Ruth Lawes

You could easily spend a city break in Chicago barely stopping at your hotel other than to sleep, but we know just how tiring rushing about eating, drinking, shopping and sightseeing can be, so why not book into a spa hotel for a hit of rest and relaxation while you’re there?  When it comes to curating menus of intriguing ancient treatments or modern wellness techniques, designing impressive fitness centres or building gleaming swimming pools, Chicago has got its spa hotel game down. New additions to this list for Fall 2025 include the Palmer House Hilton, theWit and The Langham. Chicago’s best spa hotels at a glance: 💎 Biggest splurge: Four Seasons Hotel 👛 Most affordable: The Palmer House Hilton 🏊 Best pool: The Peninsula Chicago 💤 Best massage: Eurostars Magnificent Mile 🏋️‍♀️ Best fitness center: The St Regis Chicago 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in Chicago Which area is best to stay in Chicago? Chicago is a sprawling city, but where it’s best to stay varies hugely based on the kind of trip you’re planning. First-timers would do well to be right in the action, opting for the River North or the Loop, whereas travelers after something a little more homely but still well connected should consider Lincoln Park or Wicker Park.  🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Chicago

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Paisajes espectaculares, buena gastronomía, una gran variedad de planes por hacer... Todos son motivos más que válidos para viajar. Pero, ¿qué me decís también de una bienvenida cálida? Porque, seamos sinceros: no hay nada mejor que perderse por un callejón, tropezar con un bar escondido y acabar charlando con gente local hasta la hora de cierre. Según los Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 de Condé Nast Traveller, un país a menudo ignorado ha sido coronado como el más acogedor de Europa. Lectores de todo el mundo han compartido sus experiencias de viaje, ¿y cuál ha sido el ganador sorpresa? Estonia. El pequeño país báltico, conocido por sus bosques de cuento, playas salvajes y saunas junto a lagos, ha superado a los grandes nombres de Europa y se ha colocado en lo más alto de la clasificación. Foto: Shutterstock Su capital, Tallin, es un lugar declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco, lleno de calles empedradas, murallas medievales y pequeñas plazas escondidas. De día, la ciudad tiene el encanto de un cuento de hadas; de noche, se transforma en una mezcla vibrante de bares con música en directo, cervecerías artesanales y locales de estilo clandestino que sirven cerveza local. El aire puede ser fresco, pero la energía de Estonia está lejos de ser fría. En segunda posición está Irlanda, donde el buen ambiente es casi un deporte nacional. Siéntate en un taburete en un pub de Galway y, antes de que te des cuenta, ya estarás charlando con gente del lugar. En las Islas Aran,

Paisatges espectaculars, bona gastronomia, una gran varietat de plans per fer... Tots són motius més que vàlids per viatjar. Però què me’n dieu també d’una benvinguda càlida? Perquè, siguem sincers: no hi ha res millor que perdre’s per un carreró, topar amb un bar amagat i acabar xerrant amb gent local fins a l’hora de tancar. Segons els Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 de Condé Nast Traveller, un país sovint ignorat ha estat coronat com el més acollidor d’Europa. Lectors d’arreu del món han compartit les seves experiències de viatge, i qui és el guanyador sorpresa? Estònia. La petita nació bàltica coneguda pels boscos de conte, les platges salvatges i les saunes al costat de llacs ha superat els grans noms d’Europa i s’ha situat al capdamunt de la classificació. Foto: Shutterstock La seva capital, Tallinn, és un lloc declarat patrimoni de la humanitat per la Unesco, plena de carrers empedrats, muralles medievals i placetes amagades. De dia, la ciutat té l’encant d’un conte de fades; de nit, es transforma en una barreja vibrant de bars amb música en viu, cerveseries artesanals i locals d’estil clandestí que serveixen cervesa local. En segona posició hi ha Irlanda, on el bon ambient és gairebé un esport nacional. Agafa un tamboret en un pub de Galway i abans que te n’adonis ja estaràs xerrant amb gent local. A les illes d’Aran, els guies amables comparteixen històries més antigues que les ruïnes ancestrals, i a Bundoran, terra de surfistes, tothom es tracta pel nom quan es pon el

