Some might think that a trip around the southern states of America means that the seaside is not part of the plan. Not so. The Gulf Coast has often so much to offer, from great seafood, sandy beaches, history, sports, and entertainment.

I travelled to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and enjoyed the high-octane energy of the storied port city of Biloxi and the sun-dappled, bohemian charm of the artsy village of Ocean Springs.

This heady combo meant I got a taste of the Southern coast, moving from the recent history and maritime tradition to a modern, thriving culinary and nightlife scene. 

Biloxi: Sails, Struggle, and Seafood 

Biloxi is a city built on the water, defined by a skyline that contrasts the glittering towers of casino resorts with the silhouettes of historic lighthouses. To get a greater understanding of Biloxi, start at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.

Located right on the beach, this facility serves as a glass-walled monument to the era when Biloxi was known as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” 

Maritime Seafood Museum, Biloxi

The museum illustrates the history of the unique Biloxi Schooner, the “White Winged Queens”, that once dominated the Mississippi Sound. These shallow-draft vessels were engineering marvels, designed to navigate the oyster reefs and back bays with grace and speed. You can also find out about famous Biloxi citizens, such as Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, who lived at Beauvoir in Biloxi after the Civil War and Fred Haise, astronaut on the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, who was born and raised in the city. 

However, the beauty of Biloxi’s beaches carries a pivotal chapter of the American Civil Rights movement. Between 1959 and 1963, Dr Gilbert Mason led a series of “Wade-Ins” to protest the segregation of the public beaches. What began as a peaceful act of resistance was met with violent opposition, eventually leading to federal intervention that desegregated the shoreline. That this happened not that long ago, the ocean breeze feels different when you realise that the simple right to touch the water was a hard-won victory. 

For a taste of the city’s more indulgent history, I visited Mary Mahoney’s Old French House. Set in one of the oldest homes in America (built circa 1737), the restaurant is a labyrinth of exposed brick, pine floors, and white linen. Under the shade of the “Patriarch,” a 2,000-year-old live oak tree, I dined in the same courtyard and chose from the same menu of gumbo and crab claws that presidents and celebrities have enjoyed since 1964. 

Gambling is popular in Biloxi

Gambling is popular, and there is a plethora of hotel casinos hugging the shoreline offering a diverse mix of 24-hour Las Vegas-style action—including thousands of modern slot machines and high-stakes table games. There are also luxury amenities like championship golf courses, award-winning seafood buffets, and world-class spa resorts.

If it’s not your schtick, and it’s not mine, then don’t worry, more prosaic activities are a short ride away. 

Ocean Springs: The Bohemian Heartbeat 

Just across Biloxi Bay Bridge lies Ocean Springs, a town that feels more like an artist’s colony than a typical beach destination. I arrived on a Sunday lunchtime at the far end of the main street and at first thought this was a nice, sleepy alternative to Biloxi’s 24-hour-a-day casino life.

In some respects, I was bang on, but as I ventured further towards the village centre, I soon realised that this place was hootching. Numerous bars and restaurants were overflowing with good-natured, happy people enjoying fine food and live music.

All this without losing the intimate, walkable, and charming vibe. The downtown area is a lush canopy of oaks draped in Spanish moss, sheltering a dense concentration of galleries, boutiques, and entertainment. On Sunday afternoon, it was busy, but as the sun set, Ocean Springs transformed into the Gulf Coast’s premier entertainment hub.

The “cottage-style” architecture of the downtown area houses a sophisticated bar scene that ranges from speakeasies to blues joints. At The Wilbur, a hidden gem inside The Roost hotel, craft cocktails are served in a space that feels like a Prohibition-era sanctuary. For a more raucous evening, Mosaic Tapas Bar and The Beer House offer global flavours and live music almost every night of the week. 

Vestige fine dining in Ocean Springs

The culinary diversity is staggering for a small town. You can find award-nominated innovation at Vestige, where Japanese techniques meet Southern ingredients, or go casual at The Lady May, famous for its outdoor patio and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

Whether you are grabbing a burger at Government Street Grocery or enjoying a refined Mediterranean meal at Phoenicia, the town pulses with a “joie de vivre” that encourages you to linger long after your meal is finished. I lingered and on consecutive nights, gave into the lure of a large  Kilwins Vanilla Ice Cream cone to distract me on the walk back to the hotel. It’s not a local ice cream, but it is delicious.  

