ON THE TRAIL OF TRUE 'CUE

North Carolina has not one, but two distinct styles of barbecue. And while traditional pitmasters are united in their passion for cooking over wood, the sauce is a matter of hot debate

Cream of the Crop

Plan your travels around harvest time and you'll not only get to taste the freshest ingredients, but you'll also gain a greater understanding of the local cuisine and culture. So, whether you're sampling seasonal menus, experiencing a feast or festival, or even getting hands on with a harvest, here's our pick of the crops worth getting to know - from Italian pumpkins and English apples to French lemons

ON THE HUNT

One of a handful of truffle farmers in the UK, Mike Collison grows the fungi in his Shropshire orchard, seeking them out with the help of his dog, Oscar

Manchester

A STRING OF CRE ATIVE NEW STAYS ARE DRIVING THE NORTHERN POWERHOUSE’S HOTEL SCENE

Power trip

THE REDEVELOPMENT OF BATTERSEA POWER STATION IS IN ITS FINAL PHASES. HERE'S THE LOWDOWN ON THE CAPITAL'S NEWEST AREA

SINGAPORE

The city-state's roster of award-winning drinking dens includes stellar hotel bars, sleek speakeasies and reimagined Chinatown shophouses. For a real taste of Singapore's spirit, there's no better introduction than its cocktail scene

CAIMANS, CAPYBARAS & VERY BIG CATS

THE SPRAWLING, HUMID PANTANAL WETLAND SUPPORTS ONE OF THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATIONS OF WILDLIFE IN SOUTH AMERICA AND THE WORLD'S GREATEST DENSITY OF JAGUARS. AIDED BY CONSERVATION PROJECTS, THE BIG CAT'S NUMBERS ARE INCREASING, MAKING SAFARI EXPERIENCES IN THIS WILD, WESTERN CORNER OF BRAZIL EVEN MORE REWARDING

BEAUTY IN THE BALANCE

An Eden for Africa’s most famous species, Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers unrivalled safari experiences, even in its dramatic rainy season. And with the ecosystem threatened by climate change, wildlife-monitoring projects are proving vital and offer travellers the chance to work alongside conservationists — all while camping under the stars

Italy COAST TO COAST

From the terraces of Cinque Terre to the azure waters of Puglia, the Italian coast encapsulates the very best of the country: rich culinary traditions, dramatic landscapes fragrant with lemons and ancient sites that bear witness to millennia of history. Whether you embark on a beachside getaway or head out on a thrilling road trip, there's a lifetime of experiences to be had on Italy's glittering shores

HOW I GOT THE SHOT

PHOTOGR APHER K AROLINA WIERCIGROCH ’S SHOOT FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE E XPLORED COLOMBIA’S COFFEE INDUSTRY IN THE VERDANT ZONA CAFETER A . SHE TAKES US BEHIND THE SCENES

WHY HAS HIRING A CAR BECOME SO COMPLICATED?

Recently, travellers have been arriving at their destination to find vehicles at exorbitant prices — or unavailable altogether. We look at what’s happening and how to get around it

Wales

In the east of the Brecon Beacons National Park are the mighty Black Mountains, straddling the border of Wales and England. It’s an area that’s often overlooked, but those who find their way here discover a region that belies its dark name: a greenscape of hills and valleys, home to thriving wildlife and passionate, forward-thinking communities

MEMPHIS

Barbecue may be king in the Tennessee city, but meat is only half of the story. Inspired by regional produce and the city’s love of soul food, creative chefs are putting new, plant-based spins on classic Southern fare

A New Dawn

A new era of travel is dawning across Africa. A truly special safari deepens our connection with the natural world, and the newest trips offer wildlife-watchers far more than just a twice-daily drive in a diesel truck. From cutting-edge lodges and innovative electric vehicles to hands-on conservation experiences and off-grid adventures in biodiverse landscapes, there's a raft of options for exhilarating, eco-minded trips that plug you into local culture

