Spotlight.
The exhilarating hubs of Downtown Phoenix and neighbouring city of Scottsdale—which falls under the metropolitan area—are constantly abuzz with rowdy locals and tourists, who mingle at raucous live country music venues, trendy craft beer bars and everything in between.
This week the Spotlight shifts from the Tunisian desert island of Djerba, and focuses itself on the urban desert oasis nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix metropolitan area is one of the largest in the United States, sprawling across the unforgiving terrain of Sonoran Desert, the financial centre of Phoenix branches out to unravel numerous surrounding areas that are bustling and full of vibrant nightlife.
The exhilarating hubs of Downtown Phoenix and neighbouring city of Scottsdale—which falls under the metropolitan area—are constantly abuzz with rowdy locals and tourists, who mingle at raucous live country music venues, trendy craft beer bars and everything in between.
To assist any travellers taking a trip to Phoenix—and those who may be considering it—we have compiled an Interactive Map to help you navigate the expansive area with ease. If you are on the ground in Phoenix already, open up our map on your Google Maps app to see the best spots near you!
Direct flights between the UK and Phoenix are available via British Airways from Heathrow, typically beginning from around £800 return. You can obtain return flights for almost half the cost if you are willing to incorporate a connecting flight into your travels. Utilise the handy search tools on Skyscanner to view your intended month of travel, and pinpoint the cheapest dates on offer.
Some of the best museums in the US are located here in Phoenix, so if you need to escape the blistering heat during the day-time, a trip to some of these should be on your itinerary. Despite its Desert View location—half an hour north of Central Phoenix—the vast exhibit at the Museum of Musical Instruments continues to prove one of the most popular tourist draws in the area, even boasting a perfect rating on TripAdvisor from several thousands of verified reviews.
Nestled between Central Phoenix and Scottsdale, a definitive sight is the illustrious Desert Botanical Gardens, flaunting a formidable assembly of native vegetation that is hardy enough to flourish in the unforgiving desert environment. Marvelling at the array of giant cacti and dainty desert flowers is an easy way to pass the hours in the city. Straddling the fringes of the Phoenix urban area, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is another essential visit for those willing to get active, offering panoramic views and truly beautiful hikes through unique terrain.
Rounding off the list of museums that you should visit, the most fascinating and culturally poignant museum in the area is the heralded Heard Museum, which preserves artefacts from the local Native American tribes who inhabited the area. It is a vital inclusion to any trip to Phoenix.
When the sun sets on the Valley of the Sun, locals seek refuge from the impending chill inside lively bars, clubs and live music venues scattered across the area. Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix are the places to be at the weekend especially, when the locals really let loose! Consider a visit to ThirdSpace to hang out with the alternative crowd of music lovers in Phoenix in the on-site beer garden, which is regularly a hive of activity with planned events across the year. On the other hand, if you are a fan of country music—or are just open to absorbing the local culture—look no further than Scottsdale's iconic Whiskey Row club, which is a rowdy night out for all involved!
💡 Apologies for breaking the secret here—but there's this really cool place 3 hours north of Phoenix called the Grand Canyon that quite a lot of people seem to dig a lot. Tours are available here—don't miss out when in town! If you want to know the best sights outside of the city, out Desert States Map also has you covered.
Rooms from £110.00 per night.
Rooms from £69.00 per night.
Dorms from £24.69 per night.
Spotlight.
This small island is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, with upscale hotel resorts dotting the northern coast of the island, catering to beach bums and sun-seekers from across the world.
Lying just off the coast of mainland Tunisia, the desert island of Djerba has a long-standing history of being a favourite amongst travellers to North Africa. This small island is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, with upscale hotel resorts dotting the northern coast of the island, catering to beach bums and sun-seekers from across the world.
The branded SENTIDO Djerba Beach resort is located on the northern coast of the island, and offers rooms from £50.00 per night. This is a great place to stay, as the on-site beach is the best in Djerba, and you are within a 20 minute commute of the main hub of the island — Houmt Souk.
It isn't possible to catch a direct flight between the UK and Djerba, and any trip here will involve a stop-over in a destination where direct flights are possible. The most convenient of which is Paris, which operates daily flights between the French capital and the Tunisian resort.