A combined stay in these two coastal neighbours provides Biloxi’s maritime and civil rights history, followed by the colourful, spirited, and undeniably lively atmosphere of Ocean Springs. It is a journey from the deep roots of the past to the vibrant, beating heart of the modern South. 

FACT FILE

STAY:  OS Hotel in Government Street, Ocean Springs, where rooms start at £130 per night for a double. 

TOURS:  America As You Like It offers tours of coastal Mississippi.

GET THERE: Fly to Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. Virgin Atlantic offer regular flights to Jackson via Atlanta – Jackson is a two and a half hour drive from Biloxi.

Car Parking in the UK APH Airport Parking

The post Biloxi & Ocean Springs – a perfect Mississippi combo appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

For a really special outing, OVO Cirque du Soleil at London’s Royal Albert Hall is a unique night to remember. With spectacular acrobatics and unbelievable feats of movement, the performance will have you on the seat of your chair – each act more audacious than the last.

This year’s show, set against a striking visual backdrop of giant flowers and a towering 19-meter climbing wall, brings to life the colourful world of insects – crickets, ants, butterflies, spiders, beetles, and more. Identifying them is part of the fun with some, such as the elongated green crickets, and the yellow and black striped bees easier to guess than others.

The set design has been changed from the original in 2009. Some of the original characters remain but there are now new acts, added costumes and reinvented music, including high-energy Brazilian-inspired soundtracks. OVO, egg in Portuguese, Cirque du Soleil brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts redefining the limits of the human body, undeniably executed by double-jointed artists.

The cast of fifty-three acrobats and musicians perform breathtaking acts like aerial silks, Chinese poles, trampoline wall, contortion, foot juggling, cradle, and slackwire. It is difficult to say which act is the best as each one is different and spellbinding. For me, the most hair-raising, in the second half, is the trapeze performance executed high up in the auditorium, where numerous performers swing and twirl between three landing stages.

Acrobats

It’s not just the aerobics that are beyond belief; cricket acrobats bounce up the trampoline wall in just one go. Each act brings something different, but whatever it is, the artists manoeuvre themselves into positions that seem impossible.  From a spider contorting herself inside her web to another balancing on a tightrope.

Inter-twinned within the performance is a rather absurd love story between a quirky fly and a spirited ladybug which unfolds around a mysterious egg. To my mind, it is unnecessary, and I wonder why they incorporated such nonsense into an otherwise exceptional evening.

Cirque du Soleil exudes extraordinary showmanship – a performance like no other. Comprised in its entirety of 100 people from 25 different countries, it is so unique that once seen, it will be remembered forever.

Ovo Cirque du Soleil is on until 1^st March 2026.

Running from Tuesday to Sunday, performances are approximately two hours long with an interval. Worth noting that times and days of performances vary.

• Tuesdays at 7.30pm 
• Wednesdays at 7.30pm 
• Thursdays at 7.30pm 
• Fridays at 3.30pm (except 9/1) and 7.30pm
• Saturdays at 11.30am (except 10/1 & 7/2), 3.30pm and 7.30pm
• Sundays at 1.30pm & 5.30pm (01/3 at 11.30am & 3.30pm)

Address: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP.  royallberthall.com

The post A Once in a Lifetime Spectacular OVO Cirque du Soleil reviewed appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Last month, I quietly celebrated 16 years since I became a full-time travel blogger, which feels a little surreal.

When I started back in 2010, blogging wasn’t a “thing.” Social media barely existed, influencer marketing wasn’t a concept, and most of us were still tearing pages out of guidebooks and stumbling our way through new destinations, a beautifully messy era of travel I still feel deeply nostalgic for.

The travel industry has changed in ways I never could have predicted — and I’ve had to change with it, pivoting more times than I can count.

Over the years, there’s one question I get asked more than any other: What is your favorite destination? Not just where I’ve been, but the destinations that stayed with me. The ones that shaped how I see the world, how I photograph it, and how I tell stories about it.

This question always catches me off guard, so I finally sat down to answer it for myself.

Below is a collection of the most photogenic places I’ve visited in 16 years as a professional travel blogger — destinations that left a lasting imprint on me both creatively and personally.

I want to be clear: this list isn’t about chasing picture-perfect highlights.

I’ve found myself increasingly frustrated with travel content that prioritizes chasing the “next undiscovered place” or going viral over truly experiencing a place. I’ve seen firsthand how that kind of attention has changed the places I once loved. My hope with this list isn’t to chase trends, but to encourage more intentional travel that honors the places we visit rather than consuming them.

