It’s a big world out there—so big that it can be daunting to decide what international destinations to visit in the course of a lifetime. From natural wonders to man-made masterpieces, from wildlife to cityscapes, the choices are seemingly endless.

But how do you choose your next destination and arrive there before the masses destroy it and convert it to a tourist trap?

We’ve whittled it down to thirty amazing places to see before they become the next hit.

Pick one or pick them all—you can’t go wrong.

1. Manchester, U.K.

Once famed for its towering industry and more recently, vibrant music scene, Manchester is now one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, buoyed by an influx of digital and media companies. Servicing this boom are a number of upscale and design-led arrivals. The new Cultureplex, an ex-railway goods warehouse in the northern quarter, offers up a restaurant, bar, and café, alongside a constantly revolving program of film, visual arts, and performances. Opening this spring, Hotel Brooklyn, inspired by the New York City borough from which it gets its name, is housed in a Victorian brownstone. The team behind Chiltern Firehouse recently unveiled Native Manchester, a new multi-use 166-apartment hotel in the northern quarter.

Meanwhile, chef du jour Tom Kerridge has opened an outpost in the new Stock Exchange hotel, a 40-room Relais & Chateaux property in a storied Edwardian Baroque building. Kerridge’s Bull & Bear restaurant serves smartly prepared British classics, such as crispy pig’s head with celeriac rémoulade. Epicureans are also flocking to Mana, which recently won the city’s first-ever Michelin star. The Nordic-leaning restaurant’s highlight is a 12- to 16-course tasting menu featuring morsels such as barbecued duck broth and lavender or yakitori-style eel with roasted yeast and blueberry.

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2. Rijeka, Croatia

With amazing views of the Adriatic coast, blockbuster beaches, and a colorful Baroque heart — not to mention one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations — it’s a wonder that Rijeka isn’t better known. But despite ticking pretty much every conceivable vacation box (toss in world-class museums, a bevy of top restaurants, and cinematic hikes in the surrounding mountains), it remains an under-the-radar Adriatic treasure. That’s all set to change in 2020, when Croatia’s third city is honored as a European Capital of Culture. Plenty is planned within the port town to mark the occasion: more than 1,000 official musical performances, literary events, art exhibitions, and parties; the multimillion dollar overhaul of the historic Sugar Refinery building into the Rijeka City Museum; and the addition of Hilton’s new five-star resort, the Costabella, in April. But perhaps most anticipated is the reopening of the ship Galeb (“Seagull”). Used as Tito’s personal mobile home while he was President of Yugoslavia, the yacht — where countless global leaders and celebrities were entertained — is being refurbished and transformed into a museum ahead of Rijeka’s moment in the global.

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3. Porto de Pedras, Brazil

Porto de Pedras, gives you a pretty good idea of what heaven might look like. You know, the kind of place where you wake up every morning to a blood red sunrise and palm trees silhouetted against the sky. Between the estuaries of the Camaragibe and Manguaba rivers, on the northern shore of Alagoas, lies a stretch of Brazil’s coast where the ocean water is hot and clear, the landscape is framed by coconut trees and it’s still possible to go for miles without seeing a soul. A place where the full moon rises on the sea and manatees swim free. Where large, colorful houses share the few vestiges of civilization with town squares, where the inns have hot tubs, bungalows with private pools and decks with lounge chairs (with caipirinhas made with key lime or lemongrass at the snap of your fingers). Where the restaurants serve platters of seafood and fish encrusted with ground nuts. Some chilled wine to go with it? Always. We traveled the most charming 12-mile [20 km] stretch of the Ecological Route, part of an environmental protection area on the Coral Coast, and we surveyed all its secrets. Not to mention the natural pools – an added bonus in these parts.

Pedras do Patacho hotel with just 7 bungalows, is located in a wide strip of white sand, warm waters and virtually untouched vegetation. Patacho Beach, located in the middle of the Ecological Route of Alagoas, stands out for its paradisiacal look. The perfect destination for those who value nature and, above all, tranquility.

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4. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is mesmerizing, all compact in this beautiful island. Sicily is an authentic place having remarkable sites renowned world-wide. The historic Valley of temples located here consists of the Doric temples standing tall, with the breath-taking backdrop of gardens of olives and almonds. Hamlets’ names Noto are well-known for the ‘Baroque-type’ architecture having facades made of limestone. It is a must-visit place in 2020 for both families, newly-wed ones, and a singleton! It is not every day you get the chance of exploring the unnerving scenery of Mount Etna, which is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Sicily stands amongst the most preferred holiday destination in the past few years.

A romantic hideaway set on the Bay of Mazzarò, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea retains all the charm of a private residence.

Built by an aristocratic family in 1919, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is a luxurious hideaway surrounded by subtropical gardens. Here on the rocky, romantic, and lush shores of Taormina, moments of pause are plentiful. Perhaps the spa is your preferred spot to ponder? Or perhaps you’d instead prefer to venture out in search of inspiration to Taormina, a “paradise on earth” full of ancient culture, food, and architecture.

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5. Tbilisi, Georgia

This city’s creative groundswell has been building for a few years now, with young designers, chefs, architects, and artists — many of whom never knew life under the USSR — lending a palpable energy to the place. Georgian design, its profile boosted by Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia, is on full display at the city’s surfeit of concept stores — find many of them, such as clothing atelier Flying Painter, at the mixed-use development Fabrika, which occupies a Soviet-era clothing factory. And “new Georgian” cuisine is finding its footing as young chefs bring traditional foods into the 21st century, with a glut of wine bars and standout restaurants like Shavi Lomi, Keto and Kote, and Kharcho (located inside a new creative hub and workspace called Art House).

There are also an outsize number of excellent hotels for a city so small. Fabrika houses a colorful hostel, the brainchild of Adjara Group, also responsible for the trendy Rooms Hotels and the soaring, sensual Stamba, opened in 2018 inside an old Soviet printing factory. Next year, Stamba will expand its photography museum, which displays work by Georgian artists. Others followed in Adjara Group’s wake, with the opening of several small properties including a Moxy and the colorful City Wine Hotel, an offshoot of favorite wine bar g.Vino. If all goes according to plan, 2020 will see the opening of a Kempinski in Tbilisi — a gleaming, glass complex on Mount Mtatsminda that will shout to the world that Tbilisi has arrived.

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6. Galle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has long been popular among surfers and adventure travelers. Though the country is still on the mend after last Easter’s bombings in Colombo, a new crop of resorts opening in 2020 make the island nation a luxury destination to be reckoned with. Haritha Villas & Spa, for one, debuts in December. It’s an elegant property located in Hikkaduwa, a resort town known for surfing, beaches, and sea turtles. Guests can enjoy infinity pools overlooking private gardens and one-of-a-kind treatments at the property’s jungle spa.

