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Where are most travelers headed this summer? Delta Air Lines has just shared their most-searched international destinations, and it turns out that Europe is a hot spot this year. Searches have increased by 150% compared to last summer, highlighting the strong demand for travel. This also means that many international destinations will be crowded, so here are some tips on when to visit these places for the best experience.
Let’s check out the top five trending international destinations right now:
5. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is the only non-European destination in the top five. This tropical beach paradise is easily accessible with nonstop flights from nearly 40 U.S. cities. Summer is a great time to visit Cancun if you want to avoid crowds, enjoy lower hotel prices, and find better deals on airfare. While winter and spring are peak seasons, summer sees a significant drop in visitors. If you can handle the hot, humid weather and occasional afternoon storms, summer is perfect for budget travelers. If Cancun isn’t your thing, consider visiting some underrated nearby Mexican Caribbean destinations.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens is another popular destination this summer, especially with new nonstop flights from the U.S. making it more accessible. However, I strongly advise against visiting Athens in the summer due to the extreme heat. Recently, the Acropolis closed to protect tourists from temperatures above 104°F during Greece’s earliest heat wave. Instead, consider visiting Athens in late fall, winter, or early spring when the weather is milder. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below the fifties.
3. Rome, Italy
Rome is also trending with American travelers this summer. Known as the Eternal City, Rome boasts incredible ancient marvels like the Colosseum. However, summer in Rome can be unbearably hot and crowded. I visited Rome in November last year, and it was perfect. The weather was warm and mild, and there were fewer crowds. You can also find better deals on airfare if you travel outside the peak summer season.
2. Paris, France
Paris is the second most popular international destination this summer. But should you go? I’ve previously explained why summer might not be the best time to visit Paris: high prices and record-breaking crowds due to the Olympics in late July and early August. Having lived in Paris, I recommend visiting in the fall (October and November) or spring (April is particularly beautiful).
1. London, United Kingdom
London is the top trending international destination this summer. Unlike other European cities, London doesn’t get as hot, and it truly comes alive during the summer. However, I suggest taking some day trips or weekend trips outside the city to make the most of your visit. Some great options include Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Bath.

Medellin, Colombia has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once infamous for its rough reputation, the city is now a popular destination for digital nomads and travelers looking for an affordable place to visit. Medellin is currently implementing new regulations to attract more responsible visitors and remote workers.
The city, once known for bachelor parties and all-night revelry, is being reshaped by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez. The focus is now on attracting visitors interested in cultural experiences and professional digital nomads. Last year, over 1.4 million visitors came to Medellin, many of them from the United States.
Medellin and Colombian immigration authorities are taking steps to make it clear that misbehaving tourists are not welcome. The district of El Poblado, famous for its nightlife, is now heavily monitored with police, security cameras, and checkpoints, especially around Calle 10 and Lleras Park. The Mayor even imposed a temporary 1:00 am curfew on bars to control the partying, although this curfew has since been lifted. Security measures are strict in hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants, and prostitution is banned in popular tourist areas. Large billboards warn tourists about the severe penalties for sexual tourism and the exploitation of minors, with signs posted in all hotels requiring strict ID checks for guests.
Colombian authorities are also working with the US to prevent undesirable tourists from entering the country. At the international airport near Medellin, tourists are subjected to extra questions about their trip, and those with criminal records may be turned away under the new ‘Angel Watch’ program.
The US government has warned travelers to avoid dating apps in Medellin due to incidents where tourists have been drugged and robbed. Even Tinder users in Medellin receive warnings about the dangers of meeting people through the app. This caution extends to nightclubs and bars, where unsuspecting tourists have been targeted and drugged with Scopolamine. So far in 2024, 28 tourists have died in Medellin, including from homicides and natural causes. The homicide rate in Medellin in 2022 was 15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a 3% reduction from previous years and lower than the national average in Colombia.
Colombia’s Digital Nomad visa, initially praised for its ease of approval, has become more challenging to obtain. Applicants now face additional paperwork requirements, including criminal FBI background checks with Apostille, official proof of good standing for self-owned companies with Apostille, and proof of ownership for digital nomads operating their own companies with Apostille. All forms must be dated and issued within the past 60 days.

Malta’s food scene is a delightful mix of influences, reflecting its central location in the Mediterranean. You’ll find pasta and cannoli from Sicily, spices from North Africa, flavors from Provence and Andalusia brought by the Knights of St. John, and British touches from the 1800s. Let’s explore traditional Maltese cuisine, local food experiences, and the best restaurants in Malta and Gozo.

