Experts explain why it’s worth trying this October

Last week, while I was putting together a list of photography tips for our Patreon readers—which, as always, included a photography quote—the first thing that came to mind were the words of Professor Ján Šmok: “The photographer’s best friend is the trash can.” That might have something to do with the fact that I finally started culling my photos from Ecuador and the Galápagos.

The finest travel brands from across the Caribbean and North America have been honoured at the World Travel Awards (WTA) in Saint Lucia. The industry elite gathered on the paradise island for the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025 to discover who amongst them had been crowned the best of the best.

The red carpet evening, hosted at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, marked the third leg of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025 – a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations.

The breadth and depth of Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings were reinforced with two key awards: the majestic island was named ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Destination’. Turks & Caicos was voted ‘Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination’. The Bahamas took the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination’. Jamaica emerged triumphed as ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’, as well as ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Manar Abu Dhabi will once again illuminate the archipelagos, mangroves, and oases of Abu Dhabi from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this public light art exhibition aims to inspire creativity and celebrate the emirate’s unique natural landscapes.