conde nast travel seoul

Conrad Seoul South Korea

Conrad Seoul 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro (Yeouido), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07326, Korea https://www.conradseoul.co.kr/hub/ko/main.do

HOTEL INFORMATION

Shareholders, date of creation.

November 12, 2012

Hotel General Manager:

Mark Meaney: Area General Manager of Hilton Korea

Hotel Positioning

5-star Luxury hotel, Conrad

Conrad Seoul

History & story.

Conrad Seoul was first opened on November 12, 2012 and was selected as Asia’s Best Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, a world-class travel destination for two years in a row, offering a new level of luxury experience through sophisticated service.

Development Strategy

Date renovation, date added extansions, main strengths, special touch.

With stimulating and inspiring banquet facilities, exotic restaurants and a high-end wellness center, Conrad Seoul will be a special place for each guest to find inspiration beyond a simple stay.

Conrad Seoul is conveniently connected to IFC Mall, which houses a multiplex movie theater, fashion brands, and a variety of restaurants and cultural facilities. More than a hotel, Conrad Seoul is a landmark, boasting 434 luxurious, panoramic guestrooms.

Conrad Seoul is the closest luxury hotel to Incheon and Gimpo International Airport, in addition to being located in Yeouido, which is called ‘Korea’s Wall Street’. With easy access to the two subway lines (Lines 5 and 9) and the bus transfer center, it is easy to access downtown Seoul and other parts of the city.

HOTEL FEATURES

Accommodation.

• Number of suites: King Corner Suite: 22ea / King Corner Suite Executive: 25ea Grand King Corner Suite – 96 sqm : Boasting an astonishing 96 square meters of space, the Premium Corner Suite is the most spacious suite in its class in Seoul. Not only is it located on a high floor, but it is located at both corners of the hotel, so you can enjoy the beautiful Yeouido Park and the city center view that spreads 180 degrees. A separate living room, a bedroom with a comfortable king size bed and a spacious bathroom with ‘Byredo’ bath amenities are conveniently located. Wi-Fi and a Nespresso brand espresso machine are provided. Grand King Executive Corner Suite – 96 Sqm : It boasts an incomparable size of 96 square meters, which is doubly spacious in the same class. It is located on a high floor where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Han River at a glance. You can freely enjoy breakfast, various beverage services, evening snacks and cocktails at the Executive Lounge, which is open all day. A luxurious king-size bed, a separate shower and bathtub, and ‘Byredo’ bath amenities are provided, and Wi-Fi and a Nespresso brand espresso machine are provided.

• Number of Luxury rooms: Conrad Suite: 2ea / Penthouse: 1ea Conrad Suite – 144 sqm : The 144-square-meter Conrad Suite, which overlooks the Seoul skyline and the Han River, exudes its luxury and magnificence in every way. The luxuriously designed interior is divided into a separate living room, dining area, bedroom and luxurious bathroom. You can use the mini bar and Wi-Fi for free, and you can freely enjoy breakfast, various beverage services, evening snacks and cocktails in the all-day executive lounge. Conrad Penthouse – 288 sqm The Conrad Penthouse is the pinnacle of a suite for dignified guests, a so-called Presidential Suite, boasting the ultimate in luxury. It is divided into a comfortable guest room with the best view, a luxurious and elegantly decorated living room, a dining area, an office space, a dressing room, and a bar to meet the lifestyle needs of the VIP. All the benefits of the executive floor are included, including free mini-bar and Wi-Fi service. It grants the privileges of the VIPs and sets a new benchmark for the penthouse’s reputation.

• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: Rooms: 434ea (King: 305ea , Twin: 129ea) Amenity: Byredo bulk amenity for reducing plastic, Individual climate control, Large desk space Mini-bar, Nespresso coffee machine in all rooms, Open-plan bathroom featuring twin vanities Rain shower and free-standing bathtub, LCD TV in all bathrooms, Accessible facilities.

• Biggest spiral staircase at Lobby. • Nearby Yeouido Park and Han River Park where you can enjoy outdoor activities. • Linked with IFC mall and The Hyundai mall which is the biggest retail mall in Seoul. • Photo zone with Conrad bear which get changed their clothes by seasons. • Live jazz performance at Vvertigo where is the rooftop restaurants.

Children’s Corner

Kid package name: Conrad Barista Kids Package Concept: Sweet Home Cafe made with your kids own hands with home café kit Including:1 Night Accommodation, Breakfast for 3 (2 adults + 1 kid), Conrad Junior Tent, Kesb Home Café Kit, Conrad Barista Certificate, Conrad Coloring Book & Pencil, Conrad Duck

Restaurants & Bars

• 37 Grill & Bar : Authentic grill restaurant with a stylish and comfortable atmosphere that offers the best atmosphere and taste with extraordinary views • Atrio : A stunning high-ceilinged dining room and high passion for authentic Italian cuisine • Zest : Show kitchens and cooking stations serving up fabulous creations. Buffet all day, every day. • Flames : Relax and savor fine wines or gourmet coffee or tea, enjoy a tasty snack. Escape the city. • 10G : A cozy and contemporary café serving fresh, light gourmet food and drink. Dine-in or take-out. • VVertigo : An outdoor sky lounge for an evening of cocktails and drinks, dining and live music.

• Pulse 8: PULSE8 is designed to promote your health and relax in a comfortable space, with the motif of a deep-rooted tree and ginkgo tree, a symbol of health and treatment in Korea that boasts greenery even in harsh cities. With modern GYM with professional trainers and top-notch exercise equipment, a swimming pool in the natural sunlight and a sauna with a comfortable rest area, PULSE 8 is, above all, a fitness club centered on the members themselves.

• Conrad Spa : Conrad Spa, where you can enjoy both well-being and luxury at the same time, is located on the 9th floor and has a private treatment room, so you can relax in your own space. From start to finish, a variety of additional services is available for a complete customized service that makes your experience at Conrad Spa even more special.

Corporate & Celebrations events

• It covers total of 2,562 square meters of meeting and banquet space across three floors, including two volume venues; Grand ballroom and Park ballroom with LED screen and a small banquet hall, called Studio, suitable for hybrid events. Experience the unique venue of Conrad Seoul, including the venue of big window glass with a panoramic view of Yeouido.

