Music tips

Staring at a map of North and South America, from the frozen extremities of Canada down to the Diego Ramírez islands off Chile, it’s hard to fathom the cultural variations that have evolved across the two continents. This is a region of ancient civilisations and lost cities, from the indefinable magic of Peru to the jungle temples of Mexico. Yet it’s also the birthplace of rock and roll, country music and the blues, with a wildly vivacious, deep-rooted commitment to the good times. Just look to New Orleans and the Deep South, where renowned music forms arose beside atmospheric marshlands, in a truly authentic piece of Americana. Here, five experts reveal their favourite cultural locations and experiences across the two continents.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most exciting activities you can indulge in during your visit.

There’s something very satisfying about a hotel—or any enterprise, really—that settles on one thing and decides to do that thing very well. The First Roma, a new collection (or triptych, in the words of a marketer) from the Hong Kong–based quiet-luxury Pavilions Hotels & Resorts brand (known for low-key five-star properties like the Pavilions Bali), seems to have taken that idea to heart.

It’s the live music that summons travelers to Austin, Texas; nightly performances coupled with major festivals maintain a steady intake year-round. Outdoorsy adventurers can tap on a dip in Barton Springs and tackle the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail whereas foodies are nourished by Tex-Mex eateries and taprooms galore. The accommodation scene is equally dynamic and Airbnb’s latest category makes it easier to fish out the coolest places to stay in the state capital. Recover from one too many Mexican martinis at these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Austin.

These new restaurants hit the sweet spot between formal fine dining and flair-less fast food.

Personal items, hand luggage and hold luggage authorized formats/dimensions were revised to provide more flexibility and options for travelers.

Actress Julie Benko is currently playing the role of Ruth in the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical Harmony. The Broadway show centers on a singing group of six men in 1920s Germany called the Comedian Harmonists who win worldwide recognition for their talent but encounter challenges because of their three Jewish members.

For many people, the joys of winter center on strapping on skis, snowshoes or skates and getting outdoors. Of course, that is no less true in many parts of Asia. But with climates ranging from the famously snowy Japanese island of Hokkaido to the tropical forests of Malaysia, the continent offers a wide variety of wintertime delights for travelers who are seeking something different from a day on the slopes. Fresh-caught mountain trout sashimi, anyone? Here are five festivals to check out this winter.

If 2022 travel trends were all about a return to travel, then 2023 was the year we went further than ever before. Travelers took to the skies, rails, roads, and seas to cross off goals on their bucket lists with Arctic adventures, luxury yacht cruises, and even the first tourist trip into space.

Junkanoo, a polychromatic burst of music, dance, storytelling, and parades practiced in the Bahamas, was recently inscribed on the 2023 UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s the first intangible—a practice, skill, tradition, or craft—in the island nation recognized by the international cultural organization.

While mostly known for directing and writing films such as ‘ Orlando ,’ filmmaker Sally Potter’s other talents have shined in many projects, including stepping in front of the camera and acting (and dancing) in ‘ The Tango Lesson ’ as well as composing the scores for many of her films. Now with her debut album ‘ Pink Bikini ’ Potter sings songs she composed about her teenage years in the 1960s with themes of growing sexuality and the fear of nuclear war. I spoke with Potter about he inspiration for making the album, the differences in songwriting and filmmaking and the wines she would love to drink — if she only could.

Alone in London with a day to kill, Jon Martin was hungry for an off-the-cuff adventure when he decided to show up for a meal at a stranger’s home.

From rubbish comes rhythm, trash turned into tunes. At La Halle de la Machine in Toulouse, I watch Ignacio Herrero, one of La Halle’s staff members, make music out of recycled bits of junk. This hangar-like space in the southern district of Montaudran is best known as the home for the giant animatronic Minotaur Asterion and its equally enormous spider companion Ariane. However, exhibits demonstrated by staff also include a makeshift orchestra: old klaxons turned into an organ, a huge pinwheel of abandoned guitars, a cascade of battered drum cymbals, an accordion powered by a contraption that in a previous life operated windscreen wipers. The ingenuity, innovation and whimsy of it all are enchanting – music and engineering harmoniously coming together in a way that would have had Heath Robinson bursting into song.

Set between the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the craggy ridges of the Blue Mountain range, Jamaica’s attractions range from hidden waterfalls and white-sand beaches to historical architecture, great food and unique ecosystems.

When in Jaipur, it’s imperative to dine with a great view—the city affords some of the best backdrops with monuments and markets. At outdoor restaurants in Jaipur, these panoramas come with good food and great vibes.

Few traditions are as cherished and timeless as the annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet, which will be performing through December 31, 2023. This beloved production has become an integral part of the holiday festivities, attracting over 100,000 spectators annually.

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When I first started covering the hotel industry years ago, you'd hear the insult that big brands like Marriott International and IHG Hotels & Resorts couldn't successfully own a luxury or lifestyle brand.

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, Margaritaville’s first property in a ski destination is welcoming guests just in time for the 2024 ski season.

Havana is a dream destination for families and children of all ages.

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles Trianon Palace is offering a special that combines a stay at the historic hotel with the opportunity to experience a ballet performance in the Royal Opera at the Château de Versailles. The offer will continue through December 30, 2023.