Vicky Waller

11/12/2022

Chicago
Why we go: From its European-inspired Christkindlmarket to light shows galore, Chicago knows a thing or two about embracing the Christmas spirit (and the freezing temperatures). Can’t-miss activities include visiting the 55-foot Christmas tree in Millennium Park and cozying up in a heated igloo at The Godfrey Hotel.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Be dazzled by 2.5 million LEDs at ZooLights (now through January 1), an annual light festival held at Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the event’s calendar for sensory-friendly visit times.

Stay here: Fresh off a $100 million renovation, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago guarantees the most luxurious stay in the town—especially if you book a suite overlooking Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. Be sure to book a festive afternoon tea or five-course winter truffle dinner at the delicious on-site restaurant, Torali.

11/12/2022

Cape Town
Why we go: If you’re looking to escape winter during Christmas, you can't do much better than Cape Town—it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, after all. You can even visit one (or several) of the South African city’s holiday markets without having to wear a coat and scarf.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: They’re not exactly Santa’s elves, but the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 African penguins at Boulders Beach—where you can get close enough to take portrait-mode photos of them—are sure to warm your heart just the same.

Stay here: The light and breezy rooms sitting above the Atlantic Ocean at Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa are the perfect antidotes to the winter blues.

08/10/2022

08/10/2022

The Student Hotel Florence
Offering great facilities, a young vibe and a location that is in easy reach of the central sights, the well-priced Student Hotel is not just for students. Occupying an entire corner block on the ring road that circles the west of the city center, the spot burst onto the scene in 2018. The 19th-century building (20,000 square meters of ex-office space incorporating a spacious courtyard garden ) houses both long-term student accommodation and hotel rooms whose keen prices attract a real mix of savvy backpackers, older independent travelers, families and hip young business folk. The bars and restaurants also attract locals who don’t want to battle with the traffic and parking problems in the centro storico. The neighborhood sits northwest of the city center, an area of imposing 19th century palazzi (mostly converted into business premises), swirling traffic, and few residents, but it’s only two tram stops from Santa Maria Novella train station from where there is easy access to everything you will want to see and do.