Extra Notables Features

• Golf: The PULSE8 Golf Zone, which has a total of seven private practice ranges and putting zones, can also be used as a left-handed range, and has lessons from professional golf trainers

Hotel and Restaurant Awards 2021

• Forbes Travel Guide – Recommended Properties • TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards – Top 25 hotels in south Korea • World Mice Awards – South Korea’s Best Mice Hotel 2021 • World Travel Awards – South Korea’s Leading Hotel 2021 & South Korea’s Leading Hotel Suite 2021

• World Luxury Awards (Hotel&Spa) – World Luxury Spa Hotel (2020) • World Travel Awards – South Korea’s Leading Hotel (2020) / Asia’s Leading Luxury City Hotel (2019) • Wolrd MICE Awards – South Korea’s Best MICE Hotel 2020 • Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards – 7th place in Asia (2nd place in South Korea) • Forbes Travel Guide – Recommended Properties

Number of Employees

Around 400 employees

Conrad Seoul 콘래드 서울

• +82-2-6137-7000

The five-star Conrad Seoul, selected as one of the ‘Best New Hotels’ by Conde Nast Traveler, a world-renowned travel magazine, offers the top-class service and for the best customer experience. Strategically located in a core business district of Yeouido, Conrad Seoul is one of the four pillar buildings of the IFC (International Finance Center) Seoul. The building is directly accessible underground from Yeouido Subway Station. Conrad Seoul has 434 guest rooms with an open, refreshing atmosphere, picturesque views, and are equipped with Apple digital devices. The hotel also houses a Grand Ballroom, restaurants which offer diverse gourmet cuisines and a top-notch wellness center.

Utilization information

・Check-In Time : 15:00

・Check-Out Time : 12:00

・Guestroom Kitchen : Not accepted

・Restaurants : Atrio (Italian restaurant), Zest (buffet restaurant), 37 Grill & Bar, Flames, The executive lounge

・Information : • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-6137-7000

・Parking Facilities : Available at the basement parking lot (valet parking service)

・Pickup Services : Available

・Number of Rooms : 434 rooms

・Reservations : Tel: +82-2-6137-7000 / http://www.conradseoul.co.kr

・Reservations : http://www.conradseoul.co.kr

・Type/Class : Deluxe / premium / executive / corner suite / executive suite / conrad suite / penthouse suite (* Please check details from the official website.)

・Structure Size : 38 stories

Reservation

Conrad seoul reservation.

[Subway] Get off at Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5 & 9), Exit 3. Take your first right from the hotel will be at the end of the road on the left. The Conrad Hotel is also connected via the subway station and the IFC Mall via an underground passage. [Bus] From Incheon International Airport, take Airport Bus 6030 (runs every 20-30 min / travel time: approx. 50 min / operating hour: 6:20-23:00) at Incheon Airport Bus Stop 10A. Get off at IFC Seoul/Conrad Hotel Bus Stop.

Seoul International Finance Center, 10, Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Traffic information

• Subway Line 5 Yeouido (여의도）- 464.8m
• Subway Line 9 Yeouido (여의도）- 464.8m
• Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru (여의나루）- 587.9m

Suggested popular information of Coupon in Korea (Korea Discount Coupon)

★ Seoulland Amusement Park Daily Pass Discount Ticket

★ Myeongdong Hana-Mud Sauna for Women

★ Who's Celebrating Today? Discover the Birthdays of K-pop Idols and K-Celebrities!

▷▶ Enjoy the Best of Myeongdong, Seoul with Special Coupons - A Must-Visit Destination on Your Korean Getaway

▶▷ Shinsegae Duty Free COUPON Shinsegae Department Store

▶▷ Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Myeongdong Branch COUPON

Leave a review

Select the overall score for service, location, price, hospitality, and hygene

Attach image

Nearby information.

• Travel/Culture

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Shopping in Seoul: Asia’s most stylish city

By Chris Schalkx

With a population of almost 10 million, Seoul is one of Asia's largest and most vibrant metropolises. City workers spill out of futuristic skyscrapers at the end of the day, heading to the city's delicious and varied restaurants. On the weekends, nightlife rules – think neon-signed karaoke spots and lively bars in addition to the popular grab-and-go eateries. By day, however, the city is an underrated shopper's paradise. Forget the high-fashion boutiques (although you'll find those here, too), as it's all about neighbourhood hotspots. From ceramic studios to sustainable zero-waste havens, these are the best places for shopping in Seoul.

Crafted Curios

Soluna Living , the craft-centric Seoul outpost of Hong Kong -based Soluna Fine Art, works with expert makers around South Korea to produce homeware and objets d’art that marry contemporary designs with ancient skills. The pint-sized shop and gallery space features fine basketry by Jeong Da-hye, who employs an intricate horsehair-weaving technique traditionally used for men’s headwear; colourful goblets by glass-blowing artist Glory G; and handmade hapjukseon bamboo fans made by a fourth-generation master craftsman in Jeonju.

Website: solunaliving.co.kr

Paper Trail

Hanji, a durable, richly textured paper made from mulberry tree bark and a paste of hibiscus manihot root, has been a Korean craft staple for centuries. Until the 1970s, the streets of the Insa-dong district were lined with workshops selling hanji to craftspeople and artists, who used it for everything from floor coverings to canvases for calligraphy. Today, the family-run Dong Yang Hanji is one of just a handful of specialists. Rolls of hanji in every texture, colour and thickness line the walls of the two-storey space, ranging from smooth letter-sized pages to premium multi-ply options. Many of the papers are produced by the family’s workshop and material research centre in Gimpo, just north of Seoul, and some are sourced from small-scale workshops around the country.

Website: hanjipark.modoo.at

Celestial Ceramics

South Korea’s most prominent ceramic craft is baekja, a minimally decorated and often all-white style of porcelain made popular during the Joseon dynasty. These days, a new generation of craftspeople employs the technique to create tableware and modern renditions of dalhangari (moon jars), a now sought-after type of pottery resembling a full moon. Craft gallery Ilsangyeoback in the Seochon district sells a vast collection of ceramic plates, tea sets and dalhangari in a range of sizes made by artisans from around the country, and its adjoining gallery space hosts rotating exhibitions on local artists and techniques. The airy tea room and concept store Mo-No-Ha , in gallery-studded Hannam, is filled with contemporary designs such as ceramist Park Sung-wook’s black-glazed teapots and tactile plates by Seoul-based Ecriture Studio.

Website: isyb.kr ; mo-no-ha.com

Great Chemistry

Home-grown skincare brand Eath Library draws on co-founder Jang Dong-hoon’s background in traditional Korean medicine for its line of cleansers, toners and face serums. Using all-natural ingredients, such as red ginseng, tangerine peel and herb extracts, the brand combines centuries-old medicinal practices with cutting-edge research, resulting in award-winning formulas. For the packaging and store interiors, designer and co-founder Teo Yang drew inspiration from Seoul’s old-timey apothecaries and medical libraries – the signature bottle shape resembles a stack of books topped with a pebble paperweight.