Given that Tunisia was one under French occupancy, the resort remains popular with French holiday-makers to this day. Much like other summer hotspots, high demand and limited availability may result in flight prices becoming quite expensive as the date of travel edges closer. If you are interested in visiting Djerba, make sure you plan now to get the best possible deal on flights. Regardless, high-end accommodation on the island is available for a very reasonable price.
The island capital of Houmt Souk is a lovely desert town with white-washed buildings, and a hub where locals congregate to buy and sell on the vibrant market. Make absolutely sure that you don't miss out on a visit to the town to soak up some of the local culture during your stay here, as most hotel resorts are located a short drive away.
Rooms from £50.000 per night.
Rooms from £150.00 per night.
Spotlight.
Exhibiting the classic combination of crystal blue waters meeting fine white sand, the beach of Tropea is elevated by the stunning backdrop of the imposing cliff-face teeming with the colourful homes appearing as if etched into the rock itself.
This week the Spotlight shifts from the tropical paradise of Grenada to a quaint seaside town in Southern Italy. Rustic homes cling dramatically to rugged edges of the natural fortifying cliffs along the Calabrian coast, spreading out across the summit of this dramatic cliff. This is the small resort town of Tropea, one of the true hidden gems of Europe.
Despite the geographical differences, you may be forgiven for thinking that the gorgeous pale sand beach at Tropea has been lifted straight off the Caribbean coastline. The Spiaggia di Tropea is the main tourist draw for the town, and it has a reputation amongst those in-the-know as one of the best in Europe. Exhibiting the classic combination of crystal blue waters meeting fine white sand, the beach is elevated by the stunning backdrop of the imposing cliff-face teeming with the colourful homes appearing as if etched into the rock itself.
Ryanair operate flights directly to nearby Lamezia Terme from London Stanstead Airport only, so if you are looking to travel here from elsewhere in the UK, you will need to stop off somewhere convenient with connecting flights such as Milan,Venice, or a stop-over in London itself. If you plan far ahead, you can snag a great deal on these flights – from as little as £60.00 return in some instances – however, the route can quickly become expensive as more people are travelling here than ever before.
After arriving in Lamezia Terme, a transfer time of roughly one hour should be allotted in order to reach Tropea, but luckily it is made easy thanks to a variety of different transport options! Buses run directly between the airport and Tropea at a cost of about £4.00 one way, and there is also a bus that will take you to the nearby train station for cheap.
Trains between Lamezia Terme Centrale and Tropea run frequently throughout the day and cost between £5 and £8 for a one way fare, this is arguably the most cost and time efficient way to travel to Tropea from the airport. Alternatively you may wish to organise a taxi transfer, which should be obtainable for between £55 and £70 by standard local fares. For more information, prices and timetables check out Rome2Rio.com.
Tropea has made its mark on Italian cuisine in many ways, but undoubtedly its defining offering is the notoriously sweet Tropea red onion. The home-grown vegetable is unique to the region of Calabria, and is not replicated anywhere else, as such it appears in a lot of local dishes. In addition to providing a distinctive saccharine twist to simple dishes such as soup and pasta, it is often enjoyed as the base of a jam – with locals saying the onion is so sweet it can be eaten like an apple! The incredible beachfront location of Lido Tropical may typically lend itself to the standard trappings of tourist oriented restaurants across the world, but luckily this great restaurant side-steps those pitfalls and is possibly the best place in the town to sample some local cuisine.
Residenza a Due Passi Dal Mare
Family run accommodation close to the beach.
Rooms from £80.00 per night.
Fancy accommodation with amazing rooftop.
Rooms from £200.00 per night.
Spotlight.
Grenada's tiny capital is a charming seaside town accentuated by the colourful harbour-front homes and the aromatic scents in the air. Close by, an enchanting world of white sand beaches and waterfalls await.
This week, the Spotlight shifts from the rugged alien landscapes of Capadoccia to the lush tropical island of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea. Located in the Southern reaches of the sea, the island is in close proximity to mainland South America. The island has had a turbulent history, with political instability and natural disasters weighing upon the inhabitants of the island. Nowadays, however, Grenada is flourishing as a tourist destination. This is a result of the beautiful sandy beaches, lush green spaces and enchanting waterfalls that are dotted across the island.
Virgin Atlantic operate flights to Grenada from neighbouring St. Lucia, meaning that a departure from London via Virgin Atlantic will have you in Grenada in under 12 hours. Flights often start from between £500 - £600 return, and the handy search tool created by Skyscanner makes it really easy to pinpoint the cheapest dates of travel.
