Features

Discovering Kanazawa: the rise of Japan’s “Little Kyoto”

Once one of Japan’s largest cities, in recent decades Kanazawa has languished in the shadow of its better-known rivals. But all that’s changing now, with the west coast city surging on a new wave of optimism boosted by the arrival of the Shinkansen’s high-speed rail links. Kanazawa is well and truly on the up – and…

Ibiza’s unspoilt little sister: why you should take it slow on Formentera

Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca – Spain‘s most popular gaggle of Balearic Islands have long dominated the sun, sea and sand scene. But Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, is just a thirty-minute boat ride from pulsating Ibiza and dances to an entirely different beat. Tell someone that you’re travelling to Formentera and you may well…

Revisiting Kyoto: why Japan’s cultural heart will win you over

Kyoto hardly needs an introduction. In a country often associated with logic-defying bullet trains and kaleidoscopic mega cities, Japan’s former imperial capital holds an eternal appeal. It’s traditional Japan distilled – history-steeped tea houses, cherry-blossom-cloaked streets, elaborately sculpted temples – and yet, it’s also a city with a burgeoning modern spirit. Last year Japan recorded…

Video: 5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka

From remote, palm-dotted beaches to ancient temples and some of Asia’s best wildlife-watching opportunities, Sri Lanka has something to offer every kind of traveller. Here are five reasons why you should travel around this spellbinding island.   Discover more of Sri Lanka with The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka. Compare flights, tours, hostels and hotels, or plan and book a bespoke tour designed by local…

Video: the best places to visit in Southeast Asia

From Cambodia’s world-famous Angkor Wat and Thailand’s jungle-smothered Khao Sok National Park to The Philippines‘ stunning beaches, Southeast Asia has something to offer every traveller. Here, we list the best places to visit on a Southeast Asian escape.   Plan your trip to Southeast Asia with The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for…

Discovering Palermo: why you should give Sicily’s capital a chance

A city of grit and forgotten grandeur, for too long Palermo has resigned itself to being a film set of crumbling palaces, sun-worn facades and pockmarked backstreets. But now Sicily’s capital is reemerging from decades under the Mafia’s shadow. Their influence may not be fully over but the Mafia battleground has come a long way,…

Video: a 2 minute guide to Cambodia and Laos

From Cambodia’s bleached-sand beaches and world-famous Angkor Wat to Laos’s jungle-smothered interior and adventure hotspots, these Southeast Asian gems have something to offer every kind of traveller. Wondering where to head first? Use our 2-minute video guide to help you plan your trip.   Explore more of Cambodia and Laos with The Rough Guide to…

Video: 6 things everyone learns backpacking

Whether it’s your first big trip or a short escape from reality, a backpacking adventure is guaranteed to be memorable. It won’t always be easy – and of course things will rarely go to plan – but few things can beat the freedom of packing your bag and fully immersing yourself somewhere new. From learning…

Video: 6 places to visit in Europe on a budget

Travel in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive – you just need to know where to go. Whether you fancy rafting down rivers and scaling mountains in Slovenia, wandering along Porto’s colourful riverfront, or simply digging your toes into some quieter sands, Europe is full of places that you can explore without breaking the bank.…

Video: there’s a treehouse on a crane you can sleep in

Dynamic, vibrant Bristol is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting cities to visit in the UK. And staying in a treehouse suspended from a crane is the ideal way to tap into the spirit of this forward-thinking, creative powerhouse. Crane 29, a pop-up by Canopy & Stars, is located in Bristol’s old wharf. Boasting…

Video: the most beautiful places in Canada

Simply put, Canada is stunning. The second largest country in the world, Canada is a land of crashing waterfalls, turquoise lakes and magnificent soaring mountains. As Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations unfold, we take a look at some of the country’s top beauty spots. From the serene waters of Moraine Lake to the rugged wilderness of…

Video: 5 things everyone learns on a road trip

Road trips make for memorable journeys. Yes, it can be stressful at times, but few ways of travelling match the utter independence of the open road.  From embracing spontaneity and exploring lesser-known paths, to perfectly pairing your playlist with the scenery, a self-drive trip is an unmissable experience. Whether it’s a classic Route 66 drive…