Here’s our pick of the best destinations and itineraries to book this autumn

In need of some travel inspiration? Browse our list of boutique hotels and bespoke itineraries that are perfect for your next big trip. Happy travels!

Discover a secret oasis in Costa Rica

Tucked away in the Uvita rainforest, Oxygen Jungle Villas is an intimate boutique hotel in Costa Rica, boasting expansive views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean, where a range of unforgettable experiences await. Enjoy the sounds of nature from your private jungle paradise, immerse yourself in the fresh ocean air on several nearby pristine beaches or revel in the enchanting sunsets from the palm-fringed infinity pool. The adults-only hotel has eight Ocean Villas and four Jungle View Villas. For the ultimate relaxing break, the Spa Villas are privately located to ensure tranquillity and solitude, offering a range of massage treatments performed by specialists in the sanctity of your own private space. Choose from a range of memorable adventures and rejuvenating experiences at Oxygen Jungle Villas — your secret oasis in Costa Rica.

Plan an autumnal trip to London

Hotel Xenia, an Autograph Collection hotel, invites guests to experience its warm hospitality in the heart of London. Part of the Marriott Group and housing 98 bedrooms and one suite, the property is ideal for solo travellers or couples. The hotel is a four-star boutique retreat in the centre of London, with two bars and a casual Italian dining restaurant, La Terrazza. The menu offers a wide selection of both seasonal and authentic dishes, as well as wines from several Italian regions, bringing a Mediterranean experience to breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also offers traditional Aperitivo, as well as an Italian-inspired Afternoon Tea, alongside live music. Located in the heart of Kensington, the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from many of London’s delights, including Kensington Gardens, the Natural History Museum and the boutiques of South Kensington.

Visit one of Europe’s finest destinations

There are many reasons why you should book a trip to Warsaw. Named European Best Destination 2023 earlier this year in the European Best Destinations competition, the city has plenty to offer, including interesting historical landmarks such as royal residences, memorials and palaces, as well as an abundance of forests, parks and beaches too. If you get hungry while exploring, take advantage of the incredible gastronomic offerings, from milk bars, whichserve traditional Polish meals like pierogi, as well as street food bars and Michelin-listed restaurants. Visitors can also experience an exciting calendar of festivals, markets and exhibitions, such as the magical Christmas events that take over the city throughout December. It’s also a great destination for an affordable city break, with free admission to many popular attractions. Discover Warsaw, the European destination that’s both easy to reach and exciting to explore.

Experience the beauty of Santorini from a design-centric hotel

Discover the beauty of Santorini while escaping the crowds at NOŪS Santorini. Just five minutes by car from the airport, guests will find themselves relaxing by the pool within 30 minutes of landing on the Greek island. An ideal destination for lovers of modern and contemporary art, the hotel blends world-class interiors with an array of top-notch dining options and wellness experiences. Screened by lush, tropical greenery, the exceptionally spacious guest rooms, bungalows with private gardens and pool suites with unparalleled sunrise views are inspired by the unique colour palette of Santorini’s geological strata. NOŪS was designed to embody the best that this unique island has to offer.

Enjoy a sun-soaked, luxury stay in Sharm El Sheikh

On the Red Sea shores, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh serves as a lush oasis between the sea and the sky, offering a wealth of desert excursions and world-class diving experiences. The ideal beach and desert getaway, this iconic resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, comes with year-round sunny weather, warm waters and golden sands on a half-mile stretch of private beachfront. Unwind in the palm-filled gardens or by the mosaic-covered fountains and marvel at the Arabian architecture. Combined with spacious accommodation with scenic views and a private pool option, 12 authentic dining experiences, four heated swimming pools, a highly acclaimed Spa, and an expertly run dive centre, it’s no surprise that Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt has long been a Red Sea favourite.

Tick Australia off your bucket list with a tailor-made adventure

Planning a trip to Australia? TravelEssence specialises in creating personalised, custom-made holidays that ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience in Australia and New Zealand. Each itinerary is meticulously planned to take you to the most stunning destinations, where you’ll stay in charming, small-scale accommodations, and create priceless memories that’ll last a lifetime. Sample itineraries include food-centred tours, where you’ll discover the finest local produce with the help of a local guide, a wildlife trip to see penguins on Phillip Island and the chance to kayak down the Towamba River. There are also nature experiences such as zip-lining between the trees in the Blue Mountains and exploring the calm waters of Batemans Bay.