Alila Koggala, a new sustainable resort located near the city of Galle, is set to open in fall 2020, offering 40 sleek suites and villas, plus guided excursions to nearby rain forests.

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7. Barichara, Colombia

Barichara is often described as the prettiest town in Colombia, and not without good reason: it’s a truly lovely little town with stunning architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, and excellent boutique hotels and restaurants. The main church in Barichara is a gorgeous building made of the sandstone that dominates the architecture of the town—it’s particularly lovely at sunset when the stone turns a rich orange. The steps leading up to the church are a great place to sit and watch the world go by or enjoy the beauty of the town. Barichara makes a great base for outdoor pursuits such as white-water rafting, mountain biking and rappelling. Fly into Bucaramanga and take an hour-long cable-car ride over a canyon.

For your accommodation the stylish new Yahri villas, a trio of homes in town, with terraces that provide views of the surrounding mountains.

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8. Jaipur, India

The colors, creative traditions, and opulent palaces of Rajasthan are what many of us picture when we think of India — but this coming year, even those who think they’ve been there and done that should plan a return trip. Fall will see the launch of Six Senses’ first India property, the 48-suite Fort Barwara, which is set in a 14th-century fortress south of Jaipur. In nearby Udaipur, the Raffles group is also due to make its Indian debut later in 2020.

Set on a private island in Udai Sagar Lake, the palatial hotel will have a rooftop restaurant, an outdoor pool with gardens, and a capacious spa. Just outside the city, India’s first sculpture park opened at Madhavendra Palace, displaying the work of heavy-hitting Indian artists like Subodh Gupta and Mrinalini Mukherjee in a dramatic fortress setting. And in downtown Jaipur, the recently opened Amrapali Museum Jaipur showcases some of the 4,000-plus Indian gems collected by the founders of the Amrapali jewelry brand.

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9. Quito, Ecuador

High in the Andes, the Ecuadorean capital, with its unwieldy urban sprawl and car-centric downtown, has never quite held the allure of Rio or Lima when wanderlust strikes. The city’s been making real strides to address that: Several years ago, Quito moved its airport from the city center to its fringes in an effort to make landings less treacherous and satisfy noise-addled locals, and work is underway to transform the former terminal into a public park. Now, the long-awaited 2020 opening of Quito’s first-ever underground railway line, running 14 miles north-south, promises to truly transform Ecuador’s mountain city, putting once-inaccessible neighborhoods within reach and bringing locals downtown. The city’s skyline is changing, as the likes of Moishe Safdie and Jean Nouvel are enlisted for major new buildings in town. And after last year’s protests caused damage in the area, a community restoration effort has brought the Spanish Colonial Centro Historico back to its former glory.

Check into the 12-room Carlota Hotel, and don’t miss a meal at Nuema, the much-lauded Ecuadorian restaurant that moved to a new space in San Marcos last year.

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10. Paros, Greece

Paros is a place overtourism forgot. The rugged Greek island, located smack in the middle of the Cyclades, can only be described as the cooler cousin of more populated islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Part of what makes it so cool.

The newly opened Parilio, a 33-suite high-design hotel that rises from the landscape. A neutral palette graces its interior and exterior, while traditional building techniques elevate the Cyclades’ classic cubic houses. The island is home to those white-washed and blue-roofed buildings Greece is famous for, too, but with far less travelers elbowing you for the perfect Instagram. It’s worth navigating the labyrinthine streets in the town of Naoussa to spot some picturesque alleys, and booking a table at the much-loved Sousouro for a colorful breakfast spread.

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11. Cafayate, Argentina

When Argentinian’s want to see a different side of their own country, they head north to the Salta Province. This is a land of contrasts, with towering red rock formations and lush green valleys that are home to the world’s highest altitude vineyards. The pretty town of Cafayate makes an excellent base for exploring what the area has to offer. It’s the perfect place to sample the Salta Province’s iconic empanadas and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions that have inspired generations of musicians and poets.

One of the things not to be missed is the Tren a las Nubes.

The train leaves early in the morning from Salta’s central station and makes the long journey up to the Quebrada del Toro high up in the mountains, so high in fact that the train regularly passes through clouds. By the end of the journey the train reaches a height of 4220m, where there is a viaduct crossing the valley below – quite an engineering spectacle. The journey through the mountains reveals beautifully colored rocks, due to the numerous minerals, and travelers are likely to catch a glimpse of a llama or two.

For your stay, the ubiquitous Patios de Cafayate, amidst the vineyards of the winery El Esteco and with the breathtaking Calchaquí Valleys in the background, the estate’s farmstead – that once belonged to Michel Torino’s family and was founded in 1892 -, is today the soul of this unique hotel that boasts thick walls, corridors with glazed domes, Spanish roof tiles, wrought iron gates, murmuring fountains, colonial water wells and a vast collection of vintage furniture and pictures. A unique and exclusive wine experience in Cafayate. Patios de Cafayate is a must for those who want to enjoy the surrounding landscape, the history and the art of the region, as well as the incredibly welcoming and warm local people.

The hotel’s 32 rooms, located among large colonial-style patios, welcome you with their comfort, their roominess and their antique pieces of furniture, but also with the most up-to-date features and services.

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12. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Step off the boat or plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago and you’re transported through time and place. This is one of the world’s great cultural crossroads, where Africa meets Arabia as well as the Indian Ocean.

In Zanzibar Town, the narrow alleys of historic Stone Town meander between ancient buildings decorated with balconies and gigantic carved doors. Meanwhile, on the coast, fishing boats set sail, and in the country side farmers tend fields of rice or the clove plantations that give Zanzibar its ‘Spice Islands’ moniker.

Beyond these little-changed traditions, visitors see a very different landscape. The idyllic beaches are dotted with hotels, and the ocean becomes a playground for diving, snorkeling and kitesurfing.

With its tropical tableau and unique culture, plus an active beach-party scene for those that want it, the Zanzibar Archipelago offers a fascinating and highly enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Zawadi, a private, intimate getaway beach retreat with only 12 spacious villas & spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. Available for exclusive use.

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13. Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s glittering capital is already regarded in niche travel circles for its captivating architecture, with the skyline increasingly filling with ambitious, space-age skyscrapers and monuments, including the 150-metre Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, designed by acclaimed British architect Norman Foster. But it is now taking a confident step towards showcasing its cityscape to the world.

For all its grand pretensions, Astana retains something of the Russian and Soviet steppe trading post of its roots. Traces of elegant, pastel-coloured, tsarist merchant mansions; the bustle of the dusty streets; the familiar Soviet grid-avenues lined with birch trees and ugly 1950s housing blocks; Placid, gold-toothed women sit all day at street stalls selling raspberries, cucumbers and varieties of forest berries in cut-off plastic bottles.

St. Regis Hotel with 120 rooms in a palatial, neoclassical design is truly stunning.