The peak travel season is drawing to a close for 2018, with weather remaining pleasant until the rainy season is in full swing in September, so now is a good time to plan ahead to secure great deals on flights and accommodation for next year.
Visiting during the peak season will allow you to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Grenada to its fullest extent. Off the north coast of the main island, the most picture-perfect paradise island is just a short boat ride away. The fine white sand of the appropriately named Sandy Island remain cool in the heat, providing the perfect spot to relax as the translucent blue waters glisten under the sun.
Another gem for those who love a great beach, close to the capital of St. George's there are plenty to choose from. Highlights include the expansive Grand Anse Beach and Morne Rouge Beach.
The capital of St. George's is a small harbour town on the coast, and will most likely serve as your hub for exploring the island. In close proximity to the incredible beaches, and the departure point for most tours, spending time exploring St. George's will give you a chance to encounter the local Grenadians who are perfect hosts. The warmth of the local people is mirrored in their passion for their home country, with many natives working in the spice trade, exporting large quantities of the world's nutmeg. For this reason, the tiny capital is a charming seaside town accentuated by the colourful harbour-front homes and the aromatic scents in the air.
From St. George's it is possible to arrange tours of the island's finest attractions. A trio of waterfalls form a triangular circuit in the centre of the main island, each one surrounded by lush forest vegetation in countless shades of green. The falls of Annandale, Concord and the Seven Sisters offer incredible spots of natural wonder on this tiny Caribbean island, so be sure to check with your hotel reception, or even TripAdvisor to ensure you don't miss the chance to hop on a tour. If you are feeling particularly adventurous and have an enthusiasm for diving, a literal hidden treasure lies off the coast of Grenada in the form of an Underwater Sculpture Garden exhibit from Jason de Caires Taylor.
Excellent little hotel for those who are travelling on a budget.
Private rooms from £46.00/night.
Fancy up-market hotel with breath-taking views.
Rooms from £288.00/night.
Mid-range hotel offering wonderful value for money.
Rooms from £140.00/night.
Peaceful and affordable accommodation.
Rooms from £151.00/night.
Spotlight.
Home to one of the most distinct landscapes on Earth, the Turkish region of Cappadocia is a mystical place unparalleled on Earth. The alien landscape definied by the unique rock formations creates a truly other-worldly vibe.
Home to one of the most distinct landscapes on Earth, the Turkish region of Cappadocia is a mystical place that has captured the imagination of all who visit. As you hike through the arid terrain that comprises the main tourist area centred around Göreme National Park, you will encounter some incredible rock-formations that are unparalleled anywhere else on the planet. Dating back thousands of years, there remain relics of cave dwellings carved out by Troglodytes, alongside churches and castles moulded between the 10th and 12th centuries.
The perfect isolation of Göreme and its neighbouring towns only adds to the alien surroundings that you will find yourself in. Admiring the expertly crafted cave-homes from your hotel balcony at night is truly enough to make you feel as though you have been transported to another planet. As a by-product of the solitude, travelling to Cappadocia may prove somewhat difficult.
From the UK, is not possible to arrange direct flights to the nearest airport in Nevşehir, and you will most likely be transiting through Istanbul or Ankara to reach Cappadocia. Alternatively, you may fly to Kayseri Airport and take a bus, although flying to this airport does also require a stop-over. It is recommended that you transit through Istanbul, and the city itself is more than worth of an extended stay to explore on its own. Check Skyscanner to arrange flights to your chosen airport, and then utilise Rome2Rio to determine how your airport transfer options.
The towering beacon of Uçhisar Castle is one of the most well-known sites in the region, offering panoramic views over the surrounding areas at its summit. Perched atop a large volcanic rock, a network of tunnels and stairways have been carved into the interior of the structure, showcasing an incredible example of intuitive engineering and the local peoples' mastery of the harsh environment.
Another stellar example of the inventive historical creations can be found in the form of the cave churches at Göreme Open Air Museum. Elaborately adorned with religious murals, the preserved site is a must-see when visiting the region.
Hot air balloon tours are a fundamental part of local tourism, and are readily available. These offer the opportunity to gain the best view of the dramatic landscape, and witness one of the best sunsets you'll ever see.
Incredible undisturbed panoramic sitting area on the rooftop has earned this hotel a place as the most renowned in the region.
Rooms from £81.00 per night.
