Sunset staff photographer Thomas J. Story on how to document dark skies.

Night photography takes not only a keen eye but quite a bit of planning. Sunset’s staff photographer has been shooting the outdoors for 25 years. Here are his tips on how to get it right.

1. Pack Smart

Night photography requires a tripod and a fast lens (at least f/2.8) set at ISO 3200. To maintain sharp stars, you’ll want the exposure under 20 to 30 seconds, otherwise it will result in star trails. Star trackers are a great, moderately low-cost investment if you become serious about shooting the night sky regularly.

2. Slow Your Shutter

The night mode in newer iPhones is pretty great, but there are slow shutter apps available for iPhone and Android that can also help for older models. The AstroShader app lets you stack multiple exposures to pull more detail. Slow Shutter Cam is also a really great one. It lets you do long exposures in the daytime as well.

3. Put It in Perspective

It’s helpful to have something in the foreground for visual interest that puts the sky into context, like a person in the sand dunes with a headlamp or another object, like a tree branch, in the frame.

4. Map It Out

As with many things in life, knowing when and where to be there is half the battle in photography. To prepare, use Google Earth to scout your location. No matter what, you want to be as far as possible from light pollution from cities, buildings, and even larger campsites. The Night Sky app will let you map the constellations anywhere you are on Earth.

5. Avoid the Full Moon

Though the look of a full moon can be beautiful in its own right, if you’re trying to capture the stars, the light from its glow will impact celestial visibility. Instead, plan as close to the new moon as possible.

6. Use Red Light

Purchase headlamps with this function, as light in the red spectrum doesn’t mess with your night vision and dilate your eyes as much as a standard light would. Doing so is also mindful of other folks who might be enjoying the outdoors, too.

7. Dress Warm

Bundle up and bring layers. Especially if you’re shooting in the desert, temps can drop quickly. Since you may have some trouble using gloves while operating a camera, even if they’re tech-friendly, pocket warmers can really come in handy.

These countries post the coldest average temperatures on Earth, but even in places defined by ice and snow, the climate is starting to shift

There are still places on Earth where the cold doesn’t come and go. From the wind-carved plateau of Antarctica to the treeless tundra of northern Canada and the high steppes of Mongolia, some countries endure cold not as a passing season but as a permanent backdrop. Average annual temperatures remain well below freezing. Infrastructure is built to withstand months of frost. Entire ways of life revolve around snow, ice and the rhythms of a long, unrelenting winter.

But even the coldest regions aren’t insulated from climate change. In fact, many are warming faster than the global average – not in ways that erase the cold entirely, but in ways that destabilise it. Some years bring deeper snow and heavier storms. Others see the cold arrive weeks later than expected, or retreat sooner. Familiar patterns – once embedded in culture, farming, and daily movement – are beginning to shift. What’s changing isn’t just the degree of cold but its reliability. And in the coldest places on Earth, that loss of consistency may prove more disruptive than the rise in temperature itself.

The 10 coldest countries in the world in 2025

This list is based on 2025 average annual air temperatures, using data from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), NASA’s GISTEMP, Berkeley Earth, and NOAA’s Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN). These organisations compile long-term climate records from both satellite observations and ground-based monitoring stations.

1. Antarctica – Averaged -56.7ºC in 2025
2. Russia – Siberia averaged -5.4ºC
3. Canada – Northern regions averaged -4.8ºC
4. Greenland – Recorded -3.6ºC across the ice sheet
5. Mongolia – Annual average reached -0.9ºC
6. Norway – Including Svalbard, averaged 1.3ºC
7. Kazakhstan – National average reached 1.6ºC
8. Finland – Recorded 1.9ºC on average
9. Iceland – Climbed to 2.0ºC
10. United States (Alaska) – Averaged 2.1ºC in northern zones

The science behind the warming of cold places

It’s a well-documented phenomenon that many of the coldest parts of the world are also warming the fastest. This is due to polar amplification – a process where melting snow and ice reduce the Earth’s reflectivity. Bright, frozen surfaces typically bounce sunlight back into the atmosphere; when they melt, darker ground and ocean, which would otherwise be hidden underneath, absorb that heat instead, accelerating warming in surrounding areas. This effect is especially pronounced in regions like northern Canada, Greenland and Siberia, where ice loss is increasingly year-round.