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14. Palawan, Philippines

Dubbed the “Best Island in the World” by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines many times, Palawan is undoubtedly a slice of paradise. Travelers from all around the globe fly for the well-known municipalities of El Nido and Coron. While they truly are stunning, the island has so many other lesser-known gems that make it worthy of its title: Port Barton, slowly being discovered by travelers who want to get away from the crowds of El Nido, is the fishing village of Port Barton. About 3h north of the Palawan capital, Puerto Princesa, is a less commercialized, more laid-back version of El Nido. There are no bars and no crazy nightlife, but the evenings and sunset views are serene. Boatmen can be hired for trips to surrounding islands like German Island, Exotic Island, and Paradise Island, as well as to wonderful snorkeling sites.

Araceli, Here, visitors can enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters people come to Palawan for, but without the crowds. It’s not yet considered a tourist destination, and is surrounded by untouched islands and well-preserved marine life, making it a great place for snorkeling. Visitors can expect close encounters with many sea friends like lobsters and manta rays, which alone are enough to make the two-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa and four-hour boat ride from Roxas completely worth it.

For your stay, Pangulasian Island Resort, the resort offers 42 individual villas all with a private balcony either on the beach, in the forest, 17 meters from the ground, or with a private pool. With a marine sanctuary right on the doorstep, this place is a divers’ dream. A library, restaurant and bar in the Clubhouse, an infinity pool and a spa are wonderful respites on land.

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15. Lille, France

Crowned as the World Capital of Design 2020 for its advances in urban development, the once-struggling industrial city of Lille is on its way to enjoying optimized public spaces thanks to a slew of sustainable design initiatives. It’s also quickly becoming a cosmopolitan oasis with new galleries, museums, restaurants, and boutiques. Among the new art-forward destinations is La Piscine, an Art Deco indoor swimming pool turned art museum that just reopened after a two-year renovation.

The bohemian-chic brand Mama Shelter also debuted a hotel in the city center last summer — its rooms offer sweeping views of the skyline. And jaw-dropping restaurants like Coke, a brasserie and hotel serving French classics beneath ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers, and La Belezza, a new Italian spot from the owners of Big Mamma in Paris, are marrying old Lillois style with contemporary flair.

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16. Busan, S. Korea

When in Busan, just look around and let the breathtaking scenery blow your mind! With its magnificent beaches and its historic temples, Busan has legitimately earned its title as the San Francisco of South Korea. Do not miss Haedong Yonggungsa, a temple right beside the ocean, and definitely pay a visit to Dongbaek Island, a very small island with dongbaek trees and evergreens thriving there. At the top of the island, there is a statue and a monument of Choe Chi-Won, a scholar and writer of the Silla Kingdom era. Walk around its newly transformed art districts, do all the vintage shopping you can do, get your beer break in hip and trendy breweries and treat yourself with all the street food delicacies a man can take.

Consider visiting Busan at the beginning of August, when the Seaside Festival takes place at Haeundae Beach, with live music sessions and a highly festive mood.

Stay at the Paradise Hotel, by the beach which is also  well situated.

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17. Porto, Portugal

Portugal remains a popular getaway — and in 2020, it’s all about experiencing it from the water. Last spring, Viking River Cruises christened the Viking Helgrim, a vessel built for its new Douro itinerary. A few weeks later, Ama Waterways debuted the Ama Douro, which sails between Porto and Vega de Terrón in Spain. This year, Tauck will launch the 84-passenger Andorinha, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will christen the S.S. Saõ Gabriel, which has décor that channels the ambience of the Douro Valley. On land, wineries like Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Seixo serve light reds, vinho verde, and the ubiquitous port.

Stay in Porto at recent additions like the Art Deco stunner Le Monumental Palace or the art-filled Torel 1884, whose 12 rooms and 11 standalone apartments feature art inspired by fabrics, materials, and spices from faraway lands.

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18. Trinidad, Cuba

Many people argue that Trinidad is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the whole of Latin America. In fact the architecture and cobbled streets of Trinidad are so highly regarded that the city is now UNESCO listed, protecting it from development and safeguarding its beauty for future visitors. The history of the city is fascinating, founded as it was in 1514 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, and the colonial influence runs deep.

Dance the night away at Casa de la Musica, an open-air bar where the standard of dancing always seems to be pretty impressive.

Visit the beautiful beach at Playa Ancon just seven miles away.  You can sit back and watch as the local fishermen go about their business or buy a conch shell from one of the divers to take home as a souvenir.

Avoid the hotels and stay at a Casa Particular, one of those wonderfully preserved private mansions run by its owners, where most likely the patron will be there to make sure you get a nice breakfast and enjoy a nice cigar at the evenings paired with a rum…

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19. Antananarivo, Madagascar

Antanavarino, the capital of Madagascar, widely known as Tana, is at the heart of culinary experiences, full of historical interest, as well as the starting point for many day trips, like for instance to Andasibe, Anjajavy and especially the wonderful Anjajavy le Lodge.   Look for the historical and cultural elements that have established the city as the home of Malagasy power for three centuries.

In Tana, one can find an amazing variety of African, Indian and western garb, and streets choked with all manner of motorized, human-powered, and animal-driven transport.  It is a city of faded glory that still shows signs of a more prosperous past.  Its beautiful villas covered by tumbling bougainvillea, palm-lined avenues, Anosy Lake crowned by blooming jacaranda in October, wonderful restaurants and great shopping, can leave no one indifferent.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of Tana on the sunset hour from Lokanga Boutique Hotel, go to Lisy Art Gallery to get your special souvenirs from the red island or visit one of the local market places to look for bargains. Do not live Tana, without visiting Croc Farm, not only home of the huge Nile crocodiles, the biggest predator of Madagascar, but also of some other typical animal species, plants and flowers from Madagascar.

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20. Lviv, Ukraine

Most people never heard about this gorgeous gem of a city located in the west of Ukraine.

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, Lviv, with its great culinary offerings, artistic flavour and coffee obsession, sounded right for a romantic night but it turned out to be much more than that.

There are around 1500 cafes in the city making it the highest amount of cafes per capita in the world!

You can spend a year in Lviv, visiting cafes only and you still wouldn’t go to them all!

Some of them are really old, cozy and charming and with a great interior that you will want to visit them anyway!

Lviv is a city with a special atmosphere, which more than half a century was ruled by the kings.

This is city of coffee, a city of lions, a city of jazz, rain, chocolate, terraces and passionate tango.

Food is a big deal here; restaurants range from the traditional to the hipster but tend to focus on Ukrainian staples. Coffee shops abound; in the 1600s, a Lviv native was the first person to pair sugar and milk and open a coffeehouse (though in Vienna). Today, you can visit its namesake — “Under the Blue Bottle” — where coffee is prepared on an open fire in copper jugs in a candlelit room.