If you’re looking for inspiration, dreaming up your next trip, or just curious about the places that shaped this journey, I hope this list gives you a glimpse into the destinations that have meant the most to me.

The Most Photogenic Places I’ve Ever Visited

These places aren’t here because they photographed well once. They’re here because they have consistently delivered. Some surprised me. Some challenged me. Some I’ve returned to more than once because they keep revealing new layers. If you’re planning your own trip, I’ve included links to read my in-depth posts on each destination.

1. South Lake Tahoe

Tahoe is one of those rare places that works year-round. Summer brings crystal-clear alpine water and stunning hikes, while winter turns the landscape into something quieter and more dramatic. Sunrise and sunset light here can be unreal, especially along the eastern shore.

Growing up an hour from South Lake Tahoe — and later calling it home — shaped my connection to this place. It’s a destination I hope to keep returning to throughout my lifetime.

Read more: South Lake Tahoe in Summer: Things to Do, Where to Stay & More

2. Big Sur, California

Big Sur rewards patience. Fog, shifting light, and winding roads are part of the experience. Some days you’ll barely see the coastline at all — and those often become the most atmospheric, when the cliffs emerge slowly and the landscape feels moody and cinematic.

While I typically prefer to camp when visiting Big Sur, there are some amazing hotels along this coastline — Ventana Big Sur being one of the best (and the most extravagant).

Tip: Give yourself time here, don’t overpack your itinerary, and be willing to pull over often.

Read more: The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

3. British Virgin Islands

The BVIs are best experienced by boat. Island-hopping by sailboat or catamaran gives you access to quieter beaches, snorkeling spots, and anchorages you’ll never reach otherwise.

Tip: Avoid peak season if you can — shoulder months still offer great weather with fewer boats crowding popular moorings.

4. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten, Norway feels almost unreal — jagged peaks and tiny villages perched between sea and mountain. Summer brings the midnight sun; winter brings northern lights.

Tip: Renting a car is essential. Distances look short on a map, but weather and winding roads slow everything down.

Read more: Lofoten Islands Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip

5. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen sits in a glacial valley surrounded by sheer cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. It’s stunning in photos, yes — but it’s also an ideal base for exploring nearby alpine villages.

Tip: Stay overnight. Day-trippers miss the calm that settles in early morning and evening.

Read more: How to Plan a Trip to Switzerland on a Budget

6. Moorea, French Polynesia

I’ve visited Moorea multiple times, and even after finally making it to Bora Bora, it remains my favorite island in French Polynesia. Dramatic volcanic peaks rise straight from the lagoon, and the snorkeling is excellent even right off shore.

Tip: Rent a car or scooter to explore beyond your resort — this island rewards curiosity.

Read more: Moorea On A Budget: An In-Depth Travel Guide

7. Alberta, Canada

From Banff to Jasper, Alberta delivers scale. Glacial lakes like Moraine and Peyto change color depending on light and season, and wildlife sightings are common.

Tip: Go early in the day for popular stops and consider shoulder season to avoid tour bus congestion.

Read more: The 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta, Canada

8. Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria balances alpine scenery with cultural depth. You’ll find castles, mountain towns, and hiking trails all within short distances.

Tip: Base yourself in a smaller town if you want easier access to nature and fewer crowds.

Read more: Lake Eibsee, Germany: How To Plan Your Trip

9. St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s landscape is dramatic — steep jungle, volcanic peaks, and deep blue water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Tip: Choose accommodations carefully; driving here can be slow due to narrow, winding roads.

Read more: This Caribbean Island Is About To Be The Next Big Thing

10. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is undeniably popular, but it earns its reputation. The key is timing. Early mornings and evenings are quieter, and hiking between villages offers a different perspective than trains alone.

Tip: Stay in one village rather than hopping around.

Read more: Cinque Terre Accommodation Guide: Top Hotels & Towns to Stay In

11. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai feels more rugged and less polished than some other Hawaiian islands. From the Na Pali Coast to Waimea Canyon, it’s a place for hikers, swimmers, and early risers.

Tip: Plan activities around weather — rain showers are frequent but often brief.

Read more: Where To Stay in Kauai: Hotel & Location Guide

12. Iceland

Iceland’s landscapes are stark and powerful — waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches.

Tip: Don’t overpack your itinerary. Weather delays and long drives are common, and the best moments often come unexpectedly.