Maltese bread, or Ħobż tal–Malti, is so special that it’s on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This bread has a spongy, sourdough texture and a crunchy crust, traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven. The best bakeries are in Qormi, where a bread-making festival is held in late September or October. Maltese bread can be a flat loaf called Ftira or a ring shape, often enjoyed with tomato, olive oil, cheese, olives, and capers.

Gozitan Ftira, or Ftira Għawdxija, is a popular street food. This pizza-like snack is made from bread dough and cooked in a wood-fired oven, topped with potatoes, Ġbejna cheese, olives, tuna, capers, or Maltese sausage. We had a great experience making Ftira on a local farm with Karlito’s Way.

Pastizzi are another favorite street food, small pastries with flaky filo pastry and soft fillings like ricotta cheese or peas. You can identify the filling by how the pastry is folded. One of the best places to buy pastizzi is Is-Serkin (Crystal Palace Bar) in Rabat.

Qassatat, larger than pastizzi, are made with shortcrust pastry and filled with ricotta, peas, or spinach with anchovies. Mekren bakery in Nadur, Gozo, is a great place to try them.

Galletti, dry water biscuits, are often served with cheese or dips like Bigilla (broad bean dip). They can also be eaten as a snack.

Sweet pastries and cakes are a big part of Maltese cuisine, especially around religious festivals. Imqaret, Kannoli, Village biscuits, Maltese honey rings, Zeppoli, Kwareżimal, and Figolli are some of the traditional sweets you should try.

Maltese cuisine often involves slow-cooking to tenderize meat. Rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek), beef olives (Braġioli), and Maltese sausage (Zalzett Tal-Malti) are popular dishes. The surrounding Mediterranean waters provide a rich variety of fish, with Lampuki (Dolphin fish), swordfish, mullet, bream, grouper, and sea bass being common. Marsaxlokk is the best place to enjoy fresh seafood.

Italian and Sicilian influences are evident in dishes like Baked Macaroni pie (Timpana), Arancini, and various pasta dishes. Traditional vegetable-based dishes include Bigilla, Kapunata, Soppa tal-Armla, Kutsku, and Platt Malti. Ġbejniet, the local sheep’s cheese, and ricotta are widely used in Maltese cuisine.

Local produce like olives, capers, Maltese blood oranges, sea salt, honey, and carob are integral to Maltese dishes. Artisan preserves made with local fruit and flower flavorings are also popular.

For drinks, try pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, Kinnie (a local soft drink), Cisk beer, and craft beers from local breweries. Maltese wines, made from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gellewza, and Girgentina, are worth trying. Many wineries offer tastings, but it’s best to arrange visits in advance.

Valletta has a vibrant food scene with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Valletta Food Market, Malta Pastizzi, and various picnic spots are great for casual dining. For a more upscale experience, try 59 Republic, ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, or Briju in Gzira. In Birgu, BeBirgu and Terrone are excellent choices.

For a unique experience, try a Gozo Picnic with Ana, who prepares delicious, locally inspired food in scenic spots. Visit the salt pans in Xwejni, Gozo, to see traditional salt harvesting. Ta’betta winery offers elegant wine tasting events in a beautiful setting.

Malta is a fantastic destination for food lovers, with a rich culinary heritage and a commitment to local produce. Enjoy exploring the diverse and delicious food scene in Malta and Gozo.

Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about Hygge, the Danish concept of enjoying cozy, feel-good moments. Imagine being snuggled up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine or catching up with friends in a candle-lit café. If you’re planning a winter trip to Copenhagen, you’ll find plenty of warmth in the city’s food and friendly atmosphere.

When it’s cold and dark outside, you might enjoy reading “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking. This bestseller celebrates life’s small pleasures, like savoring a fresh cinnamon bun or having a relaxing meal with friends. By the way, Hygge is pronounced “Huuu-ger” with a hard “g” like in “gold.”

I’ve visited Copenhagen in both summer and winter, and there are many fun activities to get that cozy Hygge feeling. Here are some of my top recommendations for a weekend in Copenhagen:

The Torvehallerne market halls are a lively spot to grab fresh food and lunch. You can try everything from Danish open sandwiches (smorrebrod) to sushi, Paleo dishes, cakes, and coffee from the famous Coffee Collective. If the weather is nice, there’s outdoor seating around the glass-sided halls. I always stock up on delicious chocolate Lakrids or licorice balls.