By Charley Ward

By Monica Mendal

By Sarah James

By Abigail Malbon

Website: eathlibrary.com

Zero-Waste Bags

With their wool-like texture and flexible form, it’s hard to believe that the crinkle-cut totes, cross-body bags and laptop pouches by Pleatsmama are made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. Launched in 2018, the brand uses a patented pleated knitting technique to turn recyclable PET plastic collected from around the country into colourful carryalls that leave no leftovers in the production process. The bags are sold online, but the brand’s flagship outpost in a centuries-old hanok (a traditional Korean home) carries a large collection, alongside a small exhibition that delivers a fascinating peek behind the scenes.

Website: pleatsmama.com

Art and Seoul

With the arrival of the Frieze art fair in 2022 and a slew of international galleries opening outposts in the South Korean capital, the local art market has reached fever pitch. Many works come with eye-watering price tags, but there are plenty of places to find pieces that don’t require a hefty investment. Art collective Print Bakery , which began as an offshoot of the country’s leading art dealer, Seoul Auction, sells work by contemporary Korean artists, such as Lim Ok-sang and Shin Cheol. Numbered-and-signed prints and posters go for as little as £40; originals start at £315. Leeum Store , the gift shop of one of the city’s top art museums, specialises in more functional pieces. On the shelves is an all-Korean line-up of artsy homeware, including fan-shaped ceramic plates by Sim Bo-geun, Yim Seo-yoon’s linen-wrapped baskets and moon jar tissue holders and cushions.

Website: printbakery.com ; leeumstore.org

Fashion Fix

The showroom of cult South Korean eyewear label Gentle Monster is worth checking out, and not just for a new pair of sunnies. Located in the heart of trendy Dosan, the space doubles as an envelope-pushing art gallery, where installations by mixed-media artists from around the world share space with surrealist robotic pieces that seem to have been lifted straight out of Blade Runner . The range of glasses on the shelves is equally out there, featuring oversized frames in eye-popping colours and futuristic-looking collaborations with global brands such as Maison Margiela, Marine Serre and Fendi. Across the street, the charcoal-black flagship store of Seoul-born fashion designer Juun J ’s eponymous brand stocks his latest collections of sporty and stylish clothing in bold silhouettes and monochrome colour schemes.

Website: gentlemonster.com ; juunj.com

Where to stay

Hanok meets hygge at Habre , a Scandi-tinged homestay in the traditional Korean style at the end of a serpentine alley in the Seochon district. Designed by local architecture firm Z_Lab and managed by its hospitality arm, Stayfolio, the L-shaped rental home offers a snug hideaway with Scandinavian light fixtures and kaleidoscopic wallpaper within the building’s original wooden frame and swirling seokkarae roof. Nearby, Stayfolio’s Makefolio concept store stocks many of the items and amenities that go into furnishing its stays. Visitors can pick up its signature room sprays and cloud-soft bed linen, plus loose-leaf tea blends from Seoul-based brand Magpie & Tiger.

Insider Intel: Teo Yang of design firm Teoyang Studio 's Seoul tips

“At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, I can explore the traditional and modern art that has shaped Seoul’s creative scene. Then, I visit Baekmidang ice cream shop next door.”

“I always recommend Onjium, a restaurant and research centre for historical Korean cooking techniques and ingredients.”

“I love spending weekends in Seochon Village, where small galleries and cafés take over centuries-old hanok homes . It’s especially pretty in autumn, when the ginkgo trees that line the palace wall turn golden.”

The best time to visit Mauritius

By Condé Nast Traveller

With photos of blue skies and even bluer waters all over the Internet, it’s easy to believe Mauritius enjoys tropical climate throughout the year, but that’s not true. Located in the southern hemisphere, the island nation experiences winter when many parts of the world are sweltering and summer or rains when it's winter around the world. So good weather is imperative and could make or break your holiday experience. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to the country.

When is the best time to go to Mauritius? What are the hottest and rainiest months in Mauritius? When is the cheapest time to go to Mauritius? Temperatures in Mauritius throughout the year How many days are required for a trip to Mauritius? Maldives vs Mauritius: Which island should you pick?

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?

The best time to visit Mauritius is from June to September , as the country boasts cool and dry weather. November to April is when the island nation experiences hot, humid and rainy months. It’s important to note a lot of the weather has to do with where you’re staying as the country has microclimates. A few minute's drive could lead you from a perfectly sunny spot to a place with heavy rain. The east and central plateau are usually wetter than the west coast.

The island experiences its peak tourism season from November to April, which coincides with winter months in many parts of the world. This is the peak summer season with rain. Resorts are busiest during this time of the year, so be prepared for jacked-up tariffs. October and December are sweet spots because the rains tend to peter out faster, giving way to blue skies in no time.

The summer months from November to April are ideal for diving due to warm weather and clear visibility. Mauritius is particularly known for its surfing , with its famous trade winds. The east coast is ideal, as the southeast winds in that direction are perfect for catching some waves. Note, the country reports cyclones from the beginning of November to mid-May.

Mauritians celebrate festivals with much pomp and show. January to February sees Chinese New Year celebrations, with elaborate fireworks illuminating the skies and a beautiful lantern festival. The town of Port Louis is a great place to be a part of the celebrations. Since the country has many residents of Indian origin, the country also celebrates Holi and Thimithi — a Tamil Hindu festival, also known as “The Walk on Fire”.

When is the rainy season in Mauritius?

Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate year-round and is never in the extremes. January, February and March, though, are the hottest and wettest months, with chances of showers in November and April. The temperatures average between 29°C to 31°C, and rainfall at 253mm.

When is the cheapest time to visit Mauritius?

The northern hemisphere’s summer is when Mauritius gets cooler. July and August are considered winter in Mauritius with average temperatures hovering between 20°C to 24°C. During this time of the year, you can enjoy the winter sun with a drop in tariffs.

Temperatures in Mauritius throughout the year

January to April - 28-30°C May to December - 20-24°C

How many days are enough for a trip to Mauritius?

A six to seven-day trip is ideal to explore Mauritius. A walk along Flic en Flac or Le Morne Beach, a hike through Black River Gorges National Park and a dive in the West Coast teeming with marine life are some of the most recommended activities, and a six-day time frame is enough to cover the must-dos, including sampling Mauritian-Creole cooking and discovering the country’s fascinating history of sugar at the L'Aventure du Sucre museum.