A 2022 study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment confirmed that the Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average. And while the Middle East may be heating more rapidly in summer extremes, Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are where the long-term rate of change is sharpest.

Why climate change can lead to colder winters

Global warming, or climate change, doesn’t always translate to milder winters. In many cold regions, it brings instability – not less cold, but a more erratic cold. A warming climate shifts long-term averages upward but it also stretches the extremes, so a mild January might be followed by a severe Arctic front; a thaw can give way to a record-breaking blizzard.

One driver of this volatility is the jet stream – a high-altitude air current that typically keeps polar air locked in the Arctic. As the region warms and sea ice retreats, the jet stream weakens and shifts. This allows cold Arctic air to plunge further south, and warmer air to move north, increasing the frequency of polar vortex events and sharpening contrasts between seasons.

The result isn’t a straightforward rise in temperature but a climate marked by sudden swings: heavier snowfall, delayed freezes, earlier thaws, and less predictability overall. The world’s coldest countries are still cold but the nature of that cold is changing.

These airports scored highest not because they were the biggest or busiest, but because travelers felt welcome, surprised, and well cared for.

In 2025, the world’s favorite airports aren’t just transit hubs; they’re destinations in themselves. From indoor waterfalls and art museums to saunas and poetry-lit corridors, travelers have spoken through Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards, ranking the top international airports that go above and beyond.

These are the places where long layovers become moments of wonder, and where design, culture, and comfort come together to create unforgettable travel experiences.

Most Favourite International Airports

Let’s explore the top 10 international airports that travelers loved most in 2025, and why they’re more than just gateways to the skies.

1. Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Scoring an outstanding 98.57 out of 100, Istanbul Airport takes the readers’ top spot. It recently added a third simultaneous runway, the first in Europe, allowing up to 1,695 takeoffs and landings in a single day.

Inside, travelers find 44 sleep pods, a Youth Lounge with PlayStation, a spa, a museum with Turkish artifacts, and even a friendly therapy dog named Kuki.

Its soaring, light-filled terminals feel more contemporary gallery than transit hub. Beneath polished runways, shared art installations showcase Turkish calligraphy and geometric mosaics. Travelers love the prayer lounges bathed in subtly lit domes and the lounge terraces with Bosphorus views.

A hidden gem is the snack corner serving Istanbul street food such as freshly baked simit and small bowls of kaymak‑topped honey for free during rush hours. With nonstop connections across five continents, Istanbul Airport blends efficiency, regional warmth, and design surprises. It connects to over 310 destinations, making it a true global hub.

Its spacious layout, Turkish cultural touches, efficient check‑in, and bold architecture deliver a travel experience that readers called “reliable but beautiful.”

2. Singapore Changi Airport

A close runner‑up in readers’ hearts and a longstanding global benchmark, Changi wins admiration for doing the basics flawlessly. The indoor Rain Vortex waterfall sparkles below at 40 metres high.

Guests wander lush orchid and butterfly gardens or unwind at the canopy park. Hidden pianos by gates softly accompany flights with live music, and the uniquely positioned rooftop sunflower garden open to overflow passengers.

Travelers delight in free guided Singapore heritage tours offered during long layovers, taking them through temple and kampong reprints inside terminal corridors. Changi’s diverse dining selections, stellar washroom facilities, and seamless transit passage make it consistently beloved

The airport introduces early check‑in—up to 48 hours in advance—allowing travelers to check bags and enjoy the facilities. To many readers, Changi isn’t just an airport—it feels like a tropical wellness retreat.

3. Hamad International Airport, Doha

In third place with a 92.34 score, Hamad blends futuristic architecture and Arabic elegance. Hamad crafts an ultra‑polished luxury experience from the moment you step off your plane. The interiors lean futuristic yet rooted in Arabic design.

