Where to stay tips

Squeezed between Argentina and Brazil and shaped a bit like a football, Uruguay doesn’t feature on your average South American checklist. But with its progressive politics, sizzling asado culture and some of the best beaches on the continent, we think it should. Keep that in mind as you check out our list of the best beaches in Uruguay.

Until the 1990s, Laos remained shut off from the outside world, and largely unknown to Western travellers. Since then, more and more visitors have come to discover that this landlocked country offers some of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting natural landscapes and a fascinating diversity of cultures.

Few countries in Asia boast such dramatic natural diversity and such a range of hiking opportunities as Japan. Mountains make up two-thirds of the country, with beaches fringing the coast and the balmy southern islands. Japan is well set up for hikers, with the ultra-efficient rail network making getting around the country a breeze. Here are ten of our favourite places to go hiking in Japan.

Stretching across thousands of miles and several countries, the Amazon basin is home to an almost endless number of jungle lodges.We've picked out our ten best in the region, but let us know your own favourites below.

Bangkok is vast. There’s a population of 11 million people within its 1500 square kilometres and towering high-rise buildings of up to 304m high. It’s a modern metropolis with frenetic markets, traditional temples and brilliant nightlife. But where should you base yourself? Whatever kind of trip you’re planning, here’s the lowdown on where to stay in Bangkok.

Long ago, Bulgaria was the most powerful country in Europe. That is a title it no longer has, but it can still lay claim to being one of the most fascinating. It should also be noted that the country is one of the most budget-friendly places to visit in Europe. Read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria and you will see that this country is worth your attention.

If you’re looking for a stylish holiday without maxing the plastic, Sri Lanka has a burgeoning number of chic, affordable hotels and B&Bs. Here are some our favourite boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

Many people mistake Sydney for Australia’s capital – and it’s easy to see why. Sydney has a truly cosmopolitan air, a moving-and-shaking business district, world-class galleries, a thriving LGBTQ community, and plenty of accommodation options to boot. Here’s our pick of where to stay in Sydney.

With its rearing mountains and deep, blue-black fjords, Norway remains a wilderness outpost in a tamed and crowded continent. Everything here is on the grand scale with the country boasting some of Europe’s harshest and most beautiful land- and seascapes. Read our run-down of the best things to do in Norway.

Minimise your footprint in Amsterdam with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible The Rough Guide to Amsterdam .

Consistently named among the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is full of charming cafés, vibrant ethnic enclaves and landscaped parklands. Here we unearth where to stay in Melbourne.

With a reputation for expensive hotels, Japan is the perfect place to try a homestay. There’s no better way to experience the real Japan than with a stay with friendly locals who can help you explore areas that tourists often never get to see – not to mention cook you a traditional meal and help you with the local lingo.

With its art-filled palaces and iconic canals, St Petersburg – or St Pete, as expats and English-speaking locals affectionately call it – is undoubtedly Russia’s most beautiful city. The former capital of the Tsarist empire is today’s cultural capital of Russia. St Petersburg is a treasure-trove of delights, home to magnificent canal-side mansions, spectacular art galleries and world-class museums. Its dining and nightlife scenes are among the country’s best, with scores of cafés, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. And with a wide range of accommodation options too, Rough Guides uncovers the best places to stay in St Petersburg.

Taking a more sustainable approach to our travels has never been easier – or more important. In recent years, Wales has emerged as one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations. In fact, there's a sustainable Wales for all types of traveller, with rewarding sustainable trips for every season.

Vietnam’s emergence as one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations shows no sign of abating. And with the rapid pace of change affecting everywhere from hectic Hanoi to sleepy Sapa, a homestay with a local family is the best way to steep yourself in the real Vietnam. Whether you’re after city-based adventure or a chance to escape to the countryside, this area-by-area guide will help you find the perfect homestays in Vietnam.

Minimise your footprint in Copenhagen with our green guide to the city, taken from travel bible The Rough Guide to Amsterdam .

Taken from the Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget , here's our pick of the best hostels in Europe.

Essaouira is situated on Morocco’s Atlantic west coast and feels a world away from its frenetic neighbour, Marrakech. There’s a bohemian feel to this walled town, its souks selling musical instruments and proud owners sitting outside their small art galleries. Whether you want to make the most of the waves, wander around local art galleries or navigate the medina, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Essaouira, Morocco.

Nicki Grihault, former resident of Mauritius and author of The Rough Guide to Mauritius, experiences an authentic taste of Mauritius when she checks into aneco lodge on an island that's renowned for its natural beauty, and a diverse range of travel experiences, including outdoor activities.

Belize’s most beguiling attraction remains its old world eccentricity. It’s a place where villages are named Double head Cabbage and bound to shine. With a population that hovers around 390,000, Belize is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth. Read our Rough Guide to discover the best things to do in Belize.

New Orleans has always been a popular vacation destination, but in recent years the city has reached a whole new level with record visitation and a modern-day influx of trendy new hotels. What're more, the city continues to boast one of the strongest food, drink and music scenes in America.