Maldives vs Mauritius: Which island nation should you pick?

Mahé in the Maldives is a three-hour flight from Mumbai and two hours from Bengaluru. However, the Maldives' geographical spread will require you to hop onto a speed boat or seaplane to get to the hotel. Mauritius is about a six-hour flight from Mumbai, and in a little over an hour's drive from the airport, travellers can get to resorts in the south or north of Mauritius. In the Maldives, each resort is located on a private island, with a private beach, pool, dive centre, and a house reef that you can explore straight from your overwater villas. Mauritius has a lot to do beyond the beach, including nature hikes, mountain trails, museums, and rum factories.

This story was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller India

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories

Vogue吃什麼／「2024世界50佳餐廳」完整名單揭曉：巴塞隆納Disfrutar全球第一，曼谷Gaggan拿下亞洲最高名次，香港大班樓急升至全球26

By Sarah James 和 Silvia Sun

「世界50佳餐廳 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants」在拉斯維加斯永利酒店舉行的頒獎典禮上，邀得全球的著名主廚、餐廳老闆和業者共襄盛舉，共同迎接「2024世界50佳餐廳」名單揭曉。

由於評選機制調整，以前獲得過第一名的餐廳不能二次登頂，而是入列「Best of the Best」名單，其中包括Noma、Osteria Francescana和Mirazur，因此2023年全球第一的Central也入列Best of the Best家族，為 Disfrutar 創造了佔據榜首的機會。

至於最後名單是如何評選出來的呢？該名單由一個專家小組決定，有幾條規則：小組成員不能為他們有經濟利益的任何餐廳投票，而且他們必須在過去19個月裡在獲取他們選票的餐廳用餐。

巴塞隆納Disfrutar在「2024世界50佳餐廳」榜單上排名第一。

關於2024世界50佳餐廳榜首 Disfrutar

位在西班牙巴塞隆納的 Disfrutar 長期以來一直受到評審團的好評，它在 2023 年榜單上排名第二，並且自 2018 年首次入選便拿下最高新入獎（Highest New Entry）以來，一直是世界50佳餐廳的常客。主廚 Oriol Castro、Eduard Xatruch 和 Mateu Casañas 於 20 世紀 90 年代在 El Bulli（西班牙傳奇分子料理餐廳，也位列Best of the Best 名單中）相識，隨後在巴塞隆納 Eixample 區開設了 Disfrutar，該餐廳以其創意十足的菜單和漂亮的空間而聞名，並被外界視為El Bulli創意精神的繼承者。

2024全球最佳50餐廳 Disfrutar

Disfrutar的料理特色在於融合了創意與情感的體驗。

亞洲排名最高曼谷Gaggan，最佳進步獎香港大班樓

每個大陸排名最高的餐廳都獲得特別提及，非洲最好的餐廳是位在南非開普頓的La Colombe；紐約的Atomix是北美排名最高的餐廳，亞洲排名最高的餐廳是曼谷Gaggan，2024 年南美洲最佳餐廳是利馬的Maido，歐洲最佳餐廳當然是巴塞隆納的 Disfrutar。

By Jessica Scemama

By Avril Chen

圖片來源，IG@theworlds50best

個人獎項「Resy One To Watch」頒給在國際美食圈掀起風潮且值得持續關注的新星餐廳，今年由洛杉磯的Kato獲得；世界最佳甜點師授予Nina Métayer；2023年名列全球第50的香港大班樓，今年急升至26名，獲頒最佳進步獎「The Highest Climber award」實至名歸。

2024年世界50佳餐廳完整名單

1. Disfrutar, Barcelona 2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain 3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris 4. Diverxo, Madrid 5. Maido, Lima 6. Atomix, New York 7. Quintonil, Mexico City 8. Alchemist, Copenhagen 9. Gaggan, Bangkok 10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires 11. Septime, Paris 12. Lido 84, Gardone Riviera 13. Trèsind Studio, Dubai 14. Quique Dacosta, Dénia 15. Sézanne, Tokyo 16. Kjolle, Lima 17. Kol, London 18. Plénitude, Paris 19. Reale, Castel di Sangro 20. Wing, Hong Kong 21. Florilège, Tokyo 22. Steirereck, Vienna 23. Sühring, Bangkok 24. Odette, Singapore 25. El Chato, Bogotá 26. The Chairman, Hong Kong 27. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo 28. Elkano, Getaria 29. Boragó, Santiago 30. Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin 31. Belcanto, Lisbon 32. Den, Tokyo 33. Pujol, Mexico City 34. Rosetta, Mexico City 35. Frantzen, Stockholm 36. The Jane, Antwerp 37. Oteque, Rio 38. Sorn, Bangkok 39. Piazza Duomo, Alba 40. Le Du, Bangkok 41. Mayta, Lima 42. Ikoyi, London 43. Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin 44. Mingles, Seoul 45. Arpege, Paris 46. Single Thread, Healdsburg 47. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau 48. Hisa Franko, Kobarid 49. La Colombe, Cape Town 50. Uliassi, Senigallia

原文出自 Conde Nast Traveller UK

• Vogue吃什麼／2024「亞洲50最佳餐廳」台灣三間餐廳入榜，東京「Sézanne」榮膺亞洲最佳，曼谷「POTONG普通大藥房」Chef Pam獲頒亞洲最佳女主廚
• Vogue吃什麼／新一代西班牙廚藝聖殿 Disfrutar

By Lucrezia Malavolta

TXT on Maturing, Packing for the Act: Promise Tour, and Skin Care Essentials

By Donya Momenian

When the members of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) aren’t attending Fashion Week — whether on the runway or in the front row — they’re jet-setting on tour. However, it's an equally chic occasion — and their latest tour, Act: Promise , is proof of that.

Across the United States tour dates, the concerts’ carefully crafted stages encapsulated the K-pop group’s five-year journey in just a few hours for fans, known as MOA, to experience together. The styling plays a major role in doing so, from their grand entrance with “Deja Vu” to their low-key looks for the youthful anthem “Cat & Dog.”

While the members — Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai — make it look seamless on stage, touring isn’t an easy feat. Preparations for concerts may start months before in Seoul with fittings and dress rehearsals but continue until the very last outfit change backstage and even when the members are doing skin care after the show. To learn about it all and soak up the backstage buzz, Teen Vogue caught up with TXT before their sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 1, 2024.