Places like the POST OFFICE in Drukarska street or the PRETTY HIGH KITCHEN will definitely nudge your senses with their originality and vintage ambience.

If you are not a beer person, worry not – liquors are also always in season and every bar you stumble into will greet you with their signature twist. GASOVA LAMPA, for example, serves their selection of spirits in test tubes with the guests having no idea what’s inside until they taste them.

And for a truly unforgettable experience head to GRAND HOTEL. Your stay there, will be full of grandiose emotions and endless care, exceeding your expectations!

“I love you #Ukraine,” Paris Hilton wrote in an Instagram post featuring her arrival at the opening ceremony. We too.

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21. Nanyuki, Kenya

Nanyuki serves as a gateway to the Laikipia plateau, one of Africa’s most important wildlife conservation areas. Despite being a market town, it is probably the most cosmopolitan city in the area outside of Nairobi, with visitors who come often here to climb Mt Kenya or to visit the myriad safari parks. UNESCO proclaimed Mount  Kenya  as  a  World Heritage Site ,  one  of  the  most  impressive landscapes  in  East Africa,  located  right on  the equator.

Everyone agrees that the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Nanyuki is an exclusive retreat. Situated some one hundred and ninety kilometres to the north of Nairobi, on the slopes of Mount Kenya, it has a reputation for relaxed elegance. Many of the world’s famous names, be they royalty, film stars or merely the rich, seek it out as a secluded heaven where, although you do your safari during the day, you always dress for dinner.

Sir Winston Churchill was reputed to have been a founding member. The list of those who joined after the Club opened in 1959 reads like  an international Who’s Who, and includes Prince Berhard of the Netherlands, Lord Louis Mountbatten, author Robert Ruark, former US President Lyndon Johnson, Conrad Hilton, Bob Hope Bing Crosby, and a bevy of celebrities.

Today featuring 120 Rooms, Cottages, Suites and Villas is one of the world’s top hotels. Spoil yourself in a William Holden Cottage (170 sqm) and dine as a celebrity at Tusk’s Restaurant.

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22. Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk is the city, where you can’t get bored.

Poland’s Baltic seaside city of Gdańsk has sat in the background for years as one of the most underrated cities in Europe. For a long time, this sleeping giant went unnoticed, until recently when the city suddenly became hugely popular with tourists. Gdańsk is a city steeped in history and brimming with activities all year round. If Gdańsk isn’t yet on your list of cities to see before you die, it is high time to include it.

Be ready for one of the most beautiful streets in Europe. Gdańsk’s Długi Targ is basically the main square, although it translates into English as ‘Long Market’. Leading down to it, is the Ulica Długa, or ‘Long Street’. Put simply, it is one of the most photographed streets and squares in Europe and a feast for anyone’s eyes on your first glimpse.

St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk is an enormous Roman Catholic church (located on the aforementioned Ulica Piwna) that contains more red bricks than any other church in the world. In its time, the church was used by Protestants and Catholics and contains a lookout platform at the top – you must walk up the steps as there is no elevator, but the views from the top are tremendous.

Take a stroll along Gdańsk’s beautiful harbour front, and you may just fall in love with this city. Pretty colourful buildings reflect against a river amidst a flurry of local street musicians and aromas from popular restaurants, and in the background boats cruise to and from Hel, Gdynia and Westerplatte.

Situated just off the Crane over the Motława River in Gdańsk, Hotel PODEWILS OLD TOWN Gdansk is a small, luxurious hotel which features spacious and quiet rooms with a marble bathroom with great views at the old town.

For great food and amazing view head to Paco Perez’s (Famous Spanish Chef) ARCO restaurant located at the 33rd floor of Olivia Star building.

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23. Lofoten Islands, Norway

The ultimate destination where culture and history meet nature! Fjords, mountains, white sandy beaches, and surprisingly warm water, that’s Lofoten.

A landscape of skerries, red fisherman cabins, lapping waves and the cries of gulls that will ease your tensions away. Not only the endless days but also the midnight sun gives you extra energy and you might find yourself playing golf at midnight, or forgetting to go to bed! Take a stroll in old, charming fishing villages, where creative people settle to find inspiration, active ones to find challenges, wanderers to find peace, where we all find endless beauty.

Jump on speed boats to explore the beautiful nature and watch sea eagles, catch fish up close, take a hike with rewarding world-class views and enjoy a pier-front meal of self-caught seafood.  So do not miss Anita’s Seafood. It will blow your head off.

Choose to stay in an authentic fisherman cabin, or a panorama suite with both mountain, city and sea view at the same time.

Our favorite:  HATTVIKA LODGE.

Lofoten will take your breath away as there is no place like that elsewhere!

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24. Arequipa, Peru

The preserved colonial architecture of “the White City” — so named for its gleaming structures made from sillar, a volcanic rock — earned the historic center of Arequipa UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. But a dearth of upmarket lodgings has kept this Peruvian destination off most travelers’ radar. Now, the town finally has accommodations befitting the local history:

August saw the opening of Cirqa, originally built in 1540, the year Arequipa was founded, as an inn for guests of the Church of San Agustín next door. The property marries preserved elements of the original parador — high vaulted ceilings, textural stone walls — with contemporary flourishes, such as black-steel-framed windows and a plunge pool.

Further steeped in history is the cuisine at La Nueva Palomino, where a female-led staff cooks hearty stews from heirloom recipes. It’s all best enjoyed while admiring the three volcanoes in the distance (Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu) with a tall glass of chicha, an Andean beer made from corn.

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25. Inle lake, Myanmar

Inle Lake is a magical watery world of floating gardens, stilted villages and crumbling stupas. An alluring attraction, where mountains tumble down towards the lakeshore, shaping heaven on earth. Enjoy a full day silent boat trip on Inle Lake – an instagrammer’s dream. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, on a scenic hills backdrop. Observe the lake’s unique ‘leg rowers’ – Intha fishermen who row standing up with one leg wrapped around a single oar, leaving their hands free to handle the conical fishing net. Pay a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State, as well as to a traditional silk-weaving workshop which combines wooden handlooms with a blacksmith’s forge. Pass endless floating gardens, where Intha lake dwellers grow fruit and vegetables. Do not miss Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest on the lake, where you can see exquisite Buddha statues, more than 200 years old.

The new SOFITEL is the hotel to stay. Great rooms and amazing views.

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26. Papagayo, Costa Rica

Several just-opened eco-retreats are offering more ways to unwind in Costa Rica. Perhaps the most-anticipated is Nayara Tented Camp, a safari-style retreat inside a sloth sanctuary. Adjacent to the famed Nayara Hotel and Nayara Springs resort, the camp debuted in December, and offers 29 family-friendly suites linked by footbridges across the rain forest. Then there’s Kasiiya Papagayo, which opened as an adventure-focused getaway; walkie-talkies and headlamps are distributed at check-in. Its five sustainably built, ocean-facing tents rest on platforms above the local flora, leaving much of the landscape undisturbed.

