Cambodia is often overlooked in favour of
Southeast Asia’s crowd-pulling hotspots – we’re looking at you,
Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, and you, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Yet, sandwiched between
Vietnam, Thailand and Laos sits a country that oozes visual
splendour: Cambodia. We’re making the country’s laidback capital
Phnom Penh our base: think a serene setting framed by traditional
temples, powder-sand beaches and soft streams flowing from the
Mekong River. There’s a vibrant and bustling streetscape to
discover, too. Start by heading to the Russian Market, where you’ll
find a range of colourful handicrafts and antiques – fashionistas
shouldn’t expect to leave without brimming bags of patterned silks.
Next, and for a true taste of Cambodia, target the Central Market –
the noodle soup is out of this world. If you prefer more tranquil
travel, take the four-hour Mandarin Cruise to Vietnam.

Central Asia often conjures images of unforested grassland and a
hefty serving of traditional temples, but the lesser-trodden
landscape of Kyrgyzstan completely contradicts this narrative. The
country feels worlds apart from its neighbours, being generously
endowed with sprawling and gloriously green jagged peaks. Kyrgyzstan is ideal for those looking to switch off
completely from the everyday and recharge their batteries alongside
nature’s best bits – digital detox included. For a taste of city
life, head to the beautiful, barren capital Bishkek and explore the
vast State Museum of Fine Arts and the imposing Opera and Ballet
Theatre. Don’t miss the wild and breathtakingly beautiful Ala Archa
Nature Park, a 35km-drive south of the city.

Nicknamed “the Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is a city whose buzzy energy goes
far beyond that of its European counterpart. Bustling
neighbourhoods burst with artistic flair and quintessentially
Argentinian cafés spill onto pavements, while every street tells a
story of this cosmopolitan capital’s complex history. To explore
Argentina in autumn (and swerve it’s sweltering temperatures),
you’ll want to visit between April and June. We’ll be spending our
stay at Home Hotel, tempted by its 20 Scandi-styled and
French-inspired rooms – all eclectic boutique meets cosy bolthole.
Dreamy design-led crash pads aside, art lovers should carve out
some time to visit Galería Patio del Liceo, a go-slow gallery that
hosts local artists and a handful of pop-up stores.

Everyone stay calm: Israel has officially reopened its borders.
We know it’s bad manners to have favourites, but we can hardly hide
our obsession with Israel’s coolest coastal city. Tel Aviv is a destination that attracts crowds
of party people from all over the world thanks to its non-stop
nightlife scene. So, when golden hour comes around, make a beeline
for a rooftop sundowner at Speakeasy, or, for something a little
more relaxed, check out The Beer Shop – craft-beer bliss incoming.
Sun-drenched days are best spent exploring the likes of Jaffa’s
flea market, Gordon Beach or the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Insider
tip: Hotel Saul
makes for both an ideal location and snug stay.

Done Bali? Book Belitung. Situated off the east coast of
Sumatra, this verdant island feels like a scene straight out of a
fairy tale: picture a serene spot wrapped by palm-fringed azure
waters, where, with breathtaking beaches at virtually every turn,
you’d be hard pressed to find a bad angle. Lather on the factor 50
and put on your shiniest pair of sunnies, then savour days spent
lazing on the sand, ploughing through your reading list and cooling
off with a paddle (or snorkel) in the water. We’re ranking Tanjung
Kelayang Beach as the best on the island. To wake up just a stone’s
throw away from its unspoilt shores, you’ll want to bed down at
Swiss-Belhotel. Rest assured, if you’re someone who
struggles to slow down, there are plenty of kayaks on hand for a
gentle midday sail to a nearby island.

The vast, inland Okavango Delta is a truly magical place, with
its glittering river that cuts through Botswana’s grassy plains,
providing a lush habitat for a diverse array of migratory wildlife.
It’s hardly surprising that it is today one of the world’s most
sought-after safari destinations. To bed down in a tent that could
easily pass as a five-star suite, book a stay at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. Those who’d
prefer to wake to more distant trumps and roars should check out
Jao. Lodges nest at treetop height, making for
the best position to soak up sunrises and sunsets. Don’t miss
taking a Botswana-style safari, during which you’ll glide past
wildlife on horseback or atop an elephant, squeezing and dipping
through spaces a four-wheeler never could.

As a child, a certain thrill comes with snagging grapes straight
from their vine and scoffing as many as you can before being seen.
If, like us, you never quite outgrew your love of harvest time, a
visit to the birthplace of tequila will appeal. Situated on the
centre of Mexico’s west coast, Jalisco is a region blessed with
immense beauty. Those keen to explore the Tequila Route should base
themselves in Guadalajara, home of 700 named tequila brands. Whip
on the walking boots and get trekking between the endless rows of
agave plants, every twist and turn made worth it by the reward of a
shot or two. And, while natural beauty abounds in the region’s
sweeping beaches and emerald-green jungle trails, there’s also
plenty to be found in the local boutiques, which are filled with
colourful ceramics and hand-crafted jewellery.