Back in 2019 , TXT was first introduced to the world with bright colors, playful patterns, and skinny jeans with their “Crown” music video . Now, the group is known to have a more elevated style with nods to punk and grunge aesthetics. “Because it's been some years since we debuted, I think I would describe it as a journey of growing and being mature, so we definitely see maturing changes in our aesthetics,” Taehyun tells Teen Vogue via an interpreter.

“I wouldn't say it was a radical change, but it was more like a gradual change and gradual being mature and growing. I would say after our second LP, our style definitely got a little more mature than before,” he adds, referring to their album The Chaos Chapter:Freeze , which features the hit single “0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You).”

On this tour, the setlist visits each of the group’s chapters, but rather than in chronological order, the arrangement and coordinating outfits explore a motif. “Each show has five sections, and each section has a distinctive theme,” Hueningkai explains. “Our look and our outfits also changed according to the theme.”

For their grand entrance, the group emerges on the stage clad in lace cloaks while wearing white trousers and gray blazers, accentuated by harnesses and chain links, combining their princely charms and pop punk sounds. Within the same section, the members make a quick outfit change to pay homage to their South Korean culture. “We have the song ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ rearranged with Korean traditional instruments, and we also dress in Korean traditional costumes,” Hueningkai says, referring to the hanbok .

The next section, marked by the hit songs “Magic” and “Trust Fund Baby,” showcases the members' more casual side. They are clad in relaxed-fit jeans and designer graphic tee shirts. Whereas they typically wear baby blue varsity jackets with bedazzled wings for this part of the show, for that weekend, the group wore New York Rangers gear, a nod to Madison Square Garden’s home team.

As the group splits up for their unit stages, the youngest members, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, shed the jackets and rock out to “Quarter Life” in simple ‘fits. Meanwhile, the eldest, Soobin and Yeonjun, change into belted black and white tank tops, respectively, for their performance of “The Killa.” Promptly after the duet and before “Back For More,” they put on sparkly black jackets and rejoin the youngest members who are already wearing the same. Taehyun favors this part of the show for its versatility. “When the light gets dark, we can change the [jacket] really quick, so it gives more variations to the outfit,” he confesses.

As Taehyun notes, the members switch into a more grunge look shortly after. “We wear leather jackets for the third section where we perform ‘ Puma .’ Because I think the leather jackets go very well with us all and it just gives off a really hip vibe, I like that one,” Beomgyu says.

The last look of the night comes with the encore, a time the group utilizes to engage and make more memories with MOAs. Their choice of clothing highlights this. Swapping their more extravagant costuming for more casual, fun looks, the group wears hoodies and T-shirts from their merch collection for the tour with classic blue jeans and a simple accessory or two. This look is Hueningkai’s favorite as the comfy, casual nature suits him.

When asked to describe his personal style, “hoodie and jeans” is Hueningkai’s response. His style prioritizes practicality, just like Taehyun, who adds, “I would say I like various styles, but I would say I would choose comfort over fashion.” Fitting for the early June climate in NYC, he explains, “For example, I don't wear long sleeves in hot weather.”

“Like Taehyun said earlier, I like a variety of stuff, but recently, I refer to the street fashion in the UK or Japan,” Yeonjun says. His off-stage looks this tour have consisted of chunky sneakers, layers, and baggy silhouettes for an effortless yet cool look. “I definitely refer to his style. I sometimes try to follow his style,” Hueningkai says in admiration of the eldest.

Soobin and Beomgyu lean towards a more preppy side. Both seem to have their wardrobe essentials figured out. “I like clean-cut style,” Beomgyu says. “Recently, I've been purchasing a lot of wide-leg pants.” Soobin adds, “I also like neat and clean-cut style, so most of my items are button-up shirts.”

Having a practical sense of style does have its benefits on tour. At this point, it seems like the TXT members are pros at the art of packing to be on the road for prolonged periods of time. “It doesn't take that long to pack because we're constantly on a tour,” Beomgyu says. “Sometimes I just leave my luggage packed and just add a little more items to them. For example, a few tops, a few bottoms, a few shoes. But I make sure that I do have my personal makeup tools or makeup items, like cleansers. For those things, I make sure that I do have my own stuff.”

For Hueningkai, it takes a little bit of research. “When I pack for a tour, I definitely make sure that I check the weather because you want your clothes to fit the weather there,” he explains. “For example, if you're traveling to a city where the temperature is high, you make sure you have short sleeves and really light materials.”

Yeonjun’s technique is classic for a fashion lover. “I overpack because I like clothes,” he says. “But I also make sure that there is a little bit of room, considering that you're going to shop when you go to a new city.”

The TXT members are equally sensible when it comes to picking essentials for their carry-on bags. Hueningkai, like many other K-pop idols , notes the importance of comfortable shoes when off the stage and says slippers are his must-have.

Soobin and Taehyun’s travel essentials allow them to have some fun when they can while traveling. Soobin selects a tablet, particularly one loaded with dramas. (On this tour, he chose to watch Queen of Tears .)

Staying active seems to be on the mind for Taehyun. “For me, it's a bathing suit because you stay in hotels when you're on a tour, and sometimes you find really nice swimming pools there,” he says. Similarly, his form of self-care on tour is exercise, so he says he carries a resistance band so he can work out anywhere, even in the hotel.

As for skin care, the group stresses mastering the important basics. “I've recently started to practice this, but I make sure that I wear sunscreen before going out,” Taehyun says. “So that’s my beauty tip.” Also, taking the late spring weather into account, Hueningkai adds.“For me, it's to keep hydrated, so drink a lot of water.”

While the hype and excitement of a concert may culminate before the show, it’s the youngest of the group, Hueningkai, who reminds us that a post-show routine is just as worthwhile for both artists and fans alike. “It's important to really remove your makeup thoroughly,” he says. “So I use cleansing oil — all those makeup remover items. And make sure that you moisturize your skin after that.”

