Daniela Toporek

Planning your travels for the new year? You should absolutely factor in those long-standing bucket list entries, but if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, 2026 promises a world of brand-new travel experiences.  From sleeping over in an open-air museum to journeying through ancient landscapes on e-bikes, ziplining over glorious wildlife reserves and partying through a solar eclipse – yes, really – there’s a shedload of off-the-beaten-track, out-of-the-box stuff happening over the next 12 months. Scroll on for our handpicked selection of the 26 coolest, weirdest and most exciting things to do in 2026.  RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best cities in the world right now Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

British winters deserve more credit. Yes, the sun is gone and the skies are grey – but the leaves are golden, the log fires are lit and country walks are crisp. There’s no better to enjoy it than tucked away in a countryside cottage, and there’s plenty of fabulous cottages all over the UK, all available to book on Airbnb. So what are you waiting for? Live out your The Holiday dreams at one of these ridiculously cosy holiday spots.  Where is the best place to find cosy cottages in the uk? Come winter, there’s cosiness everywhere you look – log cabins and remote farmsteads in Cornwall, budget stays in Somerset and treehouses of dreams in the woods of Mayfield – all of which you’ll find on this list. But our ultimate cosy choice, with the cobbled streets, thatched roofs and wintery walks you desire? That’s the Cotswolds – home to the likes of picture-perfect Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and more. For more ideas, head to our guide to the UK’s best wintery getaways.   The cosiest Airbnbs at a glance 👩‍❤️‍👨Best for couples: A romantic escape in the woods of Diggle 🌳Most unique: A treehouse in the woods of Mayfield ⛰️Most remote: A farm cottage in Cumbria 👶Best for families: A cosy barn in the Cotswolds 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways Who makes the cut? While we have stayed in some of the Airbnbs featured, we may not have been to them all. We’ve based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article

Iceland is truly a nature lover’s paradise. It’s where lava-scarred deserts, glistening glaciers and midnight auroras jostle for your attention, and the places to stay reflect that same spirit. Picture a glass cottage on a southern lava plain or a cabin perched under the aurora, just north of Akureyri. If you still need a little city livin’, a Scandi-sleek penthouse in Reykjavík’s buzzing heart is beating for you.  Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, carving through silent fjords or riding horses in the plains, your stay here matters. These Airbnbs, hand-picked by locals, are vantage points that let you inhale the wild, bold (and cold) character of Iceland. So pack your layers, lace those boots and settle into one of Iceland’s extraordinary stays. These are the kind of hideaways that will stay with you long after the trip ends.  Iceland’s best Airbnbs at a glance 👨🏻‍🤝‍👨🏽Best for a double date getaway: the log cabin for four🖌️Best interior design: the luxury villa in the valley🏡Best for cottagecore vibes: the old Icelandic cottage drenched in beauty 📍Discover the best of Reykjavik ✨ The best things to do in Iceland🏘️ The best areas to stay in Reykjavik🍴 The best restaurants in Reykjavik Who makes the cut?  While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, our writers have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes a

You’ve decided you’re travelling to London. You’ve booked your transport and downloaded a tube map, but where to stay? You’ve probably clocked that London is one massive, sprawling city, made up of neighbourhoods that each have their own unique character. Resist the urge to panic-book a fancy hotel in London’s West End – there’s plenty more out there, we promise. Dive into the real London by branching out from the well-trodden tourist path. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of somewhere totally new. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or serious dining, you’ll find it here. Ready to get booking? Read on for our guide to the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in London.  Where to stay in London at a glance Hackney - best for living like a local Camberwell - best for hyped restaurants, bakeries and galleries Camden - best for punk living and vegan food Peckham - best for BYOBs, rooftop bars and hitting the club Shoreditch - best for vintage shopping and curry houses Chiswick - best for a tranquil getaway Dalston - best for eating, drinking and nightlife Marylebone - fine dining and luxury hotels Harringay - best for neighbourhood vibes and Turkish food Hampstead - wild swimming, cosy pubs and spotting Harry Styles Richmond - leafy walks, boutique hotels and pints by the river 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London Ella Doyle and Rosie Hewitson are editors at