Farther south is Kinkára Luxury Retreat, built on the slopes of the Talamanca mountain range. The wellness resort’s 31 glamping tents are centered around a thatched-roof yoga pavilion and a garden. Seriously indulgent bathhouses feature indoor-outdoor rain showers; outside, you can take a dip in the waterfalls and wading pools that dot the property.

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27. Gokayama, Japan

The remote, mountainous districts of Shirakawa-gō (白川郷) and Gokayama, between Takayama and Kanazawa, are best known for farmhouses in the thatched gasshō-zukuri style. They are rustic and lovely whether set against the vibrant colours of spring, draped with the gentle mists of autumn, or peeking through a carpet of snow, and they hold a special place in the Japanese heart.

Gokayama is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also encompasses the nearby village of Shirakawa-gō. Both areas are known for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These centuries-old houses feature distinct thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Gokayama is less accessible than popular Shirakawa-gō, and, as a result, its villages are more quiet and secluded.

 Other attractions include the thatched roof temple of Myozenji, the Doburoku Festival Museum where you can sample local sake, and the Shiroyama observation point which is the site of a castle ruin and the best place from which to view the whole village.

Our favorite Ryokan in the area is the one and only: Shiroyamakan. When I stayed here I had a stunning experience, wonderful host: the food, the view, the house, the beauty of nature… everything was a magical, unique and beautiful experience I will never forget!”

Plan your trip with the help of our travel expert True Japan Tours

28. Alacati, Turkey

Alaçatı, a small town very close to Izmir, on the west coast of Turkey, on the Aegean Coast is hidden treasure, full of history, beauty and tradition. Having a Greek past, dating back to the 17th century, makes Alaçatı uniquely beautiful and picturesque, bearing a dazzling aura. Though the Greek population of Alaçati was banished in 1914, the place holds up to its Greek essence with its traditional, well preserved Greek stone houses, its bougainvillea-framed cobblestone “sokak” (streets) and its extraordinary cuisine. Although it has been declared as a historical site in 2005, this place remains up to date with windsurfers and flying kite surfers choosing it, for its ideal wind conditions for these sports (there is also a Kite Festival being held annually).

Stay at the Alavya boutique hotel in the center or if you are looking for posh accommodation then BIBLOS is the undoubtful choice. For food head to Fava Alacati, a great seafood restaurant.

Plan your trip with the help of our travel expert

29. Baja Sur, Mexico

Just when you think the Baja buzz has reached a fever pitch, new arrivals make it all the more thrilling. This year, the locus of the excitement has shifted away from the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo up to the East Cape, where a dreamy new 1,000-acre luxury enclave has finally come to fruition near Los Barriles.

The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas opened in October, with 141 rooms overlooking the placid Sea of Cortéz, and the Costa Palmas Beach & Yacht Club is welcoming members and hotel guests to its pools, golf course, two miles of beachfront, and — should you need a place to park your superyacht — a glittering, lake-size marina. Keep an eye out in 2021 for the arrival of Amanvari, Aman Resorts’ corner of Costa Palmas, with 20 villas and 24 residences. But all of that is merely the gateway to the real draw: An undisturbed corner of Baja where desert, mountains, and water meet.

Plan your trip with the help of our travel expert

30. Durban, South Africa

Despite a thriving food scene and tropical beaches, Durban has always lurked in the shadows of Cape Town and Johannesburg. But with the unveiling of Durban’s new seaside promenade, part of a $2.5 billion development designed to rejuvenate the waterfront area, the city is becoming South Africa’s next cultural and coastal getaway to watch. Dubbed the ‘Golden Mile’, the shiny 3.7 mile strip, which is an ongoing development over the next 15 years, will flaunt glistening buildings with apartments, shops, a hotel, and public hangout spaces, plus a hotly anticipated new cruise terminal, which began construction in late 2019 and is set to open in 2021. Beyond the shiny waterfront, the city’s food scene, which is rooted in South Asian cuisine due to the substantial Indian community, thrives. Street food dishes are a must: look for bunny chow (a hollowed out bread loaf filled with curry) at Cane Cutters and lemony pieces of chicken and slap chips (fries doused in vinegar) from Afro’s Chicken. Another key stop: A trip to the newly relocated African Art Centre for clay pots and beaded baskets.

Finally for your stay the stunning OYSTER BOX HOTEL is just breathtaking.

Plan your trip with the help of our travel expert Extraordinary Events and Tours

Story created with passion by Beyond Limits

How would it feel to stay at a hotel which is the sophisticated or sexier or more artistic version of your house?

This year’s Mr and Mrs Smith Hotel Awards’ committee has handpicked the world’s extra-special hotels and villas for an unforgettable stay, in some of the most amazing vacation spots. Let us guide you through this mind blowing selection!

Casa Fortunato, Lisbon

It is this tiny hotel, run by an amazing architect couple, Antonio Falcão Costa Lopes and Filipa Fortunato, situated in an Amoreiras townhouse, which made it to the top of the list, as the Best Smith Hotel 2019.

This nine-suites boutique hotel could be like your dream house! The past coexists with the present, through original tiling and timber surfaces, a nostalgic, cinematic staircase and dining room, as well as contemporary design items that make sure every detail counts.

Have your trip to Portugal uniquely organized by

Palazzo Daniele, Puglia, Italy

This 150-year-old townhouse is the most young at heart Palazzo, combining Italian art, Mediterranean hospitality and modernism. Its Italian finesse and artistry with its provincial character and long lived qualities nominated Palazzo Daniele as the Best Dressed Hotel. Do not miss out on a stay full of southern Italian temperament!

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Joali, Maldives

The World’s Sexiest Bedroom, according to Mr and Mrs Smith Awards, is found over in Asia, at the newly founded (October 2018) Joali Maldives. Sexy can be easily combined with exotic Maldives, the honeymooners’ beloved destination, however, when the above attributes fit in with an impressive art collection as well as inspiring culinary or diving activities, followed by a colonial chic beach bar, then kudos are definitely on the way!

Have your trip in Maldives uniquely organized by 

Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece

In the pine forest of the Peloponnese, Greece’s Euphoria Retreat offers a holistic spa experience of premium quality, under the energy of the ruins of the fortified castle of Mystras, a Byzantine Empire city. The old and the new coexist in the hotel’s design (ancient patterns and earthly color code with a modern touch), as well as its spa philosophy (high tech equipment with Hellenic, Chinese and modern treatments)! And Yes, this is the world’s Most Spoiling Spa and it is your opportunity to praise yourself as you should!

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The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent, UK

For foodies and gourmet seekers, The Pig at Bridge Place, in Kent, UK, is the Best Gourmet Getaway. Really close to London, this estate, reinvented in the sixties, has a peasant air, exquisitely fresh cooking ingredients and the coziest area to relax and dine. Do not miss the kitchen garden with its secret patio!