When planning your next European escape, what’s top of your list? Stunning coastlines? Affordable plates of something delicious? Cobbled streets lined with art galleries and wine bars? They’re all worthy reasons to travel – but how about a warm welcome, too? Because let’s be honest: nothing beats getting lost down an alleyway, stumbling into a dive bar and ending up chatting with locals until last orders. According to Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, one often-overlooked country has officially been crowned Europe’s friendliest. Readers across the world shared their travel intel, and the surprise winner? Estonia. Photograph: Arcady/Shutterstock.com That’s right – the small Baltic nation known for its storybook forests, wild beaches and lakeside saunas has beaten Europe’s heavy hitters to the top spot. Its capital, Tallinn, is a pastel-painted UNESCO World Heritage site, all cobbled lanes, medieval walls and tucked-away courtyards. By day, it’s pure fairytale charm, and by night, it transforms into a buzzing mix of live music bars, taprooms, and speakeasy-style spots that pour local craft beer. The air might be crisp, but Estonia’s energy is anything but cold. In second place is Ireland, where good craic is practically a national sport. Grab a stool in a Galway pub and you’ll be chatting with locals in no time. Out on the Aran Islands, friendly guides share stories older than the ancient ruins, while in surf-happy Bundoran, everyone’s on a first-name basis

Seeing Europe by train is up there as one of the greatest travel experiences a person can have. Trundling through incredible scenery. Getting a good night’s kip on a sleeper train. Zipping from A to B on a high-speed service. There are plenty of different ways to explore by rail, and from Barcelona, there are some truly amazing routes to reach new corners of Spain. The downside is that Spanish train travel can be pricey – which is why the Ouigo €9 sale is music to our ears.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by OUIGO España (@ouigo_es) The low-cost high-speed train company has just launched a new campaign offering tickets from €9 to travel all over Spain, including popular routes like Barcelona-Madrid. Starting today (October 9), at 10am Spanish time, the operator will put thousands of tickets on sale through its website and the Ouigo app. The tickets are valid for travel between December 14, 2025, and August 2, 2026, to any of Ouigo’s 15 destinations. This year, the campaign has increased the number of seats up for grabs by 14 percent so ‘no one misses out’ thanks to four new services on the Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Málaga and Madrid-Murcia routes. Other ticket options Alongside the €9 fares, Ouigo offers special prices for kids aged 4 to 13, at just €7 per ticket. Plus, little ones under 3 years old travel for free, as long as they’re seated on an adult’s lap throughout the journey. So, if you’re already starting to think about

Hora de brindar: ja tenim els resultats. La llista dels World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 acaba de sortir del forn, i un cop més demostra que l’escena mundial del còctel no ha estat mai tan emocionant, experimental ni, literalment, tan deliciosa, amb bars que van des de Milà fins a Singapur, i amb molta presència catalana. El primer lloc d’enguany és per al Bar Leone, a Hong Kong, un íntim bar d’inspiració italiana que només fa dos anys que va obrir. Fundat pel bàrman Lorenzo Antinori, és la prova que, de vegades, la senzillesa supera l’espectacle. Res de màquines de fum ni teatralitats a l’estil Heston Blumenthal: la seva filosofia se centra a revifar els clàssics amb un treball artesanal impecable, ingredients de temporada i un encant de barri càlid i acollidor. En segon lloc hi trobem el Handshake Speakeasy de Ciutat de Mèxic, on et sents com si haguessis fet un salt als anys 20 tan bon punt travesses la porta. Els interiors són pur El gran Gatsby: fusta fosca, tocs daurats i suau jazz de fons, i les begudes són autèntiques obres d’art dins d’una copa. Hi preparen còctels juganers i enginyosos que reinventen els clàssics (n’hi ha un que fins i tot arriba disfressat de ram de flors). Barcelona continua regnant com a capital europea del còctel. A finals de setembre, tres cocteleries barcelonines ja es van situar entre les posicions 50 i 100 dels millors bars del món, i ara s'ha refermat encara més aquesta bona salut de la mixologia a casa nostra: Sips ocupa la tercera posició i Para