A weekend escape from the big city is definitely needed sometimes, and you don’t need to hop on a plane to find incredible places to unwind, explore and recharge. In fact, some of the best weekend getaways are just a short drive or train ride from London – all offering windswept coastal walks, charming market towns, rolling countryside, or tucked-away villages with cosy pubs and boutique stays. So, if you’re itching to swap the skyline for stargazing or trade Tube journeys for countryside rambles, let us point you in the direction of your next escape. We’ve rounded up the absolute best weekend breaks near London – all easily reachable within a couple of hours. 📌 Updated October 2025: We’ve added two stays in the trendy seaside towns of Whitstable and Margate. Both are affordable and within very easy reach of London. RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways The best Airbnb breaks near London, at a glance 🏖️ Best seaside getaway: The courtyard oasis in Margate 🌲 Best for reconnecting with nature: The woodland retreat in Northamptonshire 🏔️ Best for total isolation: The Ditchling Cabin in South Downs 💅 Best for a girl’s trip: The contemporary vineyard in Toppesfield, Essex 🛖 Most unique stay: The luxe airship in The Haven Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial conte

Berlin, Berlin! Land of a thousand döner stalls and even more places to rest your head. Berlin is a city full of contrasts – so why should its accommodation be any different? From apartments in the thick of the party to tucked-away hideouts on cherry tree-lined streets, she’s got it all. Whether you’re here to rave, wander or simply kick back, I’ll use my local know-how to get you sorted with a stay. Which area of Berlin is best to stay in? But first things first: where should you make camp? For wild nights, buzzing days and recovering with the cool kids, Kreuzberg’s got the goods. Want history and sightseeing? Mitte is central and full of big hitters like the Brandenburg Gate. After something quieter? Charlottenburg brings charm and café culture. Pick your vibe. Berlin has a Kiez for every mood. Airbnbs in Berlin at a glance 💗Best for couples: The cozy houseboat on the Spree 💶Most affordable stay: A modern studio apartment in Schöneberg 👯‍♀️Best for a group holiday: The water tower penthouse in Charlottenberg 🏰Most extraordinary stay: The castle loft in Wandlitz 👶Best for families:  The well-connected studio in Prenzlauer Berg 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to hotels, Airbnbs and more in Berlin Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see ou

Manchester’s Airbnbs are as full of character as the city itself, where red-brick industrial grit meets creative revival and phenomenal food. From minimalist lofts with steel beams and city vistas, to rooftop terraces perfect for a morning brew (or an evening G&T when the skies clear), these Airbnb properties don’t just offer a bed, they offer new, memorable experiences.  But where in the city should you stay? Some of the best Airbnbs in Manchester include a boutique penthouse in the city center, a quirky houseboat on Deansgate and a modern loft in the Northern Quarter. For a more rural experience, consider the barnhouse in Uppermill or the highly-praised Alfred's B&B in Ramsbottom. The Northern Quarter is still the hip beating heart with vintage shops, cafes and effortlessly cool energy, while Ancoats offers that same buzz with a quieter edge. Step off the tram and into a flat where every corner feels deliberately decorated, your doorstep puts you front-and-center near Manchester’s best bars, galleries, restaurants and beyond. Best Manchester Airbnbs at a glance 😎Best for solo travellers: The designer studio in the Gay Village 💓Best for couples: The quirky houseboat in the city centre 🎉Best for large groups: The colourful party suite in trendy Ancoats 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to Manchester Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes

Whether it’s from a glamourous balcony of a penthouse or the open windows of a one-bed flat, some of the best moments in Paris are lived from peering out of a high-story home with the wind in your hair and city below you. In comes the perfect Airbnb, and that looks different for everyone. Do you want a glam outdoor set-up to soak up the city of lights, champagne in hand? Or a cosy space with French windows that overlook cafes and make comforting, pitter patter sounds when it rains? Maybe you want an entire garden that makes you forget you’re in one of the most metropolitan cities in the world? Whatever view you’re looking for in Paris, there’s an Airbnb that has it – and it’s often much cheaper and more authentic than the typical hotel. From literary paradises in Saint-Germain, to studios in Montmartre and townhouses near Buttes Chaumont, no matter where you choose to stay, the view will be Paris, and that is magic enough. The best Airbnbs in Paris at a glance ✨ Best for modern glamour: the luxury heritage home near the Royal Palace 👯 Best for big groups: the Majorelle-blue house steps from the Arc de Triomphe 📚 Best for bookworms: the writer’s flat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés 🌇 Most stunning views: the sunny penthouse near Sacré-Cœur 🍴 Best for chefs and foodies: the garden of your own in buzzy Paris 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Paris Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and ameni