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Uxua Alma Casa Anderson, Bahia, Brazil

Modern artwork, kaleidoscopic colour effects, vintage tapestries and unique pieces of furniture, led Brazil’s Uxua Alma Casa Anderson to be named Best Smith Villa. It is Brazil in a villa, with all the boldness, beauty and exoticism the country carries!

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L’Otel at Dôce 18 Concept House, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A colonial-era casa where fine tequila, local fashion and Mexico City’s artistic personalities naturally meet. Relax on the sunny terrace, by the pool, and enjoy the view to San Miguel de Allende’s scenery, from the Coolest Creative Hub, as nominated this year by Mr and Mrs Smith Awards!

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Maison de la Luz, New Orleans, Louisiana

What if a luxurious, luminous, lofty hotel, taken out of Wes Anderson’s movies, with large staircases and artistic furnishing and design details, as well as seductive, spacious bedrooms, had also the Best Date-Night Bar in New Orleans? Enjoy your drinks at Bar Marilou at Maison de La Luz and let others worry about driving!

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Sands Hotel & Spa, Palm Springs, California

Stucco walls in pastel pink, exotic tiles, cacti, a perfect pool in as Californian Style as it gets! Sands Hotel & Spa in Palm Springs is rooted in the Sixties, with a vivid sophistication, charming dessert Marrakech effect and worshipped Cabanas’ aesthetics, and it has been awarded as the Best Budget Boutique! Enough said!

Have your trip in USA uniquely organized by 

Story created with passion by Beyond Limits, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Smith Hotel Awards 2019 (www.mrandmrssmith.com)

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Compostela, Spain

by Suki Belaustegui & Nomadic Tótem

October 4^th – 16^th  2019
13 days – 12 nights that will take you through the most iconic and fascinating
flavors and sceneries.

by nomadic tótem  CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O

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DAY  1 – October 4^th 

MEET & GREET @ MADRID

This amazing journey begins as a meeting point at one of the most beautiful and foodie cities of the world; Madrid Spain. Icon Embassy Hotel; XIX Century building beautifully refurbished and the only hotel at the high-end and top fashion designers; Serrano Street. Welcome Lecture at the hotel by Suki Belaustegui and Nomadic Tótem Gurus @ 15:00 hrs.

Participants will introduce themselves and express what they would like to learn from the workshop as well as their expectations.

Participants will bring a selection of 20 to 30 photographs of their own so that Suki can observe each person’s photographic perspective and become familiarized with their creative tendency. This will enable an analysis of each person’s potential.

There will be a tutorial on the art documentary photography, ethical and humanitarian principles and techniques to develop the art of photography using natural light in people’s homes and environments.

An audiovisual with photographs related to the work reflected in the books ”Guardians of Time” and

”Africa in America” will be projected. Emphasis will be placed on the use of natural light.

Lectures devoted to the art of shooting the magic of landscapes in outdoor contexts. Participants will study the various uses of skills and the creative possibilities to make the best photography for this journey.

As a Welcome Dinner, we will enjoy a unique culinary tour tapas experience, downtown. We will taste the flavor of this city as a local; enjoying the best Spanish gastronomy at one of the most urban-chic and trendy districts in the heart of Madrid.

DAY  2 – October 5^th 

MADRID – LEON

Breakfast at the hotel

Group transfer towards the train station to headed León.

León boasts one of the greatest historical and architectural heritage in Spain. Some of the city’s most prominent historical buildings are the Cathedral, the finest example of French-style classic Gothic architecture in Spain, the Basilica of San Isidoro, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain and the resting place of León’s medieval monarchs, and the Casa Botines, a Modernist creation of the architect Antoni Gaudí.

After visiting León, head to one of the most spectacular sights in the Bierzo region: Las Médulas, an old open-air mine, the largest in the whole Roman Empire, it ́s interior was once home to tons of gold. It is a huge work of engineering which permanently transformed the mountainous area into a weird and wonderful landscape that now has the World Heritage designation. We can combine the visit to Las Médulas with an exclusive wine tasting at one of our favourite wineries in the region.

After admiring Las Médulas, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Vilafranca del Bierzo, last stop before starting your adventure: the Camino de Santiago. Check in at Palacio de Canedo.

This three century-old mansion converted into a 14-room guesthouse is a breath of fresh air just off the Camino. The one site winery and canning facilities are well worth the visit. Each room is uniquely decorated and themed, some referring to lords of Canedo, making for a cozy stay amongst pilgrims and travelers alike.

 ON FOOT

The French Way is the Camino par excellence. The Jacobean itinerary with the greatest historical tradition and the most internationally recognized one. It was already described in 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, a fundamental Jacobean book. The book V of this codex constitutes an authentic medieval guide to the pilgrimage to Santiago. It specifies the sections of the French Way from Gaul lands and reports in detail on the sanctuaries of the route, hospitality, people, food, sources, local customs, etc. Our path will start in O Cebreiro and end in Santiago de Compostela after 8 magical stages of endless memories and unforgettable experiences.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

We’ve selected the best stages of the O Cebreiro – Santiago section. We’ve adjusted the kilometers and stages so you can accomplish the route in 9 days, walking an average of 8 -15 kilometers per day at a relaxing pace, with enough time to admire the gorgeous sceneries and the stunning nature and wildlife of Galician forests.

The transportation will be at your disposal along the route, picking you up at the end of each stage and taking you to your hotel, where your luggage will be waiting for you. In the same way, it will be ready to take the participants at any time they wish to take them to the hotel; this in case some of you would like to arrive earlier and have some more free time on your own.

The route is well indicated and there are plenty of maps to follow the path with explanations about the surroundings and main places to visit; however our professional local gurus will be accompanying along the Camino to assist you in any requirement.

DAY  3 – October 6 ^th

O CEBREIRO – TRIACASTELA

Breakfast at the hotel

If the fog does not hide the valley, seeing the sunrise from O Cebreiro, a beautiful village with a series of pallozas (round stone houses with a straw roof) still standing and that were inhabited until relatively recently, is a privilege that the Camino gives us that one can not refuse. Today, we immerse ourselves in the land of Santiago, the land of the fog and the orballo (morning dew); Celtic castros (ancient settlements) and mines coveted by the Romans; infinite hills and fragas (old forests) of oaks and chestnut trees. A magic land that will stay in your memories.

Accommodation at Palacio de Canedo.

DAY  4 – October 7 ^th 

TRIACASTELA – SARRIA

Breakfast at the hotel

From Triacastela there are two itineraries to get to Sarria: the southern one, longer, visits the famous Benedictine monastery of Samos and progresses through the leafy banks of the Oribio river; the other one advances more to the north by San Xil and goes through pretty landscapes populated by oaks and chestnut trees. In Sarria your guide will be waiting to drive you to the lovely Parador de Monforte de Lemos where you will spend the next two nights.