Among lesser-known features is the orchid garden hidden behind duty‑free, where soft lighting and fragrant petals calm nerves before long journeys. Phase B expansion in March 2025 added a tropical waterfall in Concourse D/E.

Travelers report bliss‑inducing experiences at the sleep pods located in quiet lounges, always stocked with clean pajamas and tea. Boutique spaces showcase Emirati crafts made on-site, local artisans, offering hand‑woven fabrics and jewelry made on site.

Even travelers passing through quickly say Doha feels soothing rather than stressful. The airport’s art installations and clean lines make every walk feel elegant, even when connection time is tight

4. Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport, UAE

Though new on the global favorite list for 2025, with a score of 89.48, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport impressed readers with its architecture and guest experience.

A bold X‑shaped terminal is both expansive and intimate. Intricate ceiling panels project desert star‑patterns by night while biometric gates whisk travelers onward. Hidden botanical lounges rising near concourse roofs offer loungechairs shaded by date palm fronds.

A lounge art gallery displays Emirati photography. Biometric boarding and peaceful lounges make even long layovers feel purposeful.

Travelers shared that those passing on a business connection often extend stays just to walk the corridor gardens and marvel at the gentle design lighting.

5. Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai takes fifth place with a score of 88.38. It remains beloved by readers for its superb shopping, rapid immigration lanes, world-class lounges, cultural showcase performance spaces, and themed eateries mixing local flavor with international cuisine, alongside creative surprises like aeronautical-themed kids’ zones and cultural art installations.

Many said they preferred it over other regional hubs because of its consistent lounge quality and children’s recreation zones.

6. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

At 86.22, Hong Kong Airport is praised for punctuality, cleanliness, and variety.

Hong Kong’s must‑land airport is built on reclaimed land yet surprises with hidden green spaces and harbor glimpses from its Skydeck.

Among lesser-known features and readers’ favorites is the deep ‘Aviation Discovery Centre’ internal exhibit space, where live drones fly overhead and aviation history comes alive through VR displays.

A hidden Sky decks overlooking Lantau Island invites travelers to step out of the terminal briefly for fresh air. Several lounges serve free dim sum and egg tarts during midday hours.

Travelers commented that Hong Kong strikes the ideal balance between hustle and thoughtful interaction. For readers, Hong Kong Airport feels efficient and spirited in equal measure.

7. Helsinki‑Vantaa Airport, Finland

A newcomer to the Travel + Leisure top ten but beloved in 2025, Helsinki stands out for Nordic calm and design minded utility. Landing seventh with a 86.18 score, Helsinki stands out with its Scandinavian aesthetics and warmth. Interiors use natural wood and daylight to ease anxiety.

Hidden features include a forest‑themed playroom for children with real birch twigs, and a Finnish sauna tucked behind glass in a quieter zone of the terminal.

Local cafés serve rye bread baked onsite and seasonal berry‑flavored lattes.

Passengers say arriving in Helsinki feels like entering a peaceful cabin rather than a transit hub. Many readers say arriving there feels meditative after long flights.

8. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan

Haneda scores 84.47, praised for smooth operations, station‑like clarity in navigation, and subtle design elegance.

Haneda is lauded by readers for top-tier punctuality while the experience includes invisible comforts: hidden nap rooms behind departure gates, minimalist meditation pods for privacy, and small bonsai tree displays near boarding gates curated from renowned gardens.

Staff greet travelers with audible bows after check-in and often use travelers’ native language greetings, while live Japanese classical music often plays as background in transit corridors.

In recent years, pilgrim‑style traveler lounges have even offered free green tea ceremony sessions during slow hours. Even short layovers feel respectful and meaningful.

9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, India

Mumbai’s airport ranks ninth with an 84.23 score. Breaking into the top ten as one of India’s first global favorites, Mumbai’s T2 terminal impressed readers with art, culture, and design. Its Jaya He Museum walls display 7000 original artworks by painter M F Husain with bold panels mapping Indian heritage.