It’s no secret that London can be very, very pricey if you’re not careful. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options if you’re on a budget. Both big chains and beloved independents offer some very affordable rooms in the Capital – you just have to know where to look. Obviously, being ‘on a budget’ is pretty subjective, but every hotel on this list has rooms for under £200, with many starting under £100 – and even some shared dorms for £12 per person.  Every hotel highlighted here by Time Out’s experts is good value; whether that be because of its location, design, or quite simply, the price. Staying in one of these will give you the kind of buzz only a good deal can deliver. So get booking and then use all the cash you’ve saved on more important stuff. Like, erm, going to the pub.  🛌 Our guide to the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London for a good price?  Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. There’s cheap options in Shoreditch, just off the South Bank and even in the heart of the West End – so you can save and still be in walking distance to Theatreland or London’s best museums. Or, go further afield to find deals that way, in more residential areas further out. To get a better grip on your options, here’s our handy guide on where to stay in London.  How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and ever

Oxford might be known for its dreaming spires and winding Medieval backstreets but its food isn’t all traditional English fare. A multicultural city, it boasts a range of global cuisines, alongside typical British pub food and modern European dining. There are more than enough mouth-watering food options to make you wish you could extend your trip – here are the best restaurants in Oxford right now, including high-end tapas, Caribbean food, riverside dining and a whole lot more.  🚂 Discover the best day trips from London This guide was last updated by Lauren Corona, a writer based in Oxford. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Brussels may not always get the spotlight, but beneath its rough exterior lies a city full of character and quirky charm. It might not be as glamorous as its neighbours London and Paris, but look closer and you’ll find a city bursting with personality: Jaw-dropping Art Nouveau architecture, lively markets, vibrant art and food scenes, and laid-back, welcoming locals. From grand squares to tucked-away neighbourhoods, Brussels invites you to explore beyond the usual clichés. Here’s your guide to the city’s must-see sights and hidden gems that prove there’s more to it than meets the eye.   📍 RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to visiting Belgium This guide was recently updated by Sarah Schug, a writer based in Brussels. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

When you picture a classic Christmas market, it’s likely you’re thinking of Germany. In fact many of our Christmas traditions are actually German (including the Christmas market itself), as well as advent calendars, gingerbread houses and even ol’ Sankt Nikolaus. Every German city has its own yearly Weihnachtsmarkt, while bigger cities like Berlin have multiple pop up all over the place. But all of them are very special places to be, specialising in food, drink or local bits for gifting. Wherever you’re based this Christmas, here’s the full lowdown on Germany’s festive markets. Ho ho ho! Germany’s best Christmas markets at a glance 🔔 Most traditional: Striezelmarkt, Dresden 🎠 Most unique: Santa Pauli, Hamburg 🎅 Most famous: Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg 🎡 Most special features: Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin 📍 RECOMMENDED: Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

You’ll find Hera, named after the queen of the Olympians, on the backside of Stratford Cross – past Westfield, past the newly opened Everyman and just opposite the new V&A East Storehouse. As soon as you think you’ve gone too far, there it is; a corner restaurant with tall glass doors and windows that make anyone who’s wandered this far want to peer in.  Inside, there’s a bar with an illuminated liquor shelf as tall as the ceiling. If Beauty and the Beast’s Belle had a penchant for booze over books, she’d roll her ladder from one side of the bar to the next in search of her top-shelf favourites.  Even more impressive is Hera’s gloriously vast dining room with chandeliers, elaborate foliage and plush booths. In the kitchen, chef Mario Salimis whips up a classically Greek-inspired menu with modern twists. The melitzano salata, diced aubergine with honey and balsamic, is a savoury delight, more so when spread thickly across any of the assorted breads at the table. The fried calamari has a perfect squid-to-batter ratio, and slivers of seabass carpaccio are fresh and silky smooth, though quite oily. Better still is the seafood orzo, one hell of a dish, with plump prawns and vibrant-orange mussels. Cocktails are interesting, too. The Arriani is Greece in a glass, with feta gin, Greek yoghurt, fig cordial. Meanwhile, the Helen of Spice is basically a mango marg with a kick. But the finest moment – as basic as it sounds – is the Greek salad. Chopped cucumbers, onions, olives, peppers

As sister venue to Hackney’s tiny wine bar Binch, Godet can easily be spotted by its peachy-pink exterior and checkered curtains. Not only are the vibes ridiculously cool, with a weekend DJ (at a reasonable volume), Godet have collabed with Ling Ling’s to serve up their epic Chinese and pan-Asian menu for the next year (think; hot and spicy tartare, Sichuan hibiscus octopus and turnip cakes, mala beef ragu with udon noodles, and steamed prawn, chicken and Thai basil wontons) to complement a small, but mighty selection of reds, whites and oranges.  