For sightseeing, consider getting the Copenhagen Card, which offers free public transport and free or discounted entry to around 80 museums and attractions.

Visit Rosenborg Castle, located in the King’s Garden (Kongens Have). This 17th-century castle was originally a summer palace for King Christian IV and now houses the Royal collections. The rooms offer a fascinating walk through Danish history, and the treasury in the vaults below contains the impressive Crown Jewels, still worn by the Danish royal family on state occasions.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum is a must-visit any time of year. Built to house the art collection of brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, the museum features spacious halls filled with white marble statues by Danish neo-classical sculptors. The impressionist galleries include works by Renoir, Van Gogh, and Monet, as well as Degas’ “Little Ballerina” sculpture. The museum’s winter garden, with its glass roof and greenery, has a lovely café that’s perfect for lunch. The museum is free on Tuesdays or with a Copenhagen Card.

For a cozy place to stay during your winter break, the Hotel Kong Arthur is ideal. Located at the end of a cobbled courtyard near the Copenhagen lakes, this historic building was once an apprentice’s residence. Inside, you’ll find a warm fire in winter, comfy sofas, and window seats with stacks of books. The 155 rooms are all unique, combining luxury with modern style. The atmosphere is welcoming yet informal, and there’s even a “Cosy Hour” from 5 to 6 pm when guests are treated to a little something in the lobby.

Best Served Scandinavia is an independent tour operator specializing in tailor-made holidays to Scandinavia. Their travel consultants have explored Copenhagen’s cobbled streets, stayed in the recommended hotels, and experienced wintry excursions. They offer customized trips to Denmark and Copenhagen, including visits to castles, charming towns, and luxury boutique hotels, or following Denmark’s Viking trail on a self-drive holiday.

For more ideas on things to do in Copenhagen in winter, check out the Wonderful Copenhagen website. For additional activities in Denmark, visit the Visit Denmark website.

The Mediterranean’s flavors are shaped by its history and landscape, and a cruise offers the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of local specialties. On our cruise with Titan Travel, we discovered that each Mediterranean island we visited had its own unique dishes to offer.

While the food on board was excellent, trying local specialties was a highlight. From myrtle gelato in Sardinia to ricotta cannoli in Florence, and from Pecorino cheese in Sardinia to the flavorful charcuterie of Corsica, the variety was delightful.

If you’re visiting these ports, here are some local food specialties to try and where to find them.

In Sardinia, historically, people moved inland to avoid sea attacks, making meat dishes and charcuterie popular. Sheep are raised in the mountains for meat and Pecorino cheese, which is used in many dishes or enjoyed with pane carasau bread. Local pasta like fregula and malloreddus are also worth trying. Myrtle berries, which grow wild, flavor liqueurs and desserts, including ice cream.

On Corso Umberto I, we enjoyed gelato artigianale at Gelateria Smeralda and GAP. Abbà offers a variety of Sardinian food products and handicrafts, including myrtle-flavored liqueurs, honey, and Torron nougat. For a snack, we stopped at Anticas Licanzias for pane carasau with local sausage and Pecorino.

In Corsica, the cuisine features herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and mint. Honey varies in flavor depending on the season and surrounding plants. Chestnut flour is used in pancakes, cakes, and polenta. Corsica is renowned for its high-quality charcuterie, with free-range pigs feeding on chestnuts and other woodland delicacies.

We visited L’Oriu di Chera, a deli specializing in Corsican produce, where we enjoyed tasting platters of local sausages and cheeses. In the old town, cafes around the Church of Sainte Marie Majeure offer lovely sea views.

Elba shares many flavors with Sardinia and Corsica, including chestnut flour and honey. The cuisine has a Tuscan influence, with seafood, olive oil, and local wines. The local Aleatico red wine and liqueurs like limoncino are notable. Schiaccia Briaca, a cake made with pine nuts, dried fruit, and Aleatico wine, is a local specialty.

In Portoferraio, we found pleasant cafes and restaurants around the port. In Porto Azzuro, fish restaurants on jetties over the water come to life in the evening. A visit to Napoleon’s villa offers insights into his stay on Elba.

Lucca, a charming old walled town, restricts cars, making cycling popular. The town features attractive churches, narrow streets, and shady cafes. Local specialties include Buccellato sweet bread and cecina, a chickpea pizza. For edible souvenirs, Antica Bodega di Prospero offers local produce, preserves, and olive oil.