Hidden beyond upscale dining areas are small stalls offering vada pav and masala chai for free between flights. Day rooms allow travelers to shower and rest cheaply. Biometric gates make entry seamless. It’s one of the few airports globally to earn the ACI Level 5 Customer Experience accreditation. Despite high traffic, readers praised its warmth and cultural pride.

Many readers cited the surprising warmth of the staff, despite Mumbai’s immense crowds, as what made the experience feel welcoming rather than chaotic.

10. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

A recurring favorite with an 83.67 score, now placed tenth in Travel + Leisure’s readers survey, Incheon consistently earns praise for transfer efficiency and cultural depth.

The underground ice skating rink (open seasonally), the Museum of Korean Culture tucked near the gates, and the digital library behind Duty-Free make long waits joyful.

Travel‑curious readers share that small Korean drum performances happen unannounced in cultural lounges. Staff wear smart badges with multilingual touchscreens to assist passengers instantly.

The quiet forest-themed walking corridors between terminals offer natural light and ergonomic flooring designed to reduce fatigue, inspired by traditional hanok architecture. Incheon feels efficient but culturally alive.

The Criteria Behind the Rankings

Travel + Leisure asked readers to rate airports on these key aspects:

• Access and public transport ease
• Speed and ease at check‑in and security
• Quality and diversity of dining and shopping
• Artistic and aesthetic design and ease of navigation
• Overall ambiance and traveler satisfaction

These airports scored highest not because they were the biggest or busiest, but because travelers felt welcome, surprised, and well cared for.

What Makes These Airports Favorites

• People‑powered praise: Travel + Leisure bases this list on hundreds of thousands of reader votes, factoring in how travelers really experience access, ambience, food, comfort, and design.
• Human-Centered Design: Each airport delivers something beyond security lines, art galleries, gardens, sleep pods, cultural experiences, hidden cafes or terraces to wander.
• More than terminals: Winners feel like destinations, with art, gardens, cultural showcases, and hidden relaxation zones.
• Service that surprises: Small touches, like complimentary snacks, meditation pods, interactive exhibits, stand out to passengers. Whether it’s spa pods, prayer rooms, friendly digital assistants or multilingual help desks, these airports feel intuitively human.
• Cultural Roots: Istanbul’s snack kiosks and therapy dog, Mumbai’s art murals and local snacks, Helsinki’s sauna and birch decor, Doha’s orchid gardens, each place feels proudly local yet globally welcoming.
• Global consistency, regional flavor: Whether you’re in Doha or Tokyo, standards hold high while the ambiance changes uniquely.

Lesser-Known Highlights & Local Anecdotes

• At Istanbul Airport, the museum exhibits rotate with curated pieces from across Turkish museums. Last fall included Ottoman-era embroidery and calligraphy. Airport walks along the Bosphorus terrace early in the morning offer a quiet local flavor, even mid layover.
• In Changi, regular travelers know: don’t miss the free heritage bus tours of Raffles Town within the airport, featuring temple and kampong architecture in micro detail.
• Hamad Airport’s Orchid Garden hides behind retail; it’s a quiet sanctuary with 200 varieties bred onsite, including rare Bahraini blooms.
• Abu Dhabi Zayed Airport programmed its ceiling projectors to simulate desert constellations at night, tand ravelers often pause to gaze in wide-eyed wonder.
• Hong Kong Airport’s passenger feedback system emails your comments instantly to quality control teams. Many travelers say facility issues were resolved in under an hour on site.
• Helsinki Airport’s forest playroom combines natural Finnish wellness with child safety: even toddlers step onto real birch branches.
• At Tokyo Haneda, travelers boarding late evening sometimes catch live sitar or shakuhachi sessions in gate lobbies, a calming soundtrack before flights.
• Mumbai T2’s murals move daily. Artists hand-paint new panels at night, offering an evolving gallery that regular travelers begin to follow.
• Incheon’s digital library allows passengers to borrow e‑books and devices for 90-minute reading periods, but most people don’t realize it even exists.