Want more style stories from Teen Vogue ? Check these out:

13 Best Plus Size and Size-Inclusive Brands, All In One Place

How Massive Headphones Became the New It Accessory

TikTok Found a $9 Dupe for Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen at Trader Joe’s

Kristen Stewart’s Style Evolution Deserves Its Own Award

By Rosa Jisoo Pyo

By P. Claire Dodson

By Kaitlyn McNab

By Ashleigh Carter

• Destinations
• Hotels & Homestays
• Food & Drink
• People & Culture
• Mindful Travel
• Readers' Travel Awards
• Escape to Rajasthan
• READERS TRAVEL AWARDS
• #LOVEGREATBRITAIN
• TAJ SAFARIS
• BOUTIQUE HOTELS
• CNT TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS
• DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
• DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT
• #UNDISCOVERAUSTRALIA
• ESSENTIALLY RAJASTHAN

A first-time visit to Seoul with K-dramas as my guide

By Sarah Khan

I was agonisingly late for barbecue on my first night in Seoul when I emerged at Gwanghwamun Square, flustered and overwhelmed, hoping my dinner companions hadn't finished the banchan without me. That's when I saw it: the countenance of a stone warrior staring down at me from his pedestal. I gaped back at him, my galbi cravings briefly forgotten. This was my first time in this plaza, and yet my brain insisted I'd been here before. Amid the disorientation of navigating this unfamiliar place, here was something I recognised—from its role in the 2018 Korean show  Memories of the Alhambra.

A street art installation in Seoul in honor of Psy’s famous song

Even after Psy horse-trotted his way to YouTube glory and BTS built Army, its global fan club, I remained largely ignorant of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu—a Chinese term for South Korea's ascendant cultural power. But as I pined for far-flung adventures during the pandemic, I found companionship in Korean dramas. My gateway series was  Crash Landing on You, an endearing if implausible romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier; I blazed through 16 episodes in 5 days, my heart alternately migrating to my throat and melting into a maudlin lump. The fashion, the food, the tableaux, the personalities: This was my world. I lived here now. I added Korean slang to Google Translate, Korean won to my XE currency app, Korean beauty products to my Sephora cart, and Korean ingredients to my grocery list. These viewing sessions became my closest approximation to travel, filling the passport-shaped hole in my life. By the time South Korea's borders reopened, Seoul had jumped from “someday” to “ASAP” on my travel wish list—and I guess I wasn't alone. “We've seen a huge interest in travel to Korea,” said Grant Ekelund of InsideAsia Tours , which offers tailor-made adventures to the country. “It's been increasing for years, but the pandemic accelerated it.”

After I arrived, I saw recognisable elements all around me. Searching bleary-eyed for a meal soon after landing, I found comfort in the signage at Angel-in-Us, the setting of Yoon Se-Ri and Ri Jeong-Hyeok's reunion in  Crash Landing on You. So what if it's Seoul's answer to Starbucks? At the upscale skin-care emporium Tirtir , I sprang for a purple tube of Collagen Core Glow Mask, whose branding claimed responsibility for the absurd good looks of Hyun Bin—star of  Memories of the Alhambra and  Crash Landing on You. I passed street stalls selling the ppopgi candy I knew from  Squid Game and the fish-shaped bungeoppang pastries I'd craved while watching  Vincenzo. Two hours from Seoul in Jeonju, I checked into Hagindang, a century-old hanok house that featured prominently in the period drama  Mr. Sunshine.  For a place I'd never visited before, South Korea was comfortingly familiar.

My K-drama curriculum had largely inhabited two extremes: slick ultra-modern dramas and historic period fare. Sure enough, I was met with glittering tapestry of lightning-fast Internet and robot waiters and cutting-edge toilets, but at every turn the country’s rich past stood out amid its kinetic future: in the historic palaces dwarfed by gleaming towers, in the traditional hanji paper-making ateliers steps from wacky Instagram-trap museums, in the chic boutiques and cafés nestled amid the atmospheric hanok houses of Ikseondong and Bukchon.

“Having these pockets throughout the city keeps Koreans grounded in their traditions, grounded in themselves,” said Meggie Yu, an American expat who first arrived in Seoul to study Korean history a decade ago. “Preserving these clear pieces of culture is almost an insurance policy for preserving itself.”

A mural of BTS star RM, in the Goyang area

Going far beyond preservation, K-culture is now being exported to far corners of the globe. I joined Haley HyunJoo Yang, a K-pop reporter at the Korea JoongAng Daily , at a bar on a quiet street behind the Bank of Korea to get her thoughts on the juggernaut. Two decades ago, Haley’s father was dispatched to the United Kingdom by the government to promote Korean culture and tourism; despite his best efforts, K-pop didn’t take off at the time. “There was momentum, but it wasn’t successful,” she remembered. “My dad doesn’t know what’s happening now.”

What’s happening is world domination. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that Hallyu is the world’s biggest, fastest cultural paradigm shift in modern history,” Euny Hong wrote in  The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation Is Conquering the World Through Pop Culture , back in 2014—when BTS were little more than a twinkle in a record executive’s eye. Fans descend in droves to tread in the footsteps of their favourite idols: Travellers are requesting tours that encompass K-drama filming locations or K-pop concerts, so much so that InsideAsia now offers Hallyu itineraries.

InsideAsia’s Seoul team arranged for a mother-of-pearl manicure for me at Unistella, a temple to nail art where K-pop royalty BlackPink go for their sculptural talons. Afterward, I had lunch at Yujeong Sikdang, a humble canteen where BTS hung out when they were unknown trainees. Today it's an Army pilgrimage site, wallpapered with cutouts of the pop stars like the inside of a teenage girl's locker. I ate vegetarian bibimbap under the smouldering eyes of Jimin and J-Hope.

BTS loyalists also pay their respects at Bit & Boot, the salon where members go to have their lustrous tresses coiffed. “A lot of international fans come here just to take a picture of the building,” cofounder Choi Soo Chan told me. As I left, my guide murmured that Monsta X's Joohoney was walking past. That combination of words and letters meant nothing to me in the moment, but to a not-insignificant segment of the world's population, my fleeting glimpse of the K-pop star alone would have made the trip worthwhile.

Of course, a culture is so much more than its celluloid depictions, and Seoul defies many K-drama tropes. But when I saw heartthrob Song Joong-ki's handsome face smiling at me from a billboard or dug into a platter of yukjeon beef pancakes like the ones Won-deuk craved in  100 Days My Prince, I felt grateful for my year of incessant bingeing. Pop culture helped me find familiarity in the foreign, and in the relentless AI-powered forward march of Seoul, that makes a big difference.

This article appeared in the March 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler US. 

Condé Nast Traveler

16 Best Travel Backpacks for Day Trips, Outdoor Adventures, Commuting, and More

Posted: September 27, 2023 | Last updated: September 28, 2023

Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we've rounded up 15 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion. Our editors and contributors road tested dozens of backpacks for months to determine the best of the best for our readers. We considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and how well its held up.

Ahead, discover our editors' and contributors' recommendations for the weather-resistant carry-on bags, ultralight hiking backpacks, and sleek business-friendly options to bring on your next adventure.

