Ellen Himelfarb

Beaches. What more needs to be said? They’re picture-perfect definitions of paradise, stunning spots of land where the only demand is a place to lie down (and a decent bit of sunscreen coverage, of course). There is a unifying feel to the these places that is readily apparent, but no two beaches are the same. Nature just doesn’t do it like that. Secret coves are every bit as magical as more famous contemporaries, textbook tropical paradises the equal of urban equivalents. Beaches are magnificent things, and these are the best this beautiful planet has to offer. RECOMMENDED: ✅ Our full guide to the best things to do in the world in 2022🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world🤿 The 11 most beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK

Summer's over, Halloween's been and gone, and the hours of daylight are shrinking. Luckily, there's still something to celebrate before the year is out. That's right, it's time to stick on Mariah Carey and start dreaming of glühwein and tinsel. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, after all, and the best Christmas markets in Europe are spectacular celebrations of all things festive. That they cover every corner of the continent from Tallinn to Seville is the cherry on top.Are cherries festive? That doesn’t matter so much. What matters is getting in the festive spirit, and planning a trip to Bruges to sample pralines in an ancient shop is a guaranteed moodsetter. Europe's towns come alive in the winter as quaint squares and streets are filled with old-fashioned stalls and twinkling lights, transforming the continent into a festive wonderland.