Journey through Canada on a custom-made trip

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Canada’s West Coast, discover the magic of the Canadian Rockies or experience a melting pot of culture in Vancouver with Little America. Customers will benefit from personalised, custom-made holidays, small-scale accommodation options and authentic activities across Canada’s vast regions. With trips suited to solo travellers, couples, families or friends, sample itineraries include a three-week trip through the Rockies, starting in Calgary and ending in Banff National Park, a four-week adventure where you’ll discover the gems of British Columbia and, for those looking for a longer break, a five-week solo trip through the West Coast.

Create treasured family memories in Mauritius

Located just 10 minutes from the airport, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is an ideal family getaway. Situated on Le Chaland Beach, the resort offers a range of family-friendly activities and tailored wellness programs. With 164 rooms and suites and eight pool villas, families have multiple accommodation options to suit their needs. Choose from a range of on-site dining options, each offering child-friendly meals, as well as a number of exciting activities, from nature hikes to family snorkelling. There’s also a children’s play area that offers supervised activities, as well as a plethora of nearby attractions such as nature trails and tea plantations. Just a 10-minute journey from the airport for added convenience, the resort is an ideal location for your next family break. Book the Family Vacation Extravaganza Offer now and benefit from a ‘kids stay free’ offer when staying with your children (aged 12 or under) for four nights or more. Offer valid until 31 December 2024.

Visit Santa in Finland

Santa Claus Holiday Village, located on the Arctic Circle of Rovaniemi in Finland, is a family-owned dream destination where the magic of Christmas shines throughout the year. Santa Claus Holiday Village offers you everything you could want for your dream holiday: high-quality accommodation, Lappish-style food and drinks as well as loads of unique activities. Activities include looking for the Northern Lights and experiencing magical husky and reindeer safaris. At Santa Claus Holiday Village, families can meet Santa every day of the year, free of charge. For those seeking the ultimate festive experience, guests can book Santa Claus for a private visit to their cabin. With the airport located only a short drive away, travelling to your dream destination is both easy and convenient.

See more on your next trip

Heading on your next holiday and want to see as much as possible? Private car service Daytrip is available in more than 90 countries, with fully customizable itineraries and a selection of optional sightseeing stops. A range of vehicle categories are available to fit any traveller’s needs, and the service is available 24/7, allowing customers to schedule a ride, anytime. Popular routes include Cancun to Tulum and Naples to Positano, though no matter where you are, world-class support is available around the clock for a seamless travel experience. Benefit from instant confirmation when booked at least 48 hours in advance, as well as English-speaking drivers who have been vetted for safety.

Take a memorable chalet ski holiday without breaking the bank

Looking to take to the slopes this winter? Ski Miquel is a family-owned tour operator that specialises in providing inclusive catered ski trips in atmospheric chalet-hotels across six resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland and Spain. Each great-value itinerary includes flights, transfers, accommodation and breakfast, as well as a four-course evening meal including wine on six of the evenings. As well as incredible slopes, customers will benefit from low prices in the chalet bar, discounted lift passes and ski / snowboard hosting, allowing them to see the best of the resort and surrounding scenery.

This summer you’d think I was an international jet-setter. Almost every weekend I’ve been traveling on a plane, mostly due to weddings (it’s what happens in your 30s!) or summer vacation plans with friends. Zigzagging from Prince Edward Island to Ibiza, I’ve practically become a pro at navigating airports. The only hiccup? My recurring weekend jaunts have dished up a serious challenge when it comes to packing for them.

Often left with tight layovers or no time to wait for bags at the carousel, I’ve been forced to become a carry-on traveler this summer. It’s been a big change from my usual travel style, where I’ve been known to always check a bag (which is, more often than not, over the weight limit). Instead of fretting, I took this as a fashion exercise: Could I actually navigate my busy summer travels using only carry-on bags?

Turns out I succeeded, and what I learned in the process is that packing a tiny suitcase isn’t as hard as it seems. You just need the right tips, tricks, and space-saving techniques! Below, here are my eight takeaways.