Read more: The Best Places to Visit in Iceland: What to Do & Where to Go

13. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are calm in a way that’s increasingly rare. Life moves slower here, and that’s part of the appeal.

Tip: Plan fewer activities and lean into the rhythm — lagoon swims, local food, and quiet evenings.

Read more: Complete Cook Islands Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

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The post The Most Photogenic Places I’ve Ever Visited appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Melbourne didn’t become a food city by declaring itself one. It went the slow way – migrants cooking the food they missed, cafés opening because someone needed a job, restaurants evolving because regulars demanded better. Because of this, the city’s restaurant culture doesn’t just keep you well fed; it acts as a kind of guided tour to the southern hemisphere’s most marvellous metropolis.

So if you’re visiting for the first time, follow these restaurants and the geography reveals itself – suburb by suburb, mood by mood, appetite by appetite. By the time you leave, you’ll feel like you know where to go without needing to ask.

Studio Amaro, Collingwood – Day-to-Night Dining with Italian Flair

Set among the vintage, thrift and antique stores of Collingwood, Studio Amaro mirrors the neighbourhood’s split personality: industrious by day, hedonistic by night. Upstairs, the restaurant serves confident Italian sharing dishes; downstairs, the DJ booth hums Thursday to Saturday, and the room fills with people who look like they planned to stay for one drink and failed.

On weekends, it’s worth booking your day around their bottomless brunch Piatti menu — a set spread with endless focaccia and drinks. The whipped ricotta and preserved zucchini stand out among the plates, but the real pleasure is how naturally the meal slides from lunch into evening. Very Collingwood. studioamaro.au

Yum Sing House, CBD Laneways – Fine Food, Salubrious Sing-alongs

Some nights in Melbourne don’t need a plan. Yum Sing House is built for exactly that. Tucked down a CBD laneway on the edge of Chinatown, the ground-floor restaurant delivers refined Asian cooking with a sense of humour – prawn toast and Omni meat wontons that look like Instagram bait but taste far better than they need to, and a roast duck glazed with caramelised orange and soy that borders on dessert before you even get to the Ma Lai Gao with Hong Kong milk tea anglaise and boba.

The room downstairs is polished but never stiff – come on a Tuesday and you might roll the house’s lucky dice and have your bill wiped. Upstairs, things loosen considerably: an open-plan bar, DJs, and karaoke rooms named after Hong Kong neighbourhoods, available for private dining or unapologetic group singalongs.  yumsinghouse.com

Officina Gastronomica Italiana, Hawksburn Village, Prahan – Understated Local Luxuries

Hawksburn Village runs on routine: morning dog walks, afternoon coffees, dinners that start early and end politely. OGI is woven into that rhythm. It began life as an espresso bar before doubling in size, but the spirit never shifted.

The pasta arrives exactly as it should — confident, unshowy, made by someone who has done this thousands of times and doesn’t need applause. Sit under the pergola and watch locals greet each other mid-sentence while you work through the slow-braised wagyu beef ragù rigatoni, their undisputed champion dish. This is Melbourne’s Italian culture where it actually lives: suburban, daily, quietly excellent, and well worth the tram ride. ogi.com.au

New Quarter, Richmond – Vietnamese Variations Before a Big Night Out

Richmond is where old and new Melbourne constantly negotiate. New Quarter sits right at that intersection, along Swan Street’s hip strip, a few paces from the iconic Corner Hotel music venue and not far from the sports precinct and its old-world gravity.

This Neo-Vietnamese kitchen pulls off a rare trick: innovating a much-loved cuisine without losing what makes it so comforting. Slider-style snacks dominate — rockling scallop in brioche with mint and caviar, a banh mi finger with whipped chicken liver pâté, even a fried chicken sando that nods toward Japan. You may be full before mains arrive. It’s not trying to shock — it’s simply showing what Vietnamese food looks like when it grows up in Melbourne. newquarter.com.au

Pipis North, Fitzroy – Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time

Fitzroy loves things that won’t last: pop-up bars, half-formed bands, doomed romances, and aesthetics that feel urgent precisely because everyone knows they’re temporary. Pipis North understands this and leans in – it closes at the end of February.

Enter via Victoria Street, grab a seat if you can, and order seafood that tastes like summer regardless of the weather. Oysters, small plates, and wines chosen because they work, not because they’re famous. People drop in “for one” and stay for three. When it disappears, you’ll tell people you were there – and if you miss it, there’s always the slightly more permanent older sibling, the much-loved Pipis Kiosk in Albert Park. pipiskiosk.com.au

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