PARADOR DE MONFORTE DE LEMOS

The historic site of San Vicente do Pino is located in the uppermost part of the town of Monforte de Lemos. It is made up of the keep, San Vicente do Pino Monastery and the palace of the counts of Lemos, which houses the Parador de Monforte. The monastery dates back to the 9th century, although the current structure was built in the 17th century in the neoclassical style.

DAY  5 – October 8 ^th 

SARRIA – PORTOMARIN

Breakfast at the hotel

Sarria is very close to the mythical and last 100 kilometers, the minimum distance that you have to walk on foot to win the Compostelana. The stage does not disappoint either the first-timer or the seasoned pilgrim. It offers countless villages, good examples of Romanesque, asphalted rural tracks, rural paths and corridors, medieval bridges and rustic footbridges.

DAY  6 – October 9 ^th

RIBEIRA SACRA – HEROIC WINEMAKERS

Breakfast at the hotel

Today if you want, you take a rest of your walking adventure and immerse in inland Galicia. Discover the incredible boat tours along the River Sil and River Miño canyons and enter a different world. Imposing locations with beautiful monasteries which, far from the madding crowd and protected by the mild climate of these lands, have for centuries devoted their time to God and grapes. As an optional choice you can keep walking to continue adding your personal kms to reach the 100km and get the Compostelana. The transportation will pick you up after your walk.

The rivers Sil and Miño, with canyons measuring 500 meters in depth, are dotted with tiny vineyards on steep slopes that require a heroic effort. Something unique that can only be found here. The Ribeira Sacra is the birthplace of the legendary “Amandi”, a wine that was so treasured by the Romans that they considered it the “gold of the River Sil”. A wine that centuries later the Benedictine monks produced exclusively for the wineries of the most refined popes.

DAY  7 – October 10 ^th

GONZAR – PALAS DE REI

Breakfast at the hotel

The stage is divided by the Ligonde mountain range, which in turn divides the basins of the Miño and Ulloa rivers. The path goes along modest, provincial and even national roads. However, the journey brings good examples of Romanesque churches, including the possibility of diverting to Vilar de Donas to visit San Salvador, old pilgrim hospitals and the valuable Lameiros cruise.

From Palas de Rei you’ll be transferred to your next hotel: Pazo de Brandeso.

Pazo de Brandeso. Check in. An old residence of the galician bourgeoisie of the early 17th century 1620 is more than just a rural tourism hotel. The atmosphere an spaces of a bygone era remain intact. The rooms, corridors, halls, dining rooms and library of the Pazo de Brandeso are decorated with antique furniture and pieces of art, bronze sculptures or magnificent marble fireplaces, all of which give the hotel a palatial atmosphere.

DAY  8 – October 11 ^th

PALAS DE REI – MELIDE

Breakfast at the hotel

We divide the Palas de Rei – Arzúa stage in two, as it is the most difficult and demanding stage in the Camino. You’ll cross the river Roxán, follow a path surrounded by eucalyptus and oak trees to San Xulián do Camiño, cross a spectacular forest with trees embraced by rock and twisted branches and admire a gigantic basket that, like the ‘hórreos’ (local granaries), was used to preserve corn.

Melide is a great place to try Galicia’s classic dish of octopus. Once in Melide we will taste its famous ‘pulpo a feira’ or octopus at a legendary ‘pulpería’ where we will met the owner and share her story over a delicious meal.

DAY  9 – October 12 ^th

MELIDE – ARZÚA

Breakfast at the hotel

From Melide the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, a cheese making village with the important attraction of rural and active tourism, especially in the vicinity of the reservoir of Portodemouros.

We will visit one of the local artisans that produce Arzúa cheese, learning how’s produced and tasting some of its varieties.

DAY  10 – October 13 ^th

ARZÚA – PEDROUZO

Breakfast at the hotel

We’re close to Santiago, only 40 km, so we will divide this last segment in two days. A pleasant walk through the already familiar eucalyptus tree forests and green fields defines the day. At the end of the stage you’ll pass by a memorial to Guillermo Watt, a pilgrim that died in the Camino in 1993.

DAY  11 – October 14 ^th

PEDROUZO – SANTIAGO

Breakfast at the hotel

Today you’ll make the final journey into Santiago. You will have a short morning drive to Pedrouzo, where you’ll start your walk. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (“Mount of Joy”) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago.

When you arrive in the city, you will get a chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s

architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural mecca.

Explore Santiago de Compostela. Millions of people from all over the world come to this city every year, many of them reaching the end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route. Its historic center has been designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

In Santiago, gastronomy is an active part of the culture of the city. There is a spectacular array of restaurants, bars and taverns, with prices to suit every budget – quality is what they all have in common. Here you can eat well – and plenty. You can taste regional products like the freshest seafood you could possibly imagine, artisanal charcuterie, cheeses, wines, liquors… Our local foodie gurus will recommend you to explore the market and later taste its best produce at some of the local restaurants and little corners inside the market.

Accommodation for 2 nights @ A Quinta Da Auga Relais and Chateux. A beautiful boutique hotel placed in a historical restored building. This hotel is one of the most charming hotels in the northwest of Spain. You can enjoy the gastronomy of the region at its unique restaurant and relax your mind and body at its luxury spa. This is a unique hotel, surrounded by nature with 10.000 m2 estate by the Sar riverside.

DAY  12 – October 15 ^th

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

9 am to 1:00 pm: Breakfast at the hotel and free morning to have time to work on your photos from the previous days that you will show in the afternoon for the feedback of your work.

3:00 to 7:00 pm: “Studio session” Last day of the workshop. We will be fully engaged in selecting, editing and analyzing the best photographs of each participant. At the end of the workshop, the best photographs will be presented as part of each participant’s portfolio.

As a Farewell dinner and to celebrate that you’re officially a pilgrim and a nomadic.photographer we planned for you a very special culinary experience, at the best restaurant in the city and beacon of the tradition-avant garde fusion in Galician cuisine: Casa Marcelo 1* Michelin.

DAY  13 – October 16 ^th

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Breakfast at the hotel. End of Services.

SEBASTIAN SUKI BELAUSTEGUI

Documentary Humanitarian Photographer. Experiential Photography Workshop Instructor.

His work has being published in books and magazines, including National Geographic (Cover February 2005), Time, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Unicef, and Travel & Leisure. Additionally he has held numerous workshops, lectures, and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout the world, including: Bhutan, India, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, The United States, México, Argentina, Perú and Cuba.

by nomadic tótem CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O

explore local. travel beyond www.nomadictotem.com

AN EPICUREAN PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

by; Suki Belaustegui & Nomadic Tótem

October 4^th – 16^th, 2019

Rate per person in double occupancy.