Pick the right carry-on bag

Before anything, you’ll want to invest in the right carry-on bag. Sure, the aesthetics are an important factor—be it a matte, glossy, or steel finish—but what you’ll want to properly research is the size of your carry-on bag. Size limitations vary from one airline to the next, so make sure the suitcase you’re using will fit in the overhead compartment—otherwise, you may be forced to check it. A good standard dimension to follow is 22x14x9 inches—give or take a few inches, depending on the airline.

Preplan your outfits

Typically I love to pack options when it comes to my travel wardrobe—but when you’re living the carry-on lifestyle, you need to streamline what you’re packing. Predetermine what you will wear on your trip, and then stick to it. Every inch of space counts, so you don’t want to pack unnecessary garments you won’t wear. It’s also worth thinking in layers—packing pieces that you can layer on top of each other to give you multiple outfits. Nice basics, like black pants or a crisp white summer dress, will work double duty and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Roll your clothes…

When you’ve finalized your Instagram-worthy outfits for the trip, you’ll want to pack them in the most efficient way possible. Fitting them all into a tiny suitcase requires skill: You’ll want to make use of the rolling method. Rolling your clothes not only saves space in your luggage, it also lessens the wrinkling of your clothes during the flight.

…or buy compression bags!

If you’re really tight for space and have a lot to bring with you, you may want to consider purchasing compression bags for your carry-on. You can place all your clothes into a plastic compression bag and then deflate the air using a vacuum cleaner. This can save you a ton of space.

Choose accessories wisely

As a huge shoe lover (I plan my entire outfits around them), my biggest takeaway while packing a carry-on bag is that footwear is heavy and takes up a lot of space! To counter this, you’ll want to wear one key pair on the plane—a dressier sneaker was my choice, which can be paired with multiple outfits—and then pack another pair (a heel or a dress shoe) just in case. Keep it extremely edited—trust me on this one. If you’re heading somewhere tropical, you can always pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops in your personal item. The same goes for your jewelry: Keep it close, in your purse or backpack.

How to pack liquids

This was the biggest challenge of all, as someone who usually checks a bag. How will I ever fit all my favorite shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and serums into a tiny carry-on bag? You just need to buy the right travel-size containers. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit into containers that are 3.4 ounces or less; these containers must then be placed in a clear quart-size bag. Many travel containers come with handy labels to help identify which product is in what bottle.

Streamline your makeup bag

Just like your liquids, you’ll want to edit down which makeup products you bring in your carry-on. Bring your most essential products—meaning your favorite (and foolproof) moisturizer, foundation, concealer, blush, powder, and bronzer. Even better yet, many makeup products now come in mini travel sizes; consider buying them to save even more space in your makeup bag.

Double-check your airline’s personal-item rules

If all else fails, you’ll want to read up on your airline’s personal-item rules. Most airlines allow you one personal item (a backpack or smaller bag) in addition to your carry-on bag—meaning you can place anything that doesn’t fit into your suitcase there. Just be careful: Sometimes, this personal item also includes purses, so you’ll want to be strategic about what that second bag is.

When thinking of holiday destinations, the Northern Cape province is not normally top of mind for the average South African.

However, the province is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, with a lot to offer including breathtaking landscapes, wildlife and exciting outdoor activities.

If you are considering this underrated province for your next trip, here are a few things to enjoy:

1. The Big Hole

Located in Kimberley, the Big hole is considered one of the biggest cavities excavated by man with a depth of 215 meters. It is an interesting and informative site. You can join one of the Kimberley Big Hole tours where you explore the multi-faceted story of diamonds, the people that sought them and the tools they used.

You can also visit the Makala National Park and the Diggers’ Memorial. If you are travelling with your children, taking the lift to have an underground experience is something they may find very thrilling.

2. Southern African Large Telescope

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is located near the small town of Sutherland. It is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.

You can enjoy day or night tours led by delightful guides. The surrounding vegetation is also very enchanting in the summer, making it the ideal opportunity to slow down and enjoy the unique experience.

3. Namaqualand National Park

If you are a nature lover, Namaqualand National Park is the tourist attraction for you.

The charming site is known for its breathtaking wildflowers that bloom in Spring. The semi-dessert Karoo biome is also a fantastic spot to enjoy a scenic drive, a picnic or simply a refreshing nature walk.