Our top picks:

Best for weekend trips: Quince Revive Nylon backpack Best for long vacations: Roam The Continental backpack Best for business travel: Monos Metro backpack Best for everyday use: Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack Best splurge option: Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

This gallery is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak's Luka collection is made of scratch-resistant material, so you can rest assured that this backpack will hold up for years. “I love this backpack's material because of how durable it is for travel. I’ve spilt coffee, food, and makeup on this bag and it's so easy to clean with a disinfectant wipe,” says associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny . It's her go-to backpack because of its many pockets, roomy compartments, and ultra-soft material. Inside, there's a large zippered compartment, a small mesh pocket, and three compartments for keeping items like socks, beauty products, or tech essentials separate. “One of my favorite features is the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag that fits a pair of slippers or sandals,” says Kenny. The Luka backpack can hold up to 22 liters of essentials, but it still feels so lightweight.

Pros:  Laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, soft adjustable straps Cons: Very narrow luggage trolley sleeve

Quince Revive Nylon backpack

Made from 15 plastic bottles, the sleek recycled nylon on the Quince backpack is smooth to the touch, water-repellent, and lightweight. The nylon material is a selling point for senior commerce editor at Architectural Digest , Rachel Fletcher . “I love the black nylon because it’s basically invincible when it comes to stains and —two things I’m very prone to," she says. Though compact, it can still fit quite a bit—Fletcher has used it for commutes to the office as well as a weekend to Connecticut . She says "it fits an East Coast summer weekend’s worth of clothing pretty comfortably. It's best to bring on an airplane as your personal item, but if you’re a light traveler, it would definitely fit the bill for a quick trip."

Pros:  Thoughtful laptop sleeve, water-repellent material, accessible price point Cons: A little bulky

eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack

Traveler contributor Tori Harstein says the eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack is “perfect for weekend trips and can save a buck for thrifty travelers limited to personal items. For longer vacations, it’s probably best to supplement it with an additional carry-on .” It's compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane and comes with backpack straps that are easy to stow. It you need some extra room, you can use the 1.5-inch zipper expansion. Choose from a few different ways to wear it: enjoy hands-free travel on your back, tuck the traps away and carry it as a briefcase, or throw the bag over one shoulder with a convenient duffel strap.

Pros:  Many separate compartments, opens like a suitcase which makes packing easier Cons: Can feel heavy on your back

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack

With five colors and patterns to choose from, the customization is great for this Tumi backpack. The small, compact design hides the sheer capacity of the Navigator backpack—and it can be expanded for more space. Global director of audience development Lara Kramer says she can easily fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries inside (and an extra pair of flats or sandals in the summer). “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” says Kramer. Plus, it's made from recycled ballistic nylon, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Pros:  Many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material Cons: Hefty price tag

Monos Metro Backpack

This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travelers looking for a more elevated backpack. According to senior commerce editor Madison Flager , “it’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot—I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished." Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby.

Pros:  Multiple pockets, trolley sleeve, and comes with a removable pouch Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulky

Herschel Kaslo Daypack Tech

Although labeled as a tech bag, the simple and sleek design makes it versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. There’s two main compartments that give you plenty of room to pack clothes, toiletries, a laptop, iPad, and large over-the-ear headphones. There’s also multiple interior pockets that keep small essentials secure. Kenny was able to fit two days worth of clothing inside and says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights . “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” she says.

Pros:  Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shaped

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian has traveled with the Dagne Dover backpack to Mexico, Italy , France, New Hampshire , and Boston to name a few. There are several pockets inside and it expands enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothing. It’s extremely light when unpacked and the foamy exterior straps don’t dig into your shoulders and evenly distributes the weight of the backpack. It's made from neoprene and Performance Air Mesh which was a selling point for Erdekian. "The look of this backpack is a major part of why I use it so much. Something about the neoprene foam look feels really modern and fresh. It also looks so simple and free of distractions, whilst being tricked out with all these hidden bells and whistles on the inside,” she says.

Pros:  Spacious, comfortable, chic design Cons: There are almost too many pockets inside and the black neoprene can get a little scuffed

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

Traveler Contributor Lydia Mansel loves this sleek, convertible backpack for carrying all of her work essentials. It features a 13" laptop compartment and can easily transition into a tote, thanks to backpack straps that tuck into a back pocket. It has plenty of pockets for organization—including a hidden one at the top for slipping your passport and boarding pass into while at the airport—and a trolley sleeve. It's made of a mix of nylon and leather, and has memory foam straps for extra comfort.

Pros:  It can carry two laptops, plenty of pockets, luggage sleeve Cons: Offered in two sizes, but the smaller version is a little too small to store a day's worth of essentials

Read a full review of this backpack here .

Pond LA Transform tote

Kenny has deemed it the most functional tote that she's ever used. You might be wondering why a tote deserves a spot on our best backpacks list—it transforms into a backpack with its adjustable straps. It's made from lightweight oxford fabric that's known to be durable and water-resistant. It can fit easily fit a 15"laptop and slides over your carry-on with its luggage trolley sleeve.

Pros: Can be worn as a backpack or tote, multiple pockets inside, large water bottle pocket Cons: The straps can feel a bit awkward

Read a full review of this bag here.

Roam The Continental backpack

Each time Flager takes this backpack on vacation she's complimented on its aesthetic. The bag is fully customizable, so each customer can choose the colors used for the front, back, sides, and straps. The wide, deep side pockets are a highlight for Flager, who says “there’s a place for everything—I like to put my important documents, ID, phone, and AirPods in the top zippered pocket for easy access, my Kindle or a book in the largest exterior pocket, and my keys in the smallest exterior pocket. I like that there are two side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella or other small item."

Pros:  Lightweight, many color options Cons: A water bottle sometimes slips out of the pocket

Bagallini Soho backpack

This is has long been a go-to work bag for commerce producer Paris Wilson , “I've carried this non-stop since I got it. I just love how lightweight it is. It has a lot of storage space and a dedicated laptop sleeve," she says. It has one main compartment with a laptop sleeve and interior pockets that have hard inserts and pen holders. It's impossible to overpack with this bag which means that you don't have to worry about the weight straining your shoulders. Wilson notes that one of her favorite features of the backpack is the design: “it has a study build where it stands up on its own while I organize my things. The reinforced structure makes me feel put together when I wear it.”