Florence, set among the Tuscan hills, offers a variety of food options. The Mercato di San Lorenzo is a great place to buy foodie souvenirs and try local specialties like tripe or lampredotto. The upper level of the market has a restaurant hall with a variety of food stands. For a delicious sandwich, La Prosciutteria is a good choice. For gelato, look for places selling Gelato Artigianale.

Our cruise with Titan Travel was relaxed, with excellent food on board. The Terrace Cafe was our favorite place to start the day, offering a variety of breakfast options. Dinner at the Marco Polo restaurant or the Terrace Cafe was always enjoyable, with beautifully presented dishes.

A cruise not only offers delicious food on board but also the chance to explore the local cuisine of the places you visit. Each place has its own unique flavors, shaped by history and landscape. I hope this taste of the Mediterranean inspires you to discover new and delicious flavors on your next cruise.

In Episode 6 of my travel podcast series, I spent a winter weekend in London, catching up with friends and staying at the amazing Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge. I traveled with my teenage daughter, so you’ll hear some recommendations from friends who live in London about activities that kids will enjoy, as well as suggestions from the Concierge at the Mandarin Oriental on nearby attractions that guests love.

I’ll share our experience dining at the Park restaurant, the luxurious suite we stayed in with a view of the park, and our adventures shopping with teenagers in London. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe on iTunes to get updates on new episodes. Blog subscribers will already receive podcast updates along with all my other articles.

In today’s podcast, you’ll hear about our complimentary stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park Hotel, which I received to write an article for Kiwi Collection.

When they renovated the Ibsens Hotel in Copenhagen, they kept the iconic red neon Hotel sign, which perfectly captures the hotel’s vibe: a mix of retro charm, modern design, vintage touches, and a strong connection to the neighborhood.

The hotel is located in Nansensgade, just a short walk from the Copenhagen lakes, which resemble a broad river, and only five minutes from Norreport station. Nearby, you can explore the Botanic Garden, Rosenborg Castle, and a park where you can buy local food from market halls and enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Nansensgade itself is a narrow street filled with unique artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants, each with its own quirky charm. For example, there’s a cozy coffee bar on the corner where you can step down a few stairs into a kitschy haven.

Adjacent to the hotel are two eateries associated with it: La Rocca, an elegant Italian restaurant with white tablecloths, and Pinxtos, a more relaxed spot serving Basque-style tapas. Although we didn’t dine at either, they looked inviting. Instead, we opted for a nearby place that served Moules and Chips, which my partner had spotted.

After a day of biking and visiting the Karen Blixen Museum and Tivoli Gardens, we were ready for some simple, homely food. With 500 Swedish Krona in cash, we managed to have a delightful meal at a restaurant called Nice.

Back at the three-star, boutique-style Ibsens Hotel, where we stayed for three nights during our spring visit to Copenhagen, the entrance leads to a reception desk that doubles as a coffee bar where breakfast is served. The lobby features wooden painted tables, red leather banquettes, and small artworks for sale. You can relax on a comfy purple velvet sofa or a lime wool wing chair by the fire.

The hotel’s design incorporates elements from local shops and artisans. For instance, chairs are covered with brightly colored textiles by local designer Krestine Kjærholm, and there’s a vintage wood and glass coffee table from Lauritz.com. You can even play records on a gramophone from Würtz Radio.

If the weather is nice, you can sit in the internal courtyard or have a meeting in the library, which features a classical bust and travel guides from a nearby second-hand bookshop. Near the reception, there’s a graffiti-colored metal cupboard by artist Sunny Asemota for storing valuables, and room keys come with leather fobs made by The Last Bag, a local shop.

We took the lift to our sixth-floor room, which overlooked the street. The room, decorated in battleship grey with bright accents like a lime green chair, was compact and reminded me of an upscale student hostel. The bathroom had a shower that drained into the floor and a steel soap dispenser but lacked other toiletries. The hotel’s commitment to being CO2 neutral explains some of these choices.

Our room was quite dark, with minimal lighting from bedside lamps and a desk lamp. There wasn’t a proper wardrobe, just a space to hang clothes, and the beds had storage space underneath. Despite the quiet street, noise from building works woke us up early, so we requested a quieter room overlooking the internal courtyard. This room was slightly larger but even darker, with inadequate lighting for the desk area.

