Cultural

Malta has long been the Mediterranean's best-kept party secret, but a host of new festivals means the island is now dancing into the big league.  As far back as the 1990s, Malta raves were attracting international superstars, such as DJ Carl Cox, with huge parties often in lush settings that put even Ibiza in the shade.

For most of us living in European countries, Autumn means shorter days and longer nights; the warmth and happy feeling of summer has started to fade.  Sometime if we are lucky we get a prolong warm that comes around in the day, but when the nights draw in and we feel an autumn chill, many of us will be yearning for some warmth and sun.

The first thing you see landing into Macao is the towering silhouettes of the casinos, dozens of glass and concrete behemoths looming over the horizon,  shrouded in sickly neon mist, firing laser over the sky.  There's the hulking, lotus-shaped Grand Lisboa, the rust-coloured reproduction of Las Vegas' Wynn, the opulent towers of the Galaxy. Unlike mainland China, gambling has been legal in Macao since 1850, an industry that makes up more than half its local economy.  Most people you speak with will have come to either gamble or to watch a sporting event.

For your next short break, try combining a hip city break, incredible natural scenery and star gazing in Alberta's City of Edmonton and Jasper National Park.  The cool cultural city of Edmonton allows you to indulge in a vibrant food scene – dine at award-winning restaurants such as Corso 32, uncover some of the best Canadian cuisine such as the farm to table dishes offered at RGE RD, and sip on craft beers at Mercer Tavern, located in the new Ice District. Edmonton’s food landscape is inventive and diverse, just like the people who started the restaurants.

Boasting gorgeous beaches, epic ancient sites and natural landscapes ripe for adventure, Antalya in Turkey has everything you need for a truly unforgettable holiday by the sea. For a holiday that combines stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, pine forests, fast-paced adventure and ancient sites look no further than Antalya, on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s the perfect destination for families and couples, sports enthusiasts, history buffs and sunbathers.

The small island of Menorca offers countless ways to disconnect from city life, from hiking along ancient paths to relaxing on perfect beaches.  Famed for its long stretches of golden beach, crystalline waters and barefoot philosophy; located in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is one of Spain’s Balearic Island that does things its own way. You’ll know Menorca is special from the moment you first set eyes on its rolling landscape and immaculate 200km coastline, or from your first taste of a unique cuisine that’s a melting pot of styles and influences.

Impressive for its compact size, Switzerland boasts a diverse array of historical attractions and natural wonders, making it the ideal destination for a show-stopping road trip.  Travellers can explore some of Europe’s best preserved medieval villages, traverse giddy mountain passes, snowshoe across glacial plateaus and sip Grand Cru wines on the sun-drenched banks of crystal clear lakes.

Hike through the valley of Giants, zip line over the rainforest canopy, dive among the coral beds and soak up centuries of fascinating history on unforgettable St.Kitts.  With its lush tropical rainforest and waters teeming with colourful fish, St.Kitts is a stunning escape. Enjoy a holiday suits your style – whether you’re fascinated history, you love to shop or you’re sporty at heart. There’s so much to see and do. Climb 1,000 feet down into the steaming crater floor of Sofa Rock, once the cap of a volcano.

It’s easy to feel energised when you’re surrounded by breathtaking wildlife, vibrant North African culture and enchanting ancient heritage. It’s even easier when you have clear blue skies, beating sun and perfect Mediterranean weather on your side. A brilliant balance of exotic adventure and unadulterated relaxation, Tunisia is elegant, inspiring and full of incredible secrets.

We all want a truly extraordinary holiday, but how often do we actually go one? In Oman, incredible sights and experiences are an everyday occurrence – from glimpses into ancient worlds to super-modern hotels, via unparalleled natural beauty that’s ripe for your next big adventure.