Where to stay tips

Wondering where to stay in Porto? Not only is the city home to number 3 in our list of 9 of the best pousadas in Portugal, it has some of the country's finest hotels.

Beautiful, brash Jamaica is much more than beaches and swaying palm trees. A sensual land of bright colours, soulful rhythms and unfailing creativity, the island retains a personality that’s more resonant and distinctive than you’ll find in any other Caribbean nation. We have explored Jamaica's variety and here is our take on the best things to do in Jamaica.

Bradford in northern England has been voted “Curry Capital of Britain” for six years running. Our very own spice-obsessed editor, Helen Abramson, went to find out where is the best curry in Bradford.

The Dominican Republic is a country located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is the second-largest country in the Caribbean, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and diverse natural landscapes. Here is our guide to the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.

Fiji is about as close to paradise as you can get. This South Pacific archipelago, over three hundred islands lying around 2000km east of Australia, has some of the world’s most glorious stretches of palm-backed sand, myriad crystal-clear lagoons and a blissful tropical climate.

Compared to flashy Emirati neighbours like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the capital of Oman is a breath of fresh, Persian Gulf sea air. Muscat is famous for dazzling souks and superb seafood, but its terrain brings the biggest thrills. This middle east port city is a great place to trek deserts at dawn, spot dolphins at sundown, and enjoy plenty of Omani hospitality. Here is why you need to visit Muscat, Oman.

How do you decide where to stay in New York? For dynamism, cultural impact and sheer diversity, it's a hard city to beat. It's also a global leader in art, architecture, music and food. It's crammed with iconic sights, too, from the raised torch of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to Coney Island and some of the top beaches on the East Coast. So it's often difficult to know which is the best area to stay in New York City.

An outdoor soak is an essential part of the Icelandic experience – a surreal way to spend a dark winter's day or to unkink those muscles after a long day's hiking. In fact, the Icelandic tradition of bathing outdoors in volcanically heated pools dates right back to Viking times. From the Blue Lagoon to those in its stark interior, here are 14 of the best natural hot springs in Iceland.

The mighty rivers of the Amazon, the pulsing Carnaval rhythms, bone-white beaches and footballing flair: almost everyone on the planet knows something about Brazil. Yet South America’s biggest country still holds plenty of surprises. Discover the rich culture and stunning beauty of this destination with our Rough Guide list of the best things to do in Brazil and get inspiration for planning your trip.

With its breathtaking beaches, dramatic sunsets and palm-fringed ports, Croatia certainly isn't short of romance and beauty. In fact, you voted it one of the most beautiful countries in the world making it pretty much perfect for a honeymoon you'll never forget.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Japan , your essential guide for visiting Japan .

Despite its reputation — there is more to Mauritius island than the exclusive beachside hotels that have come to be the regular haunt of celebrities. Stray inland and you will discover mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, extinct volcanic craters, tumbledown towns and villages, and hospitable locals. This island country, located in the Indian Ocean, has a lot to offer. Here is our list of the best things to do in Mauritius.

Gourmets rank Turkish cuisine, along with French and Chinese, as one of the world’s three classic cuisines. Turkey’s rich and varied cooking derives from its multi-ethnic Ottoman heritage and food is often the highlight of a visit. To whet your appetite, here are some of the best traditional Turkish dishes.

Sweden’s swanky compact second city is a perfect weekend getaway. Easy to navigate on foot, Gothenburg (Göteborg in Swedish) has a cool laidback charm and a burgeoning food and arts scene. Our author Rachel Mills spends a long weekend exploring the best things to do in Gothenburg and Sweden's stunning West Coast archipelago.

From ornate Victorian water towers to quirky old railway stations, Britain is bursting with unusual places to stay. Try one from this list below, and you'll refuse to stay in a Travelodge ever again. These are some of the most interesting places to stay in England, Scotland and Wales.

With its olive-green canals and handsome gabled houses, waterfront bars, bustling markets and exquisite art, Amsterdam never fails to charm. It’s a city that’s proud of its character, and the perfect balance between business and bohemia. Amsterdam undoubtedly has a lot to offer for every taste, but what about entertainment that doesn't eat into your wallet? In this guide, we've rounded up free things to do in Amsterdam.

Sea-view dining, sleeping to the sound of the waves and bagging beachside accommodation needn’t cost the earth. Hayley Spurway finds some of the best free camping locations across Spain and Portugal .

Slicing a north-south swathe through the mountains and coniferous snow forests of Siberia, visiting Russia’s Lake Baikal (Ozero Baikal) is a world-beating experience — and that’s no exaggeration. At over 1.6 km deep, Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest freshwater lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an undeniable sparkling jewel in Siberia’s crown. From finding out what you need to know before you go to Baikal, to discovering what makes it special, read on for your Lake Baikal travel guide.

From tropical Caribbean beaches to jagged Andean peaks. Pristine Amazon rainforests to ancient jungle ruins. Colombia boasts a treasure trove of landscapes. Here is our list of the best things to do in Colombia.

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Pack your swimsuit, because beaches are a no-brainer when it comes to exploring this glorious archipelago.

Where to stay in Croatia on a budget? Does Croatia even do cheap sleeps? They're certainly hard to find in summer. But plenty places still give a fair deal. Look out for family-run pensions, backpacker hostels, and B&Bs.