Destinations
When to go, where to stay, what to skip and the one thing worth getting up early for. These are working guides, not postcards.
City & coast · Portugal
Tiled hills, late dinners and a tram that goes everywhere you want to be.
Best for: food, tiles and a first trip to Europe
When to go: April–June or September–October
Do not miss: A ferry to Cacilhas for lunch, then the view from Senhora do Monte.
Stay: from $140/night · See stays
Culture · Japan
Temple mornings, quiet gardens and the best reason to wake up before sunrise.
Best for: culture, gardens and slow mornings
When to go: March–May or October–November
Do not miss: Fushimi Inari at 7am, then breakfast at a kissaten.
Stay: from $165/night · See stays
Beach · Mexico
Caribbean water, jungle cenotes and a town that rewards an early start.
Best for: beach, cenotes and ruins
When to go: November–April
Do not miss: A cenote at opening time, before the vans arrive.
Stay: from $190/night · See stays
Coast · Italy
Cliff roads, lemon groves and a sea that makes every photo look edited.
Best for: coastlines, boats and long lunches
When to go: May–June or September
Do not miss: The Path of the Gods, early, before the heat.
Stay: from $220/night · See stays
Adventure · South Africa
A mountain in the middle of a city, two oceans and food worth the flight.
Best for: mountains, wine and a city that works
When to go: November–March
Do not miss: A morning hike up Lion’s Head and lunch in Bo-Kaap.
Stay: from $135/night · See stays
Nature · Iceland
Colorful rooftops, black-sand coastlines and the sky doing something strange.
Best for: nature, design and very dark nights
When to go: June–August for midnight sun; September–March for aurora
Do not miss: A south-coast drive to Vík, with a stop at the black-sand beach.
Stay: from $175/night · See stays
Not sure?
Tell us when you can travel and what you want the trip to feel like. We will suggest two or three places that fit.