€4,350 euros.

Rate per person in single occupancy.

€4,900 euros.

Package Includes:

• 12 days of tutoring in documentary photography theory, practice, selection and analysis with Sebastián Suki Beláustegui.
• Welcome dinner Local Tapas Experience in Madrid.
• AVE fast train ticket-touristic class from Madrid to Leon (one way).
• Private transfer in minibus during the program. Camino de Santiago.
• Accommodation in each hotel mentioned in the program. 12 nights.
• Breakfast and lunch daily.
• Farewell dinner at Casa Marcelo, 1* Michelin Star Restaurant.
• Guided hiking tour through Camino de Santiago as mentioned in the program, with professional tour guides.
• Boat tour along the River Sil and River Miño canyons and Amandi vineyard.
• Hiking poles rented.
• Local Taxes.

Package Excludes:

• Services not specified in the itinerary.
• Tips and meals not mentioned.
• Personal expenses.
• Travel insurance.
• Airline tickets.
• Airport transportations. Madrid airport – hotel / Santiago hotel – airport.
• Water and hiking gear.

**ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY UNTIL THE MOMENT OF PURCHASE AND CHANGES WITHOUT NOTICE** Limited Availability to 14 pax. First come first served basis.

 This is a quotation only and is subject to availability as no reservations have been made. Because of the nature of hotels and the travel industry, it is not always possible to secure the hotels and lodges listed in the itinerary. Nomadic Totem will endeavor to secure the hotels listed in your itinerary. However, Nomadic Totem reserves the right to secure the next best available option or an upgrade in the event that the original hotels are not available or overbooked.  

BANK DATA (International wire transfers):

BENEFICIARY:                   NOMADIC TOTEM S.A. DE C.V.

Account Number for Wire Transfers:

CLABE:                                    002180701234651701

BANK NAME:                         CITIBANAMEX

BRANCH:                                7012 (Via Santa Fe, CDMX)

SWIFT CODE:                         BNMXMXMM

DATOS BANCARIOS (depósitos o transferencias en México):

BENEFICIARIO:                 NOMADIC TOTEM S.A. DE C.V.

BANCO:                                  CITIBANAMEX

SUCURSAL:                             7012 (Via Santa Fe, CDMX)

CUENTA No:                          000003465170

CLABE:                                    002180701234651701 (para Transferencia Interbancaria )

  * In case of payment by credit card, an additional charge of 4% must be considered, you will have to present the card on site (México City) at the time of the purchase*

by nomadic tótem  CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O

explore local. travel beyond www.nomadictotem.com

Everybody knows about the world-famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, but does everybody understand how it really works and where things are happening? Well here is how:

A word of history: Carnival is an ancient pagan feast that can be traced back to 4000 AD. Revived in Italy, it spread around the world and Brazil was no exception.
Carnival means: “goodbye to the flesh” and is the last festivity before the beginning of the 40-day Quaresma or Lent: 40 days without eating meat!
And of course, Brazil was able to turn this farewell happening into the biggest show on earth.

The carnival is commemorated all over Brazil, and though other cities like Salvador or Olinda, host important carnivals, being mainly  spontaneous gathering of people in the streets, contrary to these places, Rio exhibits a a big spectacle being televised worldwide.

Where:
And even though the street carnival or blocks in Rio are once again becoming just like the popular festival it once used to be, gathering UP TO tens of thousands of people in Copacabana and Ipanema, the main spectacle remains the carnival parade taking place in a specially constructed open air stadium, called the Sambodromo or Sambadrome, at about 15 km from Copacabana and Ipanema, in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

When:
The Carnival parades always start on the Saturday before Mardi Gras and officially ends on the Saturday after Mardi Gras. For 2019 this means from 02nd of March through 5th of March. The different participants, or Samba Schools, are organized in much the same way as soccer divisions: first comes the second division with the secondary groups (grupos de acesso). They will parade on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. Then comes the first division with the special groups or Grupos Especiais and they will parade on Sunday and Monday before Mardi Gras. On Mardi Gras, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday there are no parades. Every year the loser of the first division
will make place for the winner of the second division, and finally, Saturday after Mardi Gras, the 6 winning schools will have their final showdown during the Champions parade.

How:
Every day there are around 6 schools parading and every each of them takes around 1h30 to cover the 700 meter long Parading avenue of the Sambadrome. The parade starts around 20h00 and finishes in the early hours around 06h00.
Sambadrome seating and tickets

Seating:
The Sambadrome is divided in sectors. Each sector has a grand stand with free seating (concrete steps in fact), front boxes on the parade level (A,B,C and D) and finally covered suites or lounges. We recommend sectors 4 to 9, which offer the best views and generally sector 9 is used for the foreign visitors who wish numbered (concrete) seats.

Tickets:
Carnival tickets, as the rest during the carnival period, are not cheap. The good sectors/seats are expensive and the pricing works a little bit like the stock exchange market: the more demand the higher the prices and vice versa. This means that prices can change on a daily basis and the sooner you book the more chance you have to get good seats. It is not uncommon to have total sell out.

Lodging during Carnival
As throughout most of Brazil during the Carnival period, hotels in Rio de Janeiro apply a mandatory 4- or 5-night carnival package. These package are expensive and although some prices seem (and are effectively) absurd, all hotels during this period tend to be sold out completely. The packages are generally applied from Friday (01/03) before Mardi Gras until Wednesday after Mardi Gras (06/03). Some hotels offer discounts if you book a very long time in advance. Reservations are only made after 100% payment, and once the bill has been settled there will be NO REFUND!

Champions Parade, a cheap(er) alternative:
There is, though, a way around these expensive packages without missing the Carnival completely: The Champions Parade. This parade held on Saturday after Mardi Gras (9th of March for 2018) is nothing more than the 6 winning schools from the Special groups and the winning school from the secondary groups parading one last time. Most hotels don’t apply any special rates for this period. Those who do, apply a mandatory 2 night package, but at rates far below the expensive main carnival packages.

Parade and participate personally:
And of course you can also participate in the carnival and parade in the Sabadrome with the school of your choice.
The fees therefore start around 100 US per person and are limitless with the most famous positions generally occupied by personalities or socialites.

Incentive opportunities:
Needless to say that such an event is a perfect occasion for an incentive group in the sign of carnival. Plenty opportunities and possibilities there.

Safety:
Contrary to the popular believe, the carnival period in Rio de Janeiro is not a moment of erupting violence. People are rather relaxed and just want to have a good time: at which Brazilians are especially very good. Off course whenever you have big gathering of crowds it is important to be aware of your surroundings. The access
tickets we sell to the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome are all with transportation and guide included and therefore within the Sambadrome your passenger’s safety is assured.

Carnival is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should witness, like it or not, it will never again leave you! Get to try this once-in-a-lifetime event using the services of an expert:

https://casteloviagens.com.br