What is it? A historic theatre company and venue within Glasgow’s Gorbals neighbourhood that’s just been restored in 2025.   Why is it worth visiting? The Citizens Theatre holds some of the UK’s oldest theatrical equipment within its incredibly well-preserved Victorian auditorium, and has undergone a huge glow-up that’s been in the works since 2018. It was only supposed to take three years, but COVID and rising costs pushed its opening to August 2025. Inside the three-storey theatre, there's a spankin' brand new and more accessible foyer, a new bar, new social spaces and enhanced backstage facilities for performers. The six cherries on top are the fully restored statues of Robert Burns, Williams Shakespeare and the four Greek muses, Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy), Euterpe (song and poetry) and Terpsichore (dance) – all which were part of the original building in 1878.  How much does it cost?  Prices vary depending on production, which you can find here.  📍 Discover the best things to do in Glasgow

When you look at photos of the Generator London hostel online, I get why you might be skeptical. Google’s feature photo of the entrance isn’t the most warm and welcoming, and the rest of the images, though professionally shot, still radiate a tint of sadness from the lack of life in those colourful, yet empty rooms. But I want you to take those images and presumptions about this Bloomsbury stay and throw them in the bin as Generator is the perfect example of why one should never judge a book by its cover – or Google search.  Why stay at Generator London? Generator London opened in 1995 within what was once a secluded police station on Tavistock Place. The once family-run hostel turned into a successful European brand with quirky, urban decor and locations across the continent, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona – and three in North America too. In 2014, the London location got an impressive glow-up, leaving the stereotype of grungy, risky hostels in the past, and it’s definitely kept its reputation up since.  The lobby is a large, contemporary, eclectic space with neon welcome signs, a street art-style photo of Queen Elizabeth blowing a pink bubblegum bubble, and the front desk to the left with self-check in tablets. However, for a more personal connection (and to avoid the tablet that kept freezing) check in with the kind receptionist instead. Once you’re checked in and free to roam the property, you finally see life, and all walks of it. People of all ages hun

The thing about the travel bug is that it really does bite hard. One trip turns into two and the next thing you know, you've quit your office job, been approved for a visa and booked a ticket across the world. Okay, this might be the most extreme case of the bug, but it doesn't negate the fact that there are too many places to visit and too little time. Luckily, Travel + Leisure has narrowed down the most worthwhile spots to visit next year. The curated mix has picks for food lovers, city explorers, beach bums and nature seekers.  Food and drink In the ‘Food + Drinks’ category, T+L mentioned Malaysia as an unmissable stop. There aren't many places where breakfast traditions are classed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, but the country's savoury roti canai and sweet nasi lemak made the cut. Elsewhere, Italy's Umbria region is slowly climbing the foodie charts for its popular truffle hunting experiences in lush landscapes.    Photograph: Shutterstock City life   For big-city thrills, no longer is Seattle only known for Starbucks and overcast. The city's undergone a glorious glow-up over the past couple of decades, and is solidifying its new chapter with a new multibillion-dollar park, consisting of 20 acres that connect downtown to the coast – just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Singapore also continues to impress with futuristic architecture and sustainable endeavors. It's now getting an adventure-focused zoological park and an immersive IMBA T

