The 9 best hikes in Colombia: jungle, coastline and volcanic peaks

With landscapes that tumble from snow-dappled Andean peaks to paradisiacal white sand beaches, it should come as no surprise that Colombia packs a whole raft of hiking trails to explore. Trekking can be a hot, humid affair in the lowlands and a lung-busting adventure in the mountainous national parks, but there’s no better way to explore…

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A first-timer’s guide to Luxembourg: plan your visit to this tiny nation

Squeezed in between France, Belgium and Germany, tiny Luxembourg (pop. 655,000) is something of an oddity, yet is arguably also the most European of the continent’s many nations. A multilingual global hub of business and commerce, Luxembourg is also the world’s only grand duchy and its cinematic capital city was once an imposing fortress that…

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9 of the best things to do in Texas: explore the Lone Star State

Planning a trip to Texas can be overwhelming. And while Hollywood cliches may conjure up images of weathered cowboys and dusty saloons, there is a wide variety of museums, architecture, outdoor adventures and, of course, delicious food you won’t want to miss. There's so much to do, you'll probably need a car to get around.…

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7 best day trips from Paris: add a new dimension to your city break

Paris' wealth of architectural icons, monumental museums and unmissable dining experiences makes it difficult for visitors to contemplate straying beyond the city limits. Yet on Paris’ doorstep are magnificent châteaux, exquisite gardens, medieval cathedrals, and rambling forests, which can add a new dimension to a holiday in the French capital. Whether you want to walk…

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New York City’s most popular beaches for sand, surf and scene

Amid the New York City’s din, it’s good to remember that cool breezes and refreshing waters are just a train ride away. Four of the five of New York City’s boroughs boast excellent and highly popular beaches (sorry, Manhattan), while the glories of Long Island and the Jersey Shore are an easy day trip. Whether…

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You’ve probably never been to Portugal’s Berlengas: here’s why you should go

Óbidos is most certainly on the list of must-see destinations for those visiting Portugal. But many may not know that just an hour away from the famous medieval town (30 minutes by car and another 30 by boat) is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the country: Berlengas. This set of small islands and…

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Will the Olympics drive out Paris’ beloved booksellers?

The world’s largest open-air bookshop is set against one of the most picturesque backdrops on Earth: Paris. Indeed, you could say that the riverside booksellers and their iconic green book stalls are as much a fixture of the Seine as the Eiffel Tower is of the city’s skyline. But a battle is brewing between the…

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