Hora de brindar: ya tenemos los resultados. La lista de los World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 acaba de salir del horno, y una vez más demuestra que la escena mundial del cóctel nunca ha sido tan emocionante, experimental ni, literalmente, tan deliciosa, con bares que van desde Milán hasta Singapur, y con una gran presencia catalana. El primer puesto de este año es para Bar Leone, en Hong Kong, un íntimo bar de inspiración italiana que abrió hace apenas dos años. Fundado por el barman Lorenzo Antinori, es la prueba de que, a veces, la sencillez supera al espectáculo. Nada de máquinas de humo ni teatralidades al estilo Heston Blumenthal: su filosofía se centra en revivir los clásicos con un trabajo artesanal impecable, ingredientes de temporada y un encanto de barrio cálido y acogedor. En segundo lugar encontramos el Handshake Speakeasy de Ciudad de México, donde te sientes como si hubieras viajado a los años 20 en cuanto cruzas la puerta. Los interiores son puro El gran Gatsby: madera oscura, toques dorados y suave jazz de fondo, y las bebidas son auténticas obras de arte en una copa. Preparan cócteles ingeniosos y divertidos que reinventan los clásicos (uno de ellos incluso llega disfrazado de ramo de flores). Barcelona sigue reinando como capital europea del cóctel. A finales de septiembre, tres coctelerías barcelonesas ya se situaron entre las posiciones 50 y 100 de los mejores bares del mundo, y ahora se ha confirmado aún más la buena salud de la mixología en la ciudad: Sips ocupa

Time to raise a glass – the results are in. The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list has just dropped, and once again it’s proof that the global cocktail scene has never been more exciting, experimental or downright delicious at bars from Milan to Singapore. Taking the top spot this year is Bar Leone in Hong Kong, an intimate Italian-inspired bar that’s only been open for two years. Founded by bartender Lorenzo Antinori, it’s proof that sometimes simplicity trumps spectacle. Forget smoke machines and Heston Blumenthal-style theatrics – the philosophy is all about reviving the classics with impeccable craftsmanship, seasonal ingredients and warm neighbourhood charm. In second place is Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, where you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into the 1920s the moment you walk through the door. The interiors are pure Great Gatsby – dark wood, gold accents and soft jazz – but the drinks are modern art in a glass. Expect playful, inventive cocktails that reimagine old favourites (one even arrives disguised as a bouquet of flowers). RECOMMENDED: Time Out editors recommend the one bar to visit in the world’s best cities Meanwhile, Barcelona continues its reign as Europe’s cocktail capital, with Sips landing in third place and Paradiso close behind in fourth. Sips, run by award-winning bartenders Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, is sleek and theatrical, serving drinks that blur the line between bar and laboratory in the best possible way. Paradiso, tucked behind a pastra

Sometimes the hardest part of planning a trip isn’t booking the flights – it’s knowing where to land. With thousands of cities and countless districts to explore, picking the right neighbourhood can make or break your travel experience. Luckily, Time Out has done the legwork. Each year, we reveal the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, ranking districts based on travel essentials like art, nightlife, culture and affordable food and drink. And this year, Latin America seriously showed up. From São Paulo’s warehouse art scene to Mexico City’s leafy bohemia, here are the region’s six coolest neighbourhoods right now. Photograph: NATAN CARRARA The coolest neighbourhood in South America  – and third in the world – is Barra Funda in São Paulo. This Brazilian district perfectly blends industrial grit with creative flair: once packed with warehouses and auto stops, it’s now full of artist studios, indie galleries and cafes serving excellent coffee and pastries. Art fans should make a beeline for the acclaimed Mendes Wood gallery, a cornerstone of São Paulo’s contemporary art scene. Next up is Perpetuo Socorro in Medellín, ranked number two in Latin America and 15th globally. Once known mostly for its Neo-Gothic church, it’s now the Colombian city’s thriving arts hub. Colourful murals brighten former industrial blocks, while La Planta brewery pours its own craft beers and the Mattelsa building brings together fashion, a plant-based café, a bookstore and an art gallery under one roo