Aydinli Cave Hotel.
You know a hotel is special when even the hallways are stunning. Incredible views, great rooms, one perfect hotel.
Rooms from £58.00 per night.
Cappadocia Cave Suites.
Beautiful rooms and even better views available from its terraces.
Rooms from £64.00 per night
Complete with terrace overlooking the Fairy Chimneys and traditional cave etched rooms.
Dorms from £10.21 per night.
Spotlight.
This week the Spotlight shines on one of the best preserved ancient towns in South East Asia. Located in central Vietnam, a visit to Hoi An is essential to any tourist looking to soak up authentic Vietnamese culture.
A significant port of call for trade passing through South-East Asia between the 15th and 19th century, the Ancient Town of Hoi An continues to play a pivotal role in modern day Vietnam, flaunting a thriving exhibition presenting the rich history of the country. The melange of styles that define the Old City range from the local Vietnamese tube houses, to the colourfully adorned colonial buildings left behind in the wake of French rule.
An essential item for any Vietnam itinerary, the city of Hoi An is well-connected by public transport from its neighbouring cities. International flights operate in and out from the nearby city of Da Nang, whilst domestic flights are available to the city of Hue as an alternative.
From Da Nang, there are numerous affordable options that connect you to Hoi An. Firstly, buses run between both the city centre of Da Nang, and directly from the airport – typically for as little as £5 one-way. Alternatively, according to Rome2Rio, it is also possible to arrange for an Uber or taxi cab to take you to the city for between £5 - 15.
Perhaps the most symbolic sight in the Old Town of Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which straddles the border between the historic Chinese and Japanese quarters of the city. The location of the bridge itself has seem some tumultuous times, being re-built and revised on a few different occasions since the initial bridge construction in the 1590s.
Another top attraction amongst visitors to this historic city involves some interactive work. Cooking classes are a popular day-time activity in Hoi An, and the most enigmatic of which is run by Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tours. Gather some local ingredients with your teacher, and take home a token of your time in Vietnam by learning how to prepare some of the delicious local cuisine.
Dorms from £5.53 per night.
Dorms from £5.20 per night.
Dorms from £5.05 per night.
Spotlight.
This week, the Spotlight shines on the seaside resort city of Punta del Este. Located in the South American country of Uruguay, in recent years the city has seen a flurry of new tourism due to its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches and great weather during the summer months.
Sandwiched between two of the largest countries in the world - Brazil and Argentina - you will find the dark horse of South American tourism - Uruguay.
Its capital Montevideo has been slowly garnering a reputation for itself as one of the most vibrant and eclectic South American capitals - but its capital is just one of the many rewards that Uruguay will afford any visitor that scratches beneath the surface.
The coastal resort of Punta del Este is located about 2 hours to the east of Montevideo, and is easily accessible by public transport - with regular scheduled departures daily, and at an affordable price.
Punta del Este itself boasts a burgeoning nightlife, that has really started to surge in recent years due to the influx of tourists. Despite the popularity increasing, Punta del Este is still not as plundered by tourism as other South American coastal destinations such as Rio de Janerio - so you should have no issues finding that perfect spot on the beach at any time of year!
The city offers some great accommodation, no matter what your budget may be. There are numerous great hostels that offer central location at an affordable price, beginning at just £15 per night during the peak season. Alternatively, if you're looking for a little piece of luxury, the jaw-dropping Casapueblo hotel (above) located just outside of the town centre is worth looking in to. Frequently booked out, if you are lucky, you might snag a room beginning from £116 per night.
Once you have topped up your tan on Playa Mansa, you will have plenty of options to continue your evening in style. Good food and lively bars in abundance in Punta del Este, and you will be spoilt for choice if your food of choice is steak! Much like the cuisine of its neighbour Argentina, Uruguay offers up some great steakhouses, with prime cuts that draw in a crowd.
F&F Hostel.
A real visual treat. Complete with atmospherically lit outdoor sitting area, swimming pool, and colourful design. Dorm bed from £15 p/n (peak season).
El Viajero - Brava.
El Viajero hostels can be found throughout Uruguay and Argentina. Great value hostel boasting a good location. Bed in dorms beginning from £20.40 p/n (peak season).
Casapueblo.
They say that a picture speaks a thousand words, and Casapueblo - native artist Carlos Páez Vilaró's masterpiece - certainly proves that. Rooms from £116 p/n.