4. McGregor Museum

The McGregor Museum was officially founded in 1907. It conserves the natural and cultural history, as well as the diversity of the Northern Cape.

There are several parts to the museum including galleries and exhibitions, which all contribute to an interesting and educational experience.

5. Witsand Nature Reserve

The Witsand Nature Reserve covers about 3,500 hectares and is dominated by majestic yet inviting sand dunes. The picturesque eco-destination is filled with bird life, including the Social Weaver and the Pygmy falcon which is Africa’s tiniest raptor.

Adrenaline seekers can satisfy themselves to some sand boarding, while those who prefer slowness and relaxation can enjoy a good picnic at one of the picnic spots.

Traveling around Europe is many people’s idea of a dream vacation. And if you have the time, it’s certainly doable. Countries in Europe aren’t that far from each other, and there are affordable transportation options. You could easily spend time in four or five countries over a two-week trip.

Flights, trains, and cars are three of the most common ways to get around, and each has its pros and cons. Figuring out the right option for each leg of your trip could help you save money and have a better time traveling from place to place.

My wife and I spent three months in Europe last summer. During that time, we took a few flights, went on several train rides, and rented a car at one point. If you’re deciding how to get around, here’s what I recommend.

For longer journeys: Planes

If you want to arrive as quickly as possible, flying is the best choice. It’s also more convenient for long trips that would take six hours or more by train. Taking a flight, on the other hand, could likely get you there in under two hours.

You can compare flights and trains for where you want to go online — I recommend Google Flights and Trainline. Enter your trip details on each one, and you can compare prices and travel times. You’ll be able to see if going by train is a viable option, or if a plane is the only way to arrive in a reasonable amount of time.

Somewhat surprisingly, flying is cheaper than train travel in most of Europe, according to recent research by Greenpeace. This isn’t always the case, though. I made a lot of last-minute bookings, and trains were normally more affordable. It’s also budget airlines that offer the cheapest airfare, and many of them charge extra for each piece of luggage beyond a personal item.

However, if you use travel credit cards and have miles available, you could redeem those to save on flight costs. Short-hop flights costing 100 euros to 200 euros are sometimes also available for just 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles.

For a relaxing travel experience: Trains

Europe has an excellent rail system, and I’d highly recommend using it if you can. It’s the quintessential European travel experience. You can settle in with a coffee or a drink, and watch the countryside pass by.

As far as when to use it, that depends on how far you’re going and how much train travel you’re open to. My general rule of thumb is to go by train when it’s less than five or six hours and doesn’t require any train changes. For anything longer or more complicated than that, I prefer flying, since it’s more convenient.

If you’re traveling within one country, the train is usually a good option. Trains are also perfect for day trips to cities that aren’t too far from each other. And they can also work well for trips between countries, too. For example, you can get from Paris to Amsterdam by train in under three-and-a-half hours.

When comparing how long it will take to fly compared to taking the train, keep in mind that travel times don’t tell the whole story. You don’t need to arrive that early when traveling by train, because there’s no extensive security check like there is at the airport. Train stations are also often conveniently located within major cities, not on the outskirts like many airports are.

For anything off the beaten path: Automobiles

In most of the United States, you get used to driving everywhere. If you’re planning to visit major cities in Europe, don’t feel like you need to rent a car. In fact, it may be better not to. It’s easy to get around with public transportation, and often faster than driving. Traffic is brutal in big cities, as is finding parking. The subway or the bus are both good alternatives. Many cities also have bike and scooter rentals available.

The exception is when you’re traveling to small towns and anywhere that doesn’t have fast public transportation. For example, when my wife and I stayed on a farm in Tuscany, renting a car was the only realistic option. If you’re not sure whether a car will be necessary, try searching online. You can also contact the host of your accommodations or the hotel where you’ll be staying.

If you rent a car at any point, make sure to read up on the traffic laws in the area you’ll be driving. There are plenty of stories out there about travelers who received tickets in the mail for breaking traffic laws, such as inadvertently driving in a restricted zone. I’d also recommend paying with one of the many credit cards that offer complimentary rental insurance.

The right way to get around Europe depends on where you’re going and your travel preferences. Personally, I found that I took the train the most, only flying if it would’ve been an arduous train trip. A car isn’t needed in much of Europe, but for certain destinations, it’s practically a must.