Few places on Earth stop people in their tracks the way Chile's Atacama Desert does. Located in northern Chile, wedged between the Pacific coast and the spine of the Andes, the Atacama is officially the driest non-polar desert on the planet. Some weather stations here have never recorded a single drop of rain in their entire operational history. Yet this extreme aridity is precisely what makes the region so visually arresting: with almost no moisture to scatter light, the skies above are crystalline, the colours at ground level are fierce and saturated, and the geological formations look borrowed from another world entirely.
Durban has a way of surprising people. Travellers often arrive expecting a beach city and leave with a full array of sensory memories. From the fiery hit of a curry-soaked bunny chow eaten without cutlery, the thunderous pull of a wave at Bay of Plenty, the crack of a drum at a Zulu cultural performance, and the misty green roll of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands opening up just an hour inland. Time Out recently ranked Durban 14th on its list of the world's best places to travel in 2026, citing its Zulu cultural history and Indian food influence — particularly bunny chow — as key reasons for its global appeal.
Read more: Durban decoded: Surf, spice, and Zulu soul on the Indian Ocean
Australia holds many surprises, but few destinations can concentrate so much raw beauty, cultural depth, and ecological wonder in a single place. Tasmania — the island state sitting just south of the mainland, separated by the famously stormy Bass Strait — is one of those rare destinations that genuinely delivers on its reputation. Roughly the size of Ireland, this compact island packs ancient rainforests, glacier-carved mountain ranges, windswept coastlines, and pristine river systems into a landscape that feels almost impossibly diverse.
Read more: Tasmania: Where wild nature, ancient culture, and untouched beauty collide
Few cities on Earth pack as much into a single visit as Mexico City. This sprawling, endlessly layered metropolis sits at 2,240 metres above sea level, ringed by volcanoes and steeped in a history that stretches back thousands of years—from the great Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán to the Spanish colonial city built over its ruins, all the way through to the gloriously chaotic, creative, and deeply modern CDMX of today.
Read more: Mexico City for first-timers: Neighbourhoods, markets, and mezcal bars worth knowing
Padar Island sits in eastern Indonesia, right in the heart of Komodo National Park, and it offers landscapes that feel sculpted by nature itself. Standing on its ridgelines reveals sweeping bays, dramatic peaks, and beaches that curve in striking colours. Remote and undeveloped, the island blends adventure with peaceful moments, offering a rare escape for travellers who enjoy open trails, clear waters, and calm natural surroundings. This guide brings together everything you need to plan your trip, from getting to the island to choosing the best hiking times and understanding local conservation efforts.
Read more: Padar Island travel guide: Views, trails, and the best ways to explore this Komodo gem
So, you're planning your first trip to Taipei? Get ready for a city that buzzes with energy, dazzles with unforgettable sights, and will completely win over your taste buds. Scooters zip through narrow alleys lined with food stalls, neon lights shimmer off temple roofs, and mountain trails rise just beyond the skyline. The city’s rhythm is a seamless mix of tradition and innovation, where steaming bowls of noodles share the stage with futuristic towers and vibrant art museums.
Read more: First-time in Taipei: Your essential guide to Taiwan’s most exciting city
Imagine cruising beside turquoise waters, sun-drenched vineyards, and cliff-perched villages that seem lifted from a painting. A coastal drive through Provence and the Côte d’Azur is more than a scenic escape—it’s an immersion into a region where Mediterranean beauty meets deep-rooted culture and rich culinary traditions.
Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history and culture, offers a truly unique travel experience. From ancient cities along the Silk Road to the grandeur of architectural marvels, this Central Asian gem is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike.
Melbourne's Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most iconic and breathtaking journeys, stretching over 240 kilometres along the southern coastline. This scenic drive offers travellers a chance to experience dramatic landscapes, charming coastal towns, and unforgettable natural wonders.
As winter fades, Japan awakens in a breathtaking display of pink and white. The arrival of cherry blossoms, known as sakura, marks the beginning of spring, drawing millions of visitors eager to witness this fleeting spectacle. But the season is more than just a natural wonder—it embodies centuries-old traditions, deep cultural significance, and moments of pure joy. Whether strolling beneath delicate petals, indulging in seasonal delicacies, or capturing stunning photographs, experiencing cherry blossom season is an unforgettable journey through Japan’s landscapes and heritage.
Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean, captivates visitors with its iconic white-washed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and stunning caldera views. Planning the perfect itinerary ensures you make the most of your time, from wandering charming villages to indulging in the island’s culinary delights.