Where to stay tips

Ghana is blessed with beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches that offer visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From bustling and popular destinations to hidden gems, the country has a range of beaches that cater to various preferences Here is our pick for the best beaches in Ghana.

Enjoy a more eco-friendly stay in Sydney with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible Great Escapes.

Respect the environment in Tokyo with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible Great Escapes.

Often enormous and smack­bang in the centre of things, hotels are, it's fair to say, very, very there. But they're not easy presences: public yet exclusive, both welcoming and a little off­-putting at once, they’re some of the most enigmatic, story­-generating buildings around.

This feature has been made possible by Homestay.com, an accommodation marketplace connecting guests to local hosts in over 150 countries.

If asked to guess, how many islands would you say there are in Scotland? A few dozen perhaps, or a couple of hundred? Would you raise an eyebrow if we told you it’s actually more than 700? And that Scotland has more than 10% of Europe’s entire coastline? That’s a lot of islands to explore – and a whole lot of ferry journeys. So, which ones are worth crossing the seas to see? Here’s our guide to the finest Scottish islands.

One of South America’s most cosmopolitan and culturally rich cities, Buenos Aires sits on the western bank of the River Plate, a 78-square-mile block divided into 48 barrios or neighbourhoods.

Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travellers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. Modern Taiwan – an eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and indigenous cultural influences. Keeping the diversity of this country in mind, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Taiwan.

Enjoy a more eco-friendly stay in Mumbai with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible Great Escapes.

This feature has been made possible by Homestay.com, an accommodation marketplace connecting guests to local hosts in over 150 countries.

Consistently voted one of Germany’s most liveable cities, Munich is a wonderful place for a weekend break. Its old town oozes Bavarian charm, the museums and galleries are world-class, and it’s home to the hedonistic, overindulgent Oktoberfest celebration. If you’ve booked a trip but you’re not sure where to stay in Munich, use our guide to the best areas and top hotels.

The tear-shaped Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka is a true culinary treat. Through years of colonisation and trade, many cultures have influenced its cuisine. Sir Lankan food has influences from Dutch, Portuguese, English, Malay, Indian and indigenous flavours to tantalise the taste buds. Here is our list of the best Sri Lankan foods you need to try on your trip to this beguiling isle.

Kenya is the safari capital of East Africa. A place where elephants, buffalo and wildebeest roam across vast plains. Flamingo flocks wade in the shallows, lions doze on sun-baked savannahs and herds of hippos graze by river banks. Yet in the scramble to see the country's wildlife, local culture often gets overlooked. Tribal people have historically been marginalised from the financial benefits of their land's natural riches.

Enjoy a more eco-friendly stay in Patagonia with our green guide to the region, taken from travel bible Great Escapes.

Minimise your footprint in Luang Prabang with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible Great Escapes.

Shanghai is a top contender for the buzziest city in Asia, a thriving business hub that's brashly modern yet wears its history on its sleeve. Dense with glitz and grit, the city has a sophisticated and international feel that makes it completely unlike any other mainland metropolis. See why Shanghai made our list of the best cheap places to travel in the world.

Hong Kong floats between old China and the West; its futuristic harbour has become one of Asia's most famous views but you'll also find pockets of traditional culture dotted between the skyscrapers.

Whether it's surfing, sunbathing or water sports you want to do, our guide to the best beaches in Australia will help you to decide where to lay down your towel.

One of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, Moscow has an energy like no other city, a chaotic spirit rumbling just beneath its polished surface. Whether you're hoping to be in the heart of the action, or you're longing for a quieter escape, choosing where to stay in Moscow is an important decision. Moscow is often considered expensive, but the devaluation of the rouble over the last few years means accommodation is becoming more affordable than ever – even at some of the city’s most luxurious hotels. From laid-back hostels to trendy boutiques, here are the best places to stay in Moscow, according to our Russia expert.

No longer the grey city of Eastern European stereotype, the Polish capital Warsaw is a forward-looking, ebullient and multi-layered kind of place, where gleaming corporate skyscrapers rub up against time-capsule neighbourhoods that have remained unchanged for decades.

When it comes to accommodation, paradores are in a class of their own and undoubtedly among the best hotels in Spain. Converted from castles, monasteries and other Spanish monuments, they can be really special places to stay, sited in the most beautiful parts of the country or in some of the most historic cities. Prices compare favourably with the five-star hotels with which they compete – typically €150–180 per night for a double room. Here are seven of the best hotels in Spain.