Fifteen destinations across six continents were represented at the World's 50 Best Vineyards awards, held in Australia's Margaret River region this week. The annual ranking is created using the votes of 700 international wine and travel experts. Their winner for 2025 is VIK, a vineyard in Chile's Millahue Valley. Ranked in second place last year, VIK is surrounded by a 4,450-hectare nature reserve and is equal parts wine producer, luxury retreat and architectural marvel. It has 327 hectares of grape vines spread across 12 microclimates, giving its wines complexity, diversity and a deep sense of terroir. The vineyard's design isn’t just practical; it’s a contemporary work of art. A bronzed titanium roof seems to float over the winery – an ode to Frank Gehry and Richard Serra. Inside, VIK’s Milla Milla restaurant offers fine South American barbecue, seafood, locally grown produce and homemade baked goods, all accompanied by VIK wines in a glass-walled space with views of its massive wine cellar. To get a 24-hour experience, guests can also stay on the property in one of the 22 themed rooms or private bungalows. If you can briefly break away from the wine, there are plenty of outdoor activities, too. Picture horseback riding in the valley, trekking or having a cosy, boozy stroll through the reserve. ‘The estate has shown exceptional dedication to creating immersive vineyard experiences, seamlessly blending innovative design within the stunning Millahue Valley landscape and offer

We all know that flying isn’t great for the planet. But what to do about it? There‘s always opting for overland travel, but not every traveller has time on their side. Short of setting annual limits for frequent flyers, adding an extra tax for air passengers is one way to help bolster decarbonisation efforts – and one Asian country is doing just that. Starting October 2026 and applying to all tickets purchased after April 1, passengers departing from Singapore will face a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy, the first of its kind in the world, as part of an ambitious goal to decarbonise the sky. Don't think of it as a tax. Think of it as a eco-friendly, forward-thinking step to help air travel become more sustainable across the world. So, what is this tax for? According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the levy is based on the volume of SAF needed to meet its one percent target for 2026, as well as SAF's projected price premium. While SAF is significantly more sustainable than conventional jet fuel (SAF is made from recycled oils and agricultural residue), it is also significantly more expensive to produce.  How much will travellers have to pay? Thankfully, the new charges won't break the average traveller's bank. Short routes will only charge S$1 (£0.58), while passengers on long-haul economy flights will be charged S$10.40 (£6.08). Even the highest rate, S$41.60 (£24.33) for first-class or business flights, is still significantly cheaper than paying for

Where can you find a mish-mash of bright, historic architecture, creative local art exhibitions, buzzy bars, exciting new restaurants and loud and lively samba all in one place? It can only be in Rio de Janeiro, where vibrant city street Rua do Senado has just been named the coolest in the world for 2026, according to Time Out.  Time Out’s annual ranking is created thanks to the insight of local editors and experts, who each nominated a street that represented the best of their city. The global travel team then narrowed down and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  Rua do Senado landed in the number 1 position this year for its excellent food and drink scene, fascinating art and culture, and for generally being a whole lot of fun. The street is a gleaming representation of the country: curious, creative, joyful, proud and just downright cool. Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Lívia Breves’ highlights include chef Lucio Vieira’s restaurant Lilia and its sister bar, Labuta, where you can enjoy ice-cold caipirinha cocktails. There are creative shows at Ateliê Bonifácio or Solar dos Abacaxis, and locals flock to the street for Saturday samba sessions at the iconic Armazém Senado.  And raising the bar even higher, Rua do Senado is getting a new Mercado Central, or central market, located within the street’s 113-year-old, bright yellow Granado factory building that will soon house over 40 new food, drink, shopping and enterta

If you've got a four-legged friend who loves the sand and sea as much as you do, then you’re not alone. Searches for ‘dog-friendly holidays’ have jumped by nearly a third in the past month, according to holiday home rental company CV Villas, and they've just crunched the numbers to reveal Europe’s most dog-friendly beaches for 2025. From windswept strips in France to sun-soaked shores in Portugal and England (yes, there is sun in England if you're lucky), these sandy spots scored top marks for temperature, terrain, and tail-wagging potential.  Recommended: The best beaches in Europe, according to Time Out France's Plage de la Salie took first place with an overall score of 90.33. The beach, located in La Teste-de-Buch in France’s Gironde region, boasts vast stretches of flat sand - perfect to get those zoomies out before going for a dip in the clear waters of the Bay of Biscay.  Second place went to Praia do Cabedelo in Darque, Portugal, which has equally long shores, making it ideal for walks and games of fetch. If your pooch is especially talented (you've seen those viral videos of dogs on surfboards, right?), the area’s strong winds make for great surfing and kitesurfing sessions. Cabedelo’s beach scene is laidback, but leashes are still required to respect those around you and will help other beachgoers and your pet stay safe.  Photograph: Shutterstock The third most dog-friendly beach in Europe is in England, specifically Holkham Beach within Holkham National Nature Re