The rooms were modern and comfortable, with cozy duvets and bedcovers, but they served best as a base for exploring the city. Breakfast downstairs was much more cheerful, with a variety of teas, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and “breakfast in a glass” options like fruit compote, yogurt, and muesli. The food was served on plastic trays, likely to reduce washing up as part of the hotel’s CO2 reduction efforts.

We rented bikes from the hotel, making it easy to travel from Norreport station and explore the coast, including a visit to the Karen Blixen House at Rungsted. We enjoyed using Ibsens Hotel as our base for a long weekend in Copenhagen, appreciating the neighborhood-inspired design and tasty breakfasts. The rooms were comfortable and modern, though they could benefit from better lighting.

We stayed as guests of Ibsens Hotel and Wonderful Copenhagen, but a quick online check showed that rooms typically cost from £100 per night, including breakfast for two. If you book a room-only rate, breakfast costs 155DKK (£17) per person. Considering Copenhagen’s reputation as an expensive city, I found the hotel to be excellent value.

This week at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, gardens inspired by destinations from Charleston to Galicia, Normandy to Peru, were showcased. Each garden reflected the unique plants and landscapes of these regions. The show continues for a few more days, so there’s still time to visit and find inspiration for your next holiday.

During my visit on July 4th, the three USA gardens from Oregon, Charleston, and Austin were in full celebration mode.

In the Austin garden, the music of singer-songwriter Carson McHone brought back memories of my trip to Texas, where street performers played in bars and near food trailers. The garden featured stone walls, beaten earth paths, and a rusting metal bowl filled with water, reminiscent of the smart hotel we stayed at. The soft swathes of grass, mixed with dusty reds and yellows of Echinacea and other wildflowers, were beautiful. The spiky Agave plants reminded us that Texas is tequila country, and Austin is known for its margaritas.

The Oregon garden focused on a mountain landscape with rocky outcrops, mountain streams, and pine forests. There were also vines to represent the wine-growing region, and naturalistic plantings of daisies and grasses, evoking a farmer’s field. Bicycle wheels decorated the borders, symbolizing the state’s many cycling routes.

The Charleston garden exuded elegance and old-world charm, with box hedges surrounding a manicured lawn and wrought iron benches. The pink and white plants gave a romantic feel, mixed with tropical shrubs. It was the perfect spot to imagine sipping iced tea with your grandmother, listening to her stories of being a southern belle.

The Inca civilization of Peru inspired a tropical garden sponsored by British Airways and Journey Latin America. The garden featured a wall of native foliage with banana plants and sculptural leaves. Inside, dry stone terraces like those at Machu Picchu were revealed, with water trickling down into irrigation pools. Gardens of maize, potato, and quinoa were neatly arranged, and the planting was spiky and exotic, with variegated red and green plants mixed with yellow and orange Alstroemeria. It felt like stepping back in time to when the Incas were at their peak.

To celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the ‘Le Clos d’Hastings’ garden had a medieval theme, reflecting the plants and countryside of Normandy and Hastings. The garden was divided by a woven hazel fence, with a field of crops on one side and garden plants in shades of white and purple on the other. A green hedge at the back represented the Normandy landscape, while Norman soldiers stood guard at the front, posing for photos.

One of my favorite gardens was the Route of the Camellia garden, sponsored by Turismo de Galicia. It celebrated the pilgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostela, with scallop shells scattered on the path. A Camellia tree, common in northern Spain, overhung a romantic shrine to the Virgin Mary. Pink-colored shells represented camellia petals, adding to the garden’s charm.

If you love gardens, check out the RHS Garden Holidays, which offer tours of the world’s great gardens with horticultural experts. The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show runs from July 5-10, 2016. Visit the RHS website for more information on this and other RHS flower shows.

If there’s a stereotype about the North-South divide in England, I’d consider myself a soft Southerner who loves the arts, while my husband’s family are the gritty Northerners who made their living from mining and engineering. But after visiting the Great Exhibition of the North in Newcastle Gateshead, I was convinced that the North has plenty to be proud of in arts, design, and innovation.

To celebrate the North’s achievements, the Great Exhibition of the North in Newcastle Gateshead is a free, summer-long event featuring amazing exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks, and unforgettable experiences packed into 80 days.