You can now swap one island paradise for another – no visa required. A groundbreaking new deal has made it possible for citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines to live and work freely across each other’s shores. Think of it as the Caribbean’s equivalent of the EU’s free movement zone - sun, sea and seamless borders. EU-style deal promotes free movement across Caribbean borders The agreement, which came into force on October 1, removes the need for visas, work permits or residence applications between the four nations. The aim? To slow the Caribbean’s brain drain, giving young professionals a reason to build their futures at home instead of heading for jobs in North America or Europe. Free movement between the island nations has been a long time coming. Decades of negotiations, in fact, between members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a group of 15 countries including the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. Photograph: AIDAsign / Shutterstock David Comissiong, the Barbados ambassador to Caricom, described the deal as a ‘breakthrough’ in creating a truly borderless Caribbean with a single market and shared economy. He said, according to The Guardian: ‘We are virtually the same people. We have no historical animosities against each other, and we are very similar culturally. So, this is a breakthrough, even though it’s only four countries.’ For now, the deal covers just Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, bu

Planning on chasing a bit of autumn sun this month? Can hardly blame you. The weather in the UK has gotten a bit chilly over the last few weeks – and besides, a pre-winter European escape is always a good idea, often with lower prices, favourable weather and fewer crowds. But UK holidaymakers should be aware that a new entry system is about to kick in, affecting travel to 29 European countries in the Schengen area, including hotspots like Greece, France and Portugal. From this coming weekends, travellers will have to register their fingerprints and facial biometrics, among other new requirements, on arrival in Europe. So, what exactly does this mean for your next trip, what countries are affected and what does the new system actually entail? Here’s your guide to the new European travel rules coming into force this autumn. What are the new EU rules? The EU has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for UK passport holders visiting countries in the Schengen area for short stays. At the border of a Schengen area country, UK travellers will be required to enter biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. Passengers don’t need to do anything before arriving at the border, and it’s completely free.  However, the new system will likely take a ‘few extra minutes to complete’, according to the Foreign Office, so passengers will want to factor this into their journey times. What is EES? Think of EES as a new digital border system. It will also replace the current system of m

It’s hard not to get into a funk now that summer is over: long gone are day festivals, sunny pub gardens and spontaneous day trips to the coast. But it’s not all doom and gloom as there’s much to love about autumn, which is set to be the most spectacular to date. One of the best parts about settling into the colder months is dusting off your scarf, leaving the house (yes, that’s not just a summer activity) and making a beeline for a bakery. Beer and pizza may dominate June, July and August, but now it’s time for lattes and warm pastries. Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to know where to hunker down for an afternoon curled up with a book, trying not to get croissant crumbs between the pages. If that’s you, then the Telegraph has done you a solid as it has named the 15 best bakeries in London. To give you a taste, on the list you’ll find Arome, a French-Asian bakery in Covent Garden which is worth the queue for its signature honey butter toast – a caramelised Shokupan bread that's crispy on the outside and fluffy within – plus east London stalwart The Dusty Knuckle. Down south, the Telegraph recommends Chatsworth Bakehouse. Honestly, do yourself a favour and pre-book one of its epic sandwiches. If they sell out, head to the Crystal Palace store on a Saturday for a grandma slice instead. You won't regret it.  If you need more inspo, see the full list below. The 15 best bakeries in London, according to The Telegraph Arome in Covent Garden Brick Lane Beigel Bake in Shoreditch

In London, you can’t move for acclaimed restaurants. There are Michelin star stalwarts, like nose-to-tail pioneer St John, taco joints that could hold their own in Mexico City and a growing number of world-class Korean joints from Miga to Dotori. Which is why it is quite something to be a restaurant in the capital and be crowned as one of the best in the world. That rare feat, however, has been achieved by historic family-run restaurant Tower Tandoori in London Bridge. It’s one of only two UK restaurants to make TripAdvisor’s top ten ‘All-Time Best’ as part of its recent Travellers’ Choice awards. If not already clear, it’s a big deal: the accolade is based on a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community. Out of the site’s 8 million listings, fewer than 1 per cent achieve this milestone. Tower Tandoori has been going strong for nearly half a century, after first opening its doors in 1978. The menu features bangers like paneer lababdar, a rich Punjabi curry, mutton biryani and Mughlai lamb shank. TripAdvisor reviewers call the food ‘exceptional’ and a ’real treasure trove of Indian cuisine in London’, with service praised as ‘attentive’ and ‘excellent’. TripAdvisor itself describes Tower Tandoori as offering ‘fresh, vibrant Indian dishes in a beautifully decorated space that feels both elegant and inviting’. The result? A number nine spot in the global top ten for ’All-Time Best’ and an impressive 4.8 rating on TripAdvisor from over 3,2