Whoever said ‘more money, more problems’ never had to endure the financial risk of booking a holiday with unpaid leave through irrational company procedures. Luckily, some countries have laws that make paid time off not only available to their workers, but a requirement – easing the mind and wallets of employees while they take a bit of R&R.  But which countries have the most enviable set-up when it comes to annual leave? Payroll and HR supplier Moorepay has analysed statutory PTO and public holidays across the globe to find the destinations with the best benefits for their workers, as well as the countries coming up short.  Recommended: The island nation named the best country for work-life balance (again) The country with the most paid days off is Yemen, with a whole month and a half (46 days) of paid leave and public holidays available for workers. Libya (45), Bahrain (44) and Austria (43) follow suit with well over a month off, with Monaco ranking as the fifth best option with 42 days.  The country with the least amount of paid time off goes to the United States, and by ‘least’, we mean zero. The US has no federal law that requires workers to receive paid vacation or public holidays. The ‘land of the free’ is followed by Japan with 10 total days, Guyana with 12 and Liberia and the Philippines with 16.  While the UK offers 28 days, its European neighbours France, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Italy offer over 35 paid days off, offering a better work-life balance and much be

Living the digital nomad life ain’t too shabby – if you do it right, that is. Think appropriate, ethical accommodation, ever-changing work spaces, a chance to build a new little community for yourself and the freedom to explore the world. While some countries aren’t yet convinced of the lifestyle, others are embracing it with open arms and temporary visas, allowing people from overseas the opportunity to roam while contributing the country’s tourism economy.  So, which countries are embracing the nomadic way of life? Well, Instant Offices, a global company that helps businesses secure workspaces, has researched the best cities for remote workers according to connectivity, affordability and weather, the city which ranked top of it’s list with a total score of 52.11 would be Dubai. Its futuristic backdrop, sparkling beaches, low crime rates and world-class cultural experiences - whether it be dining, art galleries, museums or music festivals - offers remote workers an afterwork urban playground that never gets old. As for co-working spaces, there are plenty of options to help get into work mode while exploring the city of gold. Recommended: All the countries offering digital nomad visas in 2025.  Dubai’s digital nomad visa gives travellers the chance to work remotely for an employer or business based outside the UAE for one year (with the possibility to renew) as long as you show proof of employment and a monthly income of $3,500 (€2,998). Oh, and did we mention that it’s tax f

Mountain climbing is a serious hobby (which can cost you some serious cash) but in an exciting announcement, the Nepalese government just shared that it plans to make 97 Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years. Now that’s a serious deal.  But, why is this happening? Well, despite Nepal having over 490 summits to hike (including eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks), most climbers flock to the same select few. Mountain-climbing is a huge industry in Nepal, and Everest brought in three quarters of the country’s $5.9m revenue last year, according to the BBC. However, from September, it’s thought the fees to climb it will soar up to $15,000. So, the government is keen to give other mountains their time in the spotlight, and it hopes the strategy will spread that the income received from overcrowded peaks to lesser-known, hidden Himalayan gems like the regions Karnali and Sudurpaschim, where a good chunk of these 97 mountains stand. They’re also two of the least developed regions in the country.  Just last year, Mount Everest saw 421 climbers, whereas the 97 other mountains only saw 68 in total. It’s caused overcrowding and environmental concerns, forcing the government to implement a new rule that future Everest climbers must show proof that they’ve scaled at least one 7,000-meter-plus mountain in Nepal first.  By opening these new summits, climbers will not only get the experience needed, they’ll also pay a fraction of the cost while still financially assisting

In a scorching, record-breaking summer, Greece continues to burn from rapid wildfires that are ravaging the mainland and its popular holiday islands. High temperatures, thick smoke and long-lasting embers provoked by strong winds have created life-threatening scenes that have led to evacuations of thousands of locals. With such a threat weighing in on summer holidays, it’s no doubt that travellers are concerned about their holidays. That’s why we’ve been keeping up to date on all the latest news regarding the wildfires across Europe. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags. Where are the wildfires in Greece?  The latest wildfires were reported Wednesday, and blazed through the outskirts of Patras, the country’s third largest city, as well as the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, and in at least other three inland locations.  In the past month, fires have ravaged regions near Athens, Petralona, Atheras, Faraklata, and Protopappas, and continue to spread through the mainland and islands. Is it safe to travel?  This really depends on your destination. If you had travel plans for Patras, fires have ripped through nearby olive groves, forests, a cement factory and an entire car yard of over 500 cars. According to Reuters, authorities have evacuated almost 8,000 people and continue to issue alerts for nearby villages.  Flames in Chios have also forced the coast guard to evacuate locals to safety by boat, and the situation has gotten so now reached a point that