Final Thoughts

This 2025 favorite list shows how airports have evolved. Istanbul Airport wins its readers’ hearts through bold design, thoughtful amenities, and local hospitality. Changi remains a beloved benchmark, blending efficiency and exploration.

Doha and Abu Dhabi surprise with lounges that feel like hotels. Helsinki and Mumbai ground passengers in culture and soul. Each airport on this list reimagines what transit can feel like.

Every one of these airports offers stories if you look closely, a corner garden, a curated art wall, a hidden cafe, or a meditation pod waiting behind a departure lounge.

If you’ve experienced any, you know the difference between a place to wait and a place where waiting becomes meaningful in the journey.

Each one is more than a waypoint; they’re reflections of homegrown culture shaped for global travelers.

Sri Lanka is a destination that has it all. This teardrop-shaped island off the coast of India has seen its share of difficulties, but in the past two years it has emerged as one of the most vibrant and exciting countries for travel. Tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025 are up 60% compared to the same period in 2024, a promising sign for this resilient nation.

With awe-inspiring cultural attractions, sacred pilgrimage sites, tea plantations and laid-back beach towns, Sri Lanka is a thrilling country that appeals to all kinds of travelers—from families and honeymooners to foodies and surfers. Time Out even ranked Sri Lanka the #1 best place to visit for solo female travelers. Have we piqued your interest? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Sri Lanka.

Seasons

Located south of India and east of the Maldives, Sri Lanka is a tropical country close to the equator. It has two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon from May to September and the Northeast Monsoon from December to February.

Logistics

Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s largest domestic air carrier, makes traveling throughout Sri Lanka a breeze. The airline offers daily scheduled flights to popular destinations (a 30-minute flight from Colombo to Sigiriya will save you a 5-hour drive) and exclusive charters at competitive prices. Cinnamon Air has three aircraft, including two seaplanes, ensuring flexibility in landing in different terrains, such as Castlereagh’s natural reservoir or Koggala Lake in the south.

If you prefer to travel by land, there are many taxi services available throughout Sri Lanka and the roads are surprisingly well-maintained. In Colombo, you can use Uber, the PickMe app or tuk tuks to move around. For longer rides, companies like TinyCabs and BlueSky Galle Taxis are available for ground transfers and tours throughout the country.

Sri Lanka is also famous for its trains but be sure to book your tickets early — the famous Kandy to Ella train ride books out a month in advance. You can reserve tickets directly on 12Go or use a booking service like Visit Sri Lanka Tours which can purchase tickets on your behalf (with a mark-up). In both cases, you’ll need to stop by one of Sri Lanka’s train stations with your reservation in hand in order to print out your original tickets. Tip: second class reserved seats are ideal because you can keep the windows down for the best views!

Sri Lanka is unique for a myriad of boutique, locally-owned hotels dotted throughout the country. If you need help choosing where to stay, We Stay Ceylon has a handpicked collection of unique properties throughout the island and can help design a personalized itinerary as well.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Although many people will flock to Sri Lanka for its surf scene, it is worth spending time exploring the island’s cultural triangle as well. Located in the fertile center of the country, this area is a testament to Sri Lanka’s longstanding heritage and boasts five UNESCO Sites, each worth visiting.

Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s uncontested jewel. An ancient rock fortress that rises 600 ft above a canopy of thick jungle, it served as Prince Kashyapa’s 5th century royal palace before being used as a Buddhist monastery. If you have time, it’s also worth climbing Pidurangala Rock which lies directly in front of Sigiriya: this other mountain is a nature reserve and best suited for intrepid travelers.

To the north of Sigiriya lies Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital founded in the 4th century which flourished for over 1,000 years. With large stupas and a sacred fig tree (a descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), it remains an important pilgrimage site.

You can also visit Sri Lanka’s second capital, Polonnaruwa, which features monumental ruins built between the 11th to 13th centuries. The ruins are spread over 1,100 sq miles and include intricately carved palaces, city council buildings and evocative shrines. Nearby, art lovers shouldn’t miss Dambulla’s five painted caves featuring over 150 statues of the Buddha.