Pros:  Multiple pockets, can stand on it sown Cons: Limited colors available

Troubadour Apex backpack 2.0

If you're looking for a sleek yet functional bag that's polished enough for the office, look no further than Troubadour's Apex backpack. Made of waterproof fabric, Kenny says this lightweight backpack is perfect for busy commuters. It fits up to a 17" laptop and has multiple pockets for small essentials like AirPods, glasses, or a wallet. This stylish backpack also features a breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for added comfort. “This would be a great bag for business trip and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," says Kenny.

Pros:  Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated look

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack

Contributor Rekaya Gibson raves about the amount of space that this backpack offers. “It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organized,” she says. The top of the bag has a convenient drawstring that secures your items on the top before covering it with the flap. Each bag comes from repurposed materials which vary slightly—this helps reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly pick, too.

Pros:  Has a lot of security elements (which is great for hikes) Cons: Shows wear quickly depending on your trek

Lululemon City Adventurer backpack 20L

Although deemed a gym bag, the City Adventurer backpack takes characteristics from it's name and can be the perfect companion for days spent exploring. The water-repellent fabric makes it an easy choice when commuting on rainy days or when you are packing it into a suitcase with toiletries (don't worry we have you covered ). Flager likes using this backpack for days when she heads to the gym after work. The backpack has thick padded straps, a trolley sleeve, and an expandable laptop sleeve.

Pros:  Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded laptop pocket Cons: When filled with shoes, your main compartment room is limited; no exterior water bottle pocket

Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

Elegant and versatile, the Peugeot Voyages is an elevated option for travelers. The bag's exterior is made from leather and weather-resistant canvas and the interior comes from recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can carry the bag as a backpack or a tote. Plus, the shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for extra comfort. Associate social media manager Kayla Brock was on the hunt for the ideal laptop bag when she came across this. “I found exactly what I was looking for. A backpack that could hold my laptop as well as be an easy travel bag with several pockets for storage to get me through a week or two on the road without the back pain. With its price point, it's definitely worth the investment,” she says.

Pros:  Made from recycled materials, padded straps and back panel Cons: Can easily become bulky

Radley London Dukes Place zip around backpack

This stylish leather bag is ideal for travelers looking for a chic backpack that's equally functional and comfortable. There are two large compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zip closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds an extra layer of security. Contributor DeAnna Taylor says "it's large enough to fit a light jacket , a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure including lip balm, hand sanitizer, sunscreen , and more."

Pros:  Lightweight, versatile, and durable Cons: Limited colors available

More for You

Homeowner Spots Two Women Using His Outside Chairs, Decides To Take Action

I Hate To Break It To You But If You Remember Your Grandma Having Any Of These 35 Things In Her Home You Are Officially Old Now

The Supreme Court finally found a limit to the Second Amendment

Restaurant owner exposes harsh reality of doing business in California: 'An unhealthy ecosystem'

Star Player Ruled OUT for Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky

3 Natural Alcohol Alternatives to Help Relieve Stress and Social Anxiety

‘Old People Smell’ Is Real, Here’s What Causes It and How To Avoid It

This Is the Most Popular Casserole Recipe in the South

New Steelers QB's Russell Wilson, Justin Fields Fall Short Of 2023 Kenny Pickett During Spring: 'Kenny Was On A Different Level'

13 Human Foods That Are Good For Your Dog

How well do you remember the '70s? Answer these real 'Jeopardy!' questions and find out!

Donald Trump Says He's Decided on VP Pick

Here's How Much the Average American Has in Retirement Savings

US sends aircraft carrier to South Korea

Neanderthals used surprisingly sophisticated glue 40,000 years ago

HDCP vs. HDMI: What's the Difference?

Every Major Acoustic Guitar Brand Ranked From Highest To Lowest Rated

Analyst Says ‘Toxic Positivity’ Led to Russell Wilson’s Downfall

I've lived in a van full-time for 3 years. Here are the 5 biggest downsides no one talks about.

'Mouth to Hell' Keeps Swallowing Up the Land Around it, Concerning Scientists

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places in Europe to Soak Up the Winter Sun

By David Annand and Connor Sturges

Brazil or Bali may be more synonymous with scorching-hot beaches in January, but there are alternatives for when you just want a quick blast of vitamin D to see you through to March. From golden islands that sizzle well into autumn and beyond, to European city break destinations bathed in elusive December sunshine, these winter-sun destinations in Europe mean escaping the blustery winter days is easily achievable. For some further-flung ideas, see our pick of the best winter-sun destinations.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best for: nature lovers December temperature range: 50-66°F

It’s easy to forget that Cyprus is only about 130 miles off the coast of Lebanon. And, unsurprisingly, its winter temperatures run closer to those of the Levant than much of continental Europe, which means T-shirt weather during the off-season. Winter is also a great time to go hiking in Cyprus’s dense forests, where you can stumble across fascinating Byzantine monasteries.

Where to stay: The seaside city of Paphos is a brilliant base for exploring the island and is home to many of the best hotels in Cyprus , including Almyra design hotel . In the north are some of the island’s prettiest beaches, where loggerhead and green turtles come to nest, along with the beachside Anassa hotel (closed 28 November to 31 March), located a short boat ride away from the Blue Lagoon.

Canary Islands

Best for: dyed-in-the-wool sun seekers December temperature range: 11-21°C

In summer, the breeze that hits Lanzarote and Fuerteventura is a blessed relief from the intense heat and a major draw for windsurfers. In winter, said breeze brings with it a bit of a chill, so you’re better off heading to the other Canary Islands : Tenerife or Gran Canaria . The former has made great strides in repositioning itself as a cultural hub with an art gallery designed by Swiss firm Herzog and de Meuron and Santiago Calatrava’s concert hall in Santa Cruz. And the latter has plenty of charm beyond the overdeveloped tourist spots. The capital, Las Palmas, has a lively food scene and the landscape, particularly around the village of Artenara, is manna for hikers. Flights to both islands from London are under four and a half hours.

Where to stay: In Las Palmas, Bed and Chic is a cool 12-room hotel reminiscent of the Ace Hotel look, but without the pretension. On Tenerife, Hotel San Roque , is a pretty 18th-century manor house where dining and lounging take place around the turquoise courtyard pool.

Best for: thrill-seekers (but still good for pensioners, too) December temperature range: 59-68°F

The long-time destination of choice for Britain’s blue-rinse brigade, staid old Madeira has been busy reinventing itself as a place for adrenaline-fueled adventure. And why not? The island is an outdoor Eden in miniature, with black-sand beaches, tumbling canyons, and epic rock faces. Which means great mountain biking and wonderful views for those who dare to go paragliding. The network of levadas (water-irrigation channels carved into the volcanