining, and unique Disney entertainment designed to thrill both adults and children alike.

In the summer months, Tarr Steps heaves with families and visitors who come to cross the medieval clapper bridge that spans the River Barle. But in winter the woodland is tranquil, with lovely walks to the picturesque village of Dulverton. The Tarr Farm Inn – set right by the Steps – dates back to the 1600s, with nine comfortable rooms that come with fluffy bathrobes and Egyptian cotton, and homemade biscuits and fresh milk on the tea tray. Settle in for hearty dinners of chermoula-spiced scallops and a rack of Somerset lamb, with cream teas available until 5pm each day as a reward for a hearty walk. Doubles from £90 B&B; tarrfarm.co.uk

Kyoto offers a tantalizing glimpse of ancient Japan – which is why it's one of the most popular destinations in the country. Might we suggest escaping the temple crowds by exploring an alluring spot nearby?

I was born and bred in Copenhagen, and have lived here for most of my life (apart from some years spent in Berlin and New York City). This is my home and I could navigate the city with my eyes closed.

A Victorian favourite once billed as the ‘Queen of Welsh resorts’, Llandudno has kept much of the charm that made it so popular. The curving promenade framing Llandudno Bay, the aroma of fish and chips wafting in the air, pastel-coloured art deco houses lining the seafront and old-fashioned amusements on Llandudno Pier all combine to deliver a quintessential British seaside break. The town also serves as gateway to a wealth of natural attractions in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and water-based adventures in Colwyn Bay.  And a stay in Llandudno can be combined with a trip to Conwy, across the river of the same name, which has a mighty castle and Britain’s smallest house.

Within Kyoto's historically rich and compact confines, distinctive neighborhoods tell different tales about this storied city.

Steeped in history from the Viking Age to the Age of Reason, Uppsala is packed with historical landmarks. Yet one of the biggest historic landmarks, its University, provides an injection of youthful vibrancy to this intellectual city.

Whether it’s the notorious portrait of Henry VIII dressed lavishly in full regalia or the great dome of St Paul’s Cathedral competing with London’s modern skyline, some of historic England’s most iconic images are relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. It’s sometimes easy to forget that this is an ancient country, populated for thousands of years. 

When your wedding budget stretches into the millions, the possibilities are endless. So it’s no surprise that celebrities often choose to say their ‘I dos’ in exotic locales.

The Hogsmeade section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Orlando in 2010. Since then, it's grown to include two lands across Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

During a 25-day trip to Italy, my husband and I spent six nights in Rome.

The most visited city in the world offers a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. Think sumptuous castles and ancient hunting grounds in under an hour from the Eiffel Tower or day trips to the Normandy D-Day landing beaches, Champagne tasting or visiting the Loire Valley château—all are possible in a day trip from Paris and here are six of the best.

Scotland is one of the most stunning destinations, filled with enormous castles, rolling green hills, and magical lochs. Considering my ancestors were from Scotland, I took a road trip from Glasgow to St. Andrews for a customized experience of iconic golf, whisky tasting, and castle hopping, all with a private dedicated chauffeur.