Destinations worthy of
Samuel Johnson had it right all along: ‘‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’’ Because London is life. It teems with history and modernity, charm and swagger, tradition and innovation. You never get bored with it.
The first time
Do the cliches: visit the Tower of London, go to the top of the Shard, see Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, head to the Tate Modern and do a loop on the London Eye.
The second time
This is the chance to visit a few more museums and galleries, the likes of the Natural History Museum and National Portrait Gallery; spend a night in the crowded bars of Soho; wander markets like Borough and Spitalfields; and enjoy the city’s many parks.
The third time and beyond
Now, spread your wings. See street art in Shoreditch; watch a band play in Camden; soak up alternative culture in Brixton; drink in the bars of Dalston. Alternatively, window shop in Mayfair and Knightsbridge. See visitbritain.com for more. Though I’ve chosen Kruger, the famous South African game park, this could apply to any African wildlife reserve. The safari experience just gets under your skin: there’s a romance to it, a unique beauty, and a fundamental truth that no two days will ever be the same.
The first time
On your first safari you want safety, you want ease, and you want to see the ‘‘Big Five’’. For that reason, Tinga Lodge (classicsafaricompany.com.au) is ideal, a luxury tented camp on a private concession with highly trained guides and great facilities.
The second time
Get more adventurous and embark on a self-drive 4WD trip, departing from Johannesburg. Spend a few nights at one of Kruger’s main campsites, such as Lower Sabie, then go a little rougher at a bushveld camp such as Shimuwini.
The third time and beyond
You’ve experienced Kruger from a safari vehicle and a car – this time, explore the park on foot. Several companies offer walking safaris led by experienced and armed guides, who provide truly memorable experiences. See southafrica.net The home of Gaudi, the bastion of tapas culture, the Mediterranean city that buzzes with cosmopolitan life: it’s easy to love Barcelona, and it’s easy to want to return. This is a city that rewards those who know it well, with plenty of secrets to uncover.
The first time
Check out Antoni Gaudi’s most famous works, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Shop for goodies at La Boqueria market, eat at Albert Adria’s Bodega 1900, and catch an FC Barcelona game at the Nou Camp.
The second time
Visit markets such as Sant Antoni, and the Fira de Nautumismo. Spend time in the up-and-coming Poble Sec neighbourhood, and do a Catalan cuisine cooking course.
The third time and beyond
Take a day trip north to Girona for icecream at the famous Rocambolesc. Head up to Tibidabo for Barca’s best views, and see lesser-known Gaudi buildings such as Casa Mila and Casa Battlo. See barcelonaturisme.com Anyone who has children will already be nodding their head. Yes, Fiji. This is the land of the ever-reliable babysitter, a country where kids are kings, and you can choose to take the little ones out adventuring with you or leave them behind in perfect care.
The first time
Keep it classic, with a resort stay by the beach. Go snorkelling, go scuba-diving, roam white-sand beaches or relax with a cocktail around an infinity pool.
The second time
Get a little more adventurous with white-water rafting on the Upper Navua River, a jet-boat safari from Sigatoka, and maybe even a shark dive off the Coral Coast. Or, explore outposts such as the Lau Islands.
The third time and beyond
Get to know the real Fiji with a village stay. Here, you’ll get to go hunting and gathering with locals, drink kava in a traditional ceremony and spend the night in a typical Fijian house. See fiji.travel It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here once, or you’ve been a hundred times: there’s never a dull moment in Tokyo. There’s no shortage of amazing, mind-boggling things to see and do, restaurants and bars to try, people to watch.
The first time
Stay in Asakusa, the city’s most historic neighbourhood, see Sensoji temple, go to the top of the Skytree, and shop for kitchen goodies on Kappabashi-dori. Head across to Shibuya to see the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
The second time
Base yourself in Shinjuku, from where you can explore Tokyo’s best nightlife and shop until you drop. This is also a chance to visit a depachika, one of the amazing food halls in Tokyo department stores.
The third time and beyond
Time to experience the Tokyo that locals know by