On the southern end of the Cultural Triangle is Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings and today the second-largest city after Colombo, the capital. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is believed to shelter one of the Buddha’s teeth. Three ceremonies are performed here each day and travelers are welcome to join to experience this unique tradition.

Hill Country

As you depart south from Kandy, you’ll come across Sri Lanka’s verdant Hill Country. While the island may be known for its tropical temperatures, it is also the fourth largest producer of tea in the world — a feat for a relatively small territory. This is thanks to its cool, misty mountains around cities like Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton.

Introduced by the British in the 19th century, after a coffee rust fungus devastated the country’s coffee plantations, tea remains a ubiquitous part of Sri Lankan culture. Referred to as Ceylon Tea, the country’s colonial name, black tea is dominant in Sri Lanka’s over 400 tea plantations. Tea is still plucked by hand by a highly skilled workforce of primarily Tamil women whom you will see hard at work throughout the country’s technicolor, undulating plantations.

In Nuwara Eliya, pay a visit to Pedro Tea Estate, while in Ella, it’s worth taking a short tuk-tuk ride to Uva Halpewatte for an educational factory tour. Trains were developed to help transport goods, including tea, from the inland regions to coastal ports, so be sure to take a train ride while you’re in the area. The Kandy-Ella line is the most famous and sells out quickly so look into alternative options like Nuwara Eliya to Hatton where you can relax by the spectacular Castlereagh Reservoir, a truly otherworldly scene.

The Coast

Sri Lanka’s coastline covers 800 miles so sunbathers and surfers will be spoiled for choice. Where you go will depend on the season. If you visit between December and April, head south and west where Sri Lanka’s tourism is most developed. Stretching from Colombo down to Tangalle, there are dozens of beach towns worth visiting so you’ll need to make some choices.

Bentota, home to landscaped garden villas Lunuganga and Brief Garden, will delight architects and culture hunters. Hikkaduwa is popular for its turtle hatchery and Tsunami Museum which commemorates those lost during the deadly tsunami which killed over 30,000 people in Sri Lanka in 2004.

Galle, a fortified Dutch-Portugese town is a must-see for its colonial architecture and many boutique hotels while Ahangama is the newest hip locale with lively bars, concept shops and cool hotels. Weligama and Mirissa have been popular surf destinations for the past decade and many whale watching excursions leave from here. Further east, Hiriketiya is another small surf paradise with beach clubs and cool cocktail lounges where you can hang out until the early hours.

For unique nature and culture excursions along the southern coast, reach out to Donga. Founded by four friends, this small, sustainable tour company offers immersive tours of Koggala Lake’s mangroves, rainforest treks through Sinharaja, pottery experiences, walking tours and more.

If you visit between May and November, you’ll have better chances of sunshine along the northern and eastern coasts. Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Arugam Bay are the most popular resort towns in this area.

Safari

Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity in Asia which you can enjoy viewing across its 25 National Parks dotted throughout the island. Yala National Park is the most famous, with the highest density of leopards in the world, though its popularity also means it’s quite crowded. Other options include Minneriya, located close to Sigiriya (perfect for a half-day tour) and Udawalawe, known for its large population of Asian elephants.

Other animals you can see throughout national parks are sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, jackals and monitor lizards. Sri Lanka is also a great place for birding — peacocks are ubiquitous and you’re likely to see the Sri Lankan Junglefowl alongside migratory birds like flamingos and herons.

Colombo

Most trips to Sri Lanka will begin or end in Colombo, and it’s worth spending a couple of nights in the capital to soak in its buzzing energy. Highlights include the iconic red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct located in a colonial-era hospital, and the Colombo National Museum which provides a historical and cultural introduction to the country.

To learn more about Sri Lanka’s more contemporary history, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence Number 11, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect celebrated for his “tropical modernist” style, and shop for artisanal crafts at boutiques like Barefoot Gallery and Urban Island.