The exhibition is based in Newcastle Gateshead, an industrial powerhouse of the North with a history of coal and industry, now transformed into a hub of arts and culture. You can see 50 Northern icons like Stevenson’s Rocket, the Beatles, and The Angel of the North depicted in murals, or enjoy the 100 best Northern songs, including hits from 10cc, Roxy Music, and Sting. While I’m not sure the North’s culinary achievements are fully represented by Yorkshire Tea and Greggs, there’s still a lot to celebrate!

I started my day at the Sage Gateshead, an iconic events and music center on the banks of the Tyne. Its curved glass body reflects like a mirror by day and glows from within by night. At the opening day media event, I spoke with Carol Bell, Executive Director of the Great Exhibition, who explained the concept behind it.

The exhibition uses three hubs: the Great North Museum, the Sage Gateshead, and the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art. Between these hubs, there are three trails exploring Great Northern Innovation, Art, and Design. Visitors can start the trails at any of the hubs or in the middle and engage with the art and design across the North.

At Sage Gateshead, there’s a series of live gigs and weekend festivals throughout the summer, featuring everything from community choirs to rock, folk, and gospel. The North in 100 songs exhibition showcases portraits by Manchester-based illustrator Stanley Chow, based on the 100 favorite songs voted by the people of the North.

The Remake a Take Movie Trail highlights films or TV dramas shot in the North East, including scenes from Get Carter, Billy Elliot, and 24 Hour Party People. In Newcastle Gateshead, you can relive scenes from Brief Encounter at Newcastle Central Station or Chicken Run at Ouseburn Farm.

Outside Sage Gateshead, I experienced Protomusic#1, a soundscape installation by Yorkshire-based music producer Mark Fell. The sounds of the North, submitted by the public, range from wind blowing through a factory floor to the roar of a football crowd. The immersive experience made me feel like I was at a real-life match.

Just along the quayside from Sage Gateshead is the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in the landmark Baltic Flour Mills. It’s an international center for contemporary art with several special exhibitions for the Great Exhibition of the North. On Level 4, I visited the Idea of the North exhibition, featuring mini-exhibitions with Northern themes, and enjoyed the great views over the Tyne from the viewing platform.

In Baltic Square, I saw the sculptures in Ryan Gander’s installation, To Give Light. Each of the 10 concrete shapes attached to a chain represents an object with a Northern connection designed to emit light, like the miner’s lamp and light bulb. The sculptures glow in the dark in the evening.

I walked to the Northern Design Centre to see a series of murals created for the Great Exhibition of the North. Local artist Frank Styles painted 50 murals in 50 days, celebrating Northern ingenuity with icons like the first passenger train, the Rocket, and the light bulb by Joseph Swan.

Crossing the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to the Newcastle side of the Tyne, I used the exhibition’s mobile app to explore artwork in the Ouseburn Valley. The trail started near the Cycle Hub café and cycle shop, a good lunch stop or place to hire a bike. The Ouseburn Valley, once a hive of industry, is now a creative and digital hub with artists’ studios, a community farm, and the Seven Stories National Centre for Children’s Books.

I followed the Winged Tales of the North series, inspired by Northern writer David Almond’s magical stories. The path led alongside the narrow river channel, where painted fishing boats sat on the muddy river bottom at low tide. The Tyne Bar pub under the Glasshouse bridge was popular in the sunshine, with striking street-art murals.

I found the first Winged Tales of the North piece under the bridge, called Essalamus, and continued to the old Toffee Factory, now a creative and digital center. The colorful hoardings called to the winged creature within me, and I saw more poetry created by Hannah Fox and local primary school children.

In the shadow of the Byker bridge, I reached the creative hub of the Ouseburn Valley, home to the Ouseburn Trust, Ouseburn Farm, and Seven Stories Bookshop. Here, I saw the Exhausted Angel piece from the Winged Tales of the North series and painted bird boxes created by school children.

My final stop was the Ancient Place mural by artist Faunagraphic with lettering by Ciaran Globel. The free outdoor art trail is accompanied by an exhibition at Seven Stories, delving into David Almond’s dreamlike world and the North East through his eyes.

After my walk, I returned to Newcastle city center to check into my hotel before the evening’s opening event. The Great North Museum, transformed for the exhibition, features Damien Hirst artworks and John Lennon’s piano, with Stephenson’s Rocket nearby at the Discovery center.

I passed striking installations like Grey’s monument, now a Worker’s Maypole, and saw another installation being set up at the Theatre Royal, creating a poem from everyday happenings around Newcastle. At the Intu shopping center Eldon Square, I saw the Little Black Graphene dress, designed to change color using tiny LED lights based on the wearer’s breathing.

