Castle tips

Crowned with an impressive royal castle and dotted with church spires and world-class museums, Kraków combines the historic with the cosmopolitan.

One sleepy morning this summer in Edinburgh’s Leith neighborhood, a pub-stuffed, cobblestoned port district, a persnickety tailor tugged at the lapels of my formal Prince Charlie jacket and centered my furry sporran purse. Then, with assertive force, he hiked up my kilt so it rested comfortably above my navel, warming my belly like a Scotch ale. I embraced my awkward role as an inert mannequin, a clueless one at that, slowly transforming into a great Scot.

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

The most magical Christmas experiences are made of ice and snow. So wrap your loved ones up and hit the ice at these ice skating rinks across the UK.

Albania is slowly becoming the jewel of the Balkans due to its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers. Come with an open mind and a rough plan, and be ready to be submerged in a rich culture like no other in Europe.

Lisbon and Porto may get a lot of love, but there's so much more to Portugal than its captivating historic cities.

Go up north for festive fun in the city of Manchester, with the main market hub situated in Albert Square, twinkling beneath the town hall. Follow the trail of market stalls through the city centre to find little Christmas gems – including amber jewellery, Belgian chocolate and French soaps.

Airbnb just launched a series of new features to help both travelers and Airbnb Hosts — the people who rent out their rooms, entire homes, castles, tree houses and nearly everything in between.

Like clockwork, warm weather slips away and autumn begins its descent on the Northern Hemisphere, bringing with it rich amber and ochre hues that transform forests, woodlands and parks. Make the most of the changing seasons with a scenic walk at one of these spectacular sites across Britain.

As winter approaches, it's time to start thinking about where to spend the holidays.

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, Ljubljana is often described as one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ljubljana's small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it a city that's easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. No cars are allowed in the center of town after 10 am every day. There’s plenty to do in town and its central location allows for lovely day trips to nearby lakes and national parks. No trip to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to the picturesque Lake Bled, the former summer playground of the infamous dictator Tito. Today, it’s a popular vacation spot for Slovenians and tourists, less than an hour from Ljubljana.

With its high-rise buildings and broad boulevards, Nagoya used to be best known for its industrial heritage — a place to delve into the history of Toyota, which was founded here, or to browse museums housed in former factories. That changed late last year, when a more fantastical reason to visit sprang up just 30 minutes’ drive to the east: Ghibli Park. As the name suggests, the theme park is based around Studio Ghibli, the country’s most successful anime company, which rose to fame with titles such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Did you know that there are European countries that don't use the euro? Of the 27 nations that make up the European Union (EU), 20 use the euro as their official currency, in the region known as the Eurozone. While most countries that join the EU are required to adopt the euro as part of their membership, there are seven member states that have yet to adopt the currency.

After seven years and three lead actresses, the great saga of Elizabeth II's reign ends. Over the years, it’s won both acclaim and controversy, showered with awards and, in the case of Season 5, the subject of statements by two former Prime Ministers. It has sustained its hit status, each season as eagerly awaited as the first and, with the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, becoming a focus for a mourning nation.

Earlier this year, I checked into a suite at Edinburgh's The Witchery by the Castle in the city's old town.

Driving into the North York Moors National Park is a bit like delving into the pages of The Secret Garden — it was indeed these heather-clothed moorlands that inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel. Granted, this pocket of North Yorkshire might not be such a secret — its hiking paths, country pubs and historic villages have magnetic appeal, and for good reason. Throw in the Howardian Hills AONB, which sits on the southern edge of the national park, and you’ve got yourself one of the UK’s most idyllic getaways. 

For world-class Brunello, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views of Tuscany, visit Castello Banfi Wine Resort, set on 7,000 picturesque acres of vineyards near Montalcino, Italy.

The scariest night of the year is approaching when ghosts and ghouls come out to play. To add some historic horror to your Halloween celebrations this season, why not visit one of Europe’s most haunted sights?

Draped in heather, studded with boulders and capped by jutting peaks, the mountainous landscape feels unimaginably ancient. Already laced with pathways, this elemental region of North Wales can now be experienced on a multi-day cycling adventure thanks to a new route from Cycling UK, the charity responsible for developing other long-distance trails such as King Alfred’s Way and the West Kernow Way. 

Universal Orlando Resort is offering a special ticket deal throughout winter: Get two free days with the purchase of a two-park, three-day ticket, valid for visits from October 2023 through February 2024.

Copenhagen is a treasure trove for the food-loving traveller, but there are many gastronomic adventures that await visitors beyond the capital. Denmark’s beaches, forests and islands are home to local producers rediscovering everything from botanicals and foraged sea vegetables to traditional bakes and plenty of creative takes on the classic smørrebrød open sandwich. Here are seven experiences in the captial and beyond.