When you think of night buses, images of cramped seats and constant jolting making all the luggage slip around spring to mind, but we’ve got some exciting news. Swiss company Twiliner just unveiled its new line of night buses, and thankfully, they’re nothing like that. These buses are bougie. Set to launch in November in Zurich, the operator will offer two new overnight routes: Zurich-Basel-Luxembourg-Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam and Zurich-Girona-Barcelona. Each bus fits 21 travellers, 18 up top and three on bottom, with seats that recline all the way down to proper beds, allowing for comfortable, sleepy transit. Buses will also include toilets, wifi, electric outlets, and a private space for passengers to change clothes and spruce up before disembarking.  Image: Remo Vettori Image: Remo Vettori They will operate several times a week for the first few months of travel, but Twiliner has announced that that will soon be adjusted according to demand. In fact, Twiliner CEO, Luca Bortolani, hopes these luxe buses will run daily by next year, targeting sustainable travellers or those with the aversion of flying. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, there is a catch. A single ticket from Zurich to Brussels will likely set you back €180. Why? ‘We are offering a unique product,’ said Bortolani to VRT NWS. ‘The number of passengers is limited, but we need two drivers per route. They could also choose the train, but the train is also expensive and night trains are often overbooked.’ So

Are you under 30 and with a serious case of European wanderlust? Well, Time Out surveyed 18,500 locals from across the world and consulted a panel of experts to find out which cities are the best of the best based on food, culture, green spaces, walkability and nightlife. But not every generation thinks the same, so we took those answers and sorted them by age to find out which cities are the most popular cities among their Gen-Z inhabitants. Bangkok claimed the worldwide crown, but our top 20 was dominated by hubs from all over Europe, with Copenhagen claiming first place. One of the happiest places on earth, according to the 2025 Happy City Index, Copenhagen received consistent high praise for safety, stability, education, public transport, health care and all around quality of life. No wonder 64 percent of Gen-Zers living there approve.  Recommended: These are the best cities in the world for nightlife, according to Time Out.  There’s loads to do, after all. It’s Denmark’s cultural hub with a plethora of museums, markets, castles and palaces housed in Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. There are also large parks like the King’s Garden or Dyrehaven, a forest that’s home to thousands of deer; a delicious food scene of seasonal Nordic cuisine (smørrebrød, anyone?), and a great bar scene, too.  Second place is awarded to the Spain’s second city, Barcelona. Who can resist the trippy Gaudi structures, hot, succulent tapas and overflowing sangria? Certainly not t

It’s tricky planning an island getaway when everyone is getting away to the same place. Not only does that result in higher travel costs, longer queues and wait times, but it threatens the dream of tranquil isolation. Yes, we know that no man is an island, but hey, it’s nice to pretend once in a while.  To help us live the dream, car hire company Avis studied the search volume and Instagram hashtags of island destinations to uncover the busiest ones and find their alternatives. So where is the best island to to really get away? That would be Lesbos, Greece’s third largest island perched near Türkiye in the Aegean sea. Summer temperatures average at 25-30C. The waters? Clear, clean and blue. Lesbos also offers all the things its more popular sister islands like Mykonos, Santorini or Paros would like charming fishing towns, epic seafood, ancient architecture and an active nightlife, but without all the crowds.  Recommended: The best beaches in Europe, according to Time Out.  Molyvos, Lesbos’s capital, ticks all those boxes. Stay at the Sea Horse Hotel right on the harbour before embarking on a journey to Molkyvos castle, which sits pretty on a hilltop surrounded by evergreen pines and the most idyllic view of the town and sea.    The second most underrated and secluded island is Porto Santo in Portugal. Less than a two-hour flight from Lisbon, Porto Santo is the smallest inhabited island of the Madeira Archipelago and known for its golden-hued, sandy beaches and phenomenal divi