LAS VEGAS

Sin City is not all it seems. Beyond the intoxicating whirligig of casinos, concerts and costumed performers, local neighbourhoods are blooming with street art, while hiking trails offer desert vistas

EYRE PENINSULA

From kingfish to cockles, locals have enjoyed the bounty of South Australia's sparkling seas for decades. Now, a new generation is taking a sustainable approach to seafood — with mouth-watering results

VIENNA

Against an elegant backdrop of Habsburg palaces, the Austrian capital hosts a uniquely bohemian party scene. Come for the exceptional yet affordable wine, and stay for the off-beat cabaret, secret techno and arty bars

MEXICO

Stretching lazily along Mexico's Caribbean coast and ecompassing the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the lesser-visited Maya Ka'an region, on the Yucatán Peninsula, is renowned for its Maya ruins and cultural heritage. Today, Maya communities strive to protect the land and nurture ancient, sustainable crafts, from gum harvesting to rope making

Lava fields & LAKE SHORES

AT THE NORTHERN LIMITS OF PATAGONIA, A REALM OF HYPER-ACTIVE VOLCANOES AND GLASSY LAGOONS OFFERS SOME OF CHILE'S MOST ELEMENTAL EXPERIENCES, FROM ASH-STREWN HIKES TO WHITE-KNUCKLE WHITEWATER RAFTING. THE LAKE DISTRICT, AS IT'S KNOWN, MARRIES THIS DRAMA WITH A DEEP TRANQUILLITY, REVEALED THROUGH MEETINGS WITH THE INDIGENOUS MAPUCHE PEOPLE

MAKING WAVES

WITH AN ARRAY OF DESTINATIONS, SHIPS AND PRICES, AN ADVENTURE CRUISE OFFERS THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A LOCATION FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE, IN THE COMPANY OF EXPERTS.

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Decamp from the frenetic Thai capital with Bangkok's fashionable set, discovering up-and-coming rural retreats around Khao Yai National Park and the ruins of Ayutthaya -blossoming, variously, with new boutique boltholes, contemporary art galleries and vineyard experiences

BARCELONA

Since being thrust into the spotlight when it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has become of the world's most charismatic cities. Its hotel scene has witnessed a similar rise, characterised by design-minded properties that range from high-end luxury pads to chic, affordable boltholes. Not that you have to head miles out of town to bag a bargain - most hotels are concentrated around the Gothic Quarter and the famous promenade Las Ramblas, or the Eixample, a neighbourhood of tree-lined avenues, chic boutiques, and some of Europe's most show-stopping architecture to boot.

IS VENICE'S TOURIST TAX A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

In a bid to tackle overtourism, the city is set to charge day-trippers a 'tourist tax' of up to €10 in 2023. But what does this mean for travellers, and will other destinations follow suit?

Bearing fruit

WHETHER IT'S FRESH STRAWBERRIES OR JUICY PLUMS, SUMMER FRUITS ARE A TRUE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON, GRACING PIES, PASTRIES, DRINKS, DESSERTS AND EVEN STEWS.

Chanterelles

SIMPLICITY IS KEY WHEN PREPARING THESE GOLDEN WILD MUSHROOMS.

EDINBURGH

From a tiramisu-profiterole hybrid to a whisky-soaked baba, the Scottish capital is serving up some memorable dishes

Herring

PERFECT WHEN PICKLED AND OFTEN EATEN EITHER IN A SALAD OR RAW, THIS TASTY FISH IS GOOD FOR MUCH MORE THAN MAKING KIPPERS

JOLLOF RICE

Variations on this West African spiced rice dish abound, but slow cooking and a perfect base are key.

On the menu

FROM A STRAWBERRY MACARON GLACÉ TO OYSTERS WITH BLUEBERRIES, SUMMER FRUITS ARE SERVED UP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS ON MENUS WORLDWIDE

ON THE WATERFRONT

Whether from Bordeaux or Marlborough, coastal wines are often crisper and fresher than their inland counterparts.