Back at my hotel, Motel One in Newcastle, I was impressed by the trendy bar space and stylish, compact bedroom. The hotel’s location is perfect for visitors to the Great Exhibition of the North, just a ten-minute walk from Monument or Central Metro stations and an easy walk to the Tyne.

After a quick drink and meal at The Bridge Tavern, I attended the Great Exhibition of the North opening event. The evening featured music, water fountains, and fireworks, with performances by Maximo Park and a light show created with 100 drones. The water sculptures in front of Sage Gateshead shot into the air, their colored jets timed to music, and the fireworks display provided a fantastic finale.

The Great Exhibition of the North continues until 9 September 2018, offering a free celebration of Northern arts and culture. Download the smartphone app to create a personalized trail and explore the art installations around Newcastle Gateshead. The city is easily accessible by flight, train, or car, and the exhibition is a perfect reason to plan your visit to Newcastle.

Sophie Couwenbergh shares her experiences at Fiesta Hermosa in Southern California, which takes place over Labor Day weekend at Hermosa Beach. The event features live music, fish tacos, and colorful hippie clothing.

When planning my first trip to Los Angeles in 2012, I discovered that we would be there during Labor Day Weekend. I thought it would be fun to check out some of the festivities. After some research, a friend and I decided to visit Fiesta Hermosa, and we had such a great time that I went back during another trip to LA last year.

Fiesta Hermosa started in 1972 and has grown to be the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California. It happens every Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) right by Hermosa Beach. The stands stretch along Hermosa Avenue (from 10th St. to 14th St.) and Pier Avenue (from Palm Dr. to Pier Plaza), offering everything from jewelry and clothes to paintings.

The festival also features two stages for live music – one at Pier Plaza and another at the Charity Beer & Wine Garden on 11th Street. Last year, we enjoyed a Beatles tribute band at the main stage.

While there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the festival area, Fiesta Hermosa also has a food court with a variety of international cuisines. There’s pizza, fries, Mexican food, and even a fish taco stand run by the Hermosa Beach lifeguards. I missed the fish tacos but enjoyed nachos with guacamole from the Holy-Guaca-Moly stand.

Next to the food court is the kids’ area, which has rides and games like a mini carnival. We didn’t eat at the food court but went back to a small café at Pier Plaza where we had coffee in the morning. I can’t remember the name, but it’s near a big surf brand clothing store. The café has fresh orange juice, various coffees and teas, and delicious quiches. It’s a cozy spot, less crowded and noisy than other places, and perfect for people-watching if you get a seat outside.

I also stumbled upon a cute cupcake shop behind one of the stands. I always get a cupcake when I find one abroad. We loved a stand full of colorful hippie clothes, including underwear, and took a picture with the friendly stand owner.

Hermosa Beach has some cool bikes in all colors and models. If it wasn’t so expensive, I would have taken one home. Fiesta Hermosa is a daytime festival, running from 10 am to 6 pm, except for the Beer Garden, which stays open until 7 pm. The festival is eco-friendly, with recycling for glass and plastic containers and compostable plates and cutlery. The shuttle buses and generators run on biodiesel.

Driving to Fiesta Hermosa can be tricky due to parking restrictions in Los Angeles. Instead, I recommend using the festival’s shuttle bus system. You can park for free at the Northrop Grumman Building O4 at 15092 Aviation Blvd. in Manhattan Beach and take a free shuttle bus to the festival. The buses run from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, and I used this system both times I visited. It’s stress-free and drops you off right at the fair. Note that dogs aren’t allowed on the shuttle buses.

If you’re in the area during Labor Day weekend, you should definitely spend a day at Fiesta Hermosa. Even if you visit Los Angeles at another time, Hermosa Beach is worth a visit. You can shop on Pier Avenue, which has some nice boutiques, and enjoy the beach. The beach is great for sunbathing, volleyball, and watching surfers. You can also join the runners, bikers, and walkers on The Strand, a beachfront sidewalk perfect for people-watching. If you’re there on a Sunday, check out the Comedy and Magic Club, where Jay Leno often performs.

Many thanks to Sophie Couwenbergh, a Belgian language lover and travel enthusiast who balances a full-time job with her wanderlust and freelance business. She travels the world during weekends, vacations, and public holidays, sharing her experiences on Wonderful Wanderings. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.