It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and if you’re planning a festive trip to the UK, chances are you’re debating between London and Edinburgh. Both cities deck themselves out in lights and cheer for the holiday season, but they offer very different vibes. So which one is better for you?

My friend Niah and I decided we needed to leave the grey United Kingdom and get one last dose of Vitamin D before hunkering down for a long winter. Despite our extensive travel experience, neither of us had ever been to Spain so it seemed like the obvious choice. After some quick research, we landed on the city of València – thanks to its direct flights from both London and Edinburgh and its proximity to the beach. 

The World Travel Market (WTM) is an annual gathering of the travel industry's most influential people, innovators, and organizations. It’s a hub for discussing new ideas, driving innovation, and collaborating on the future of travel. This year, WTM hosted over 4,000 exhibitors from 184 countries and welcomed more than 40,000 visitors eager to explore the latest in travel.

Draped in gold and crimson, the already enchanting city comes alive at Halloween. As the crisp fall air nips at your cheeks, there’s an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere – the veil between this world and the next grows thin. Mist clings to the spires of the gothic architecture and a sense of mystery lingers in every shadow. Ghosts from the city’s haunted past lay waiting to be discovered. It’s like Edinburgh was made for Halloween. 

Chances are you’ve seen celebrities—from Taylor Swift to popes and presidents—posing with a cuddly koala in their arms on a visit to Australia. I’ve even done it myself! But could I be among one of the last tourists to have this experience with the famous marsupial?

With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse natural beauty, and endless adventures, it's no wonder so many dream of visiting New Zealand. Having spent six months exploring New Zealand, I've crafted the perfect three-week itinerary that blends iconic sights, hidden gems, and thrilling activities to ensure you experience the best of both the North and South Islands.

The viral question on social media at the moment asks women if they would rather be alone in the woods with an unknown man or a bear. Much to the shock of men everywhere, women are emphatically choosing the bear.

Having conquered the touristy must-sees in Edinburgh, your challenge is to shift from vacation mode to living like a local. After three months of living in New Town as an American transplant, I’m sharing my insights and authentic finds that made it easy to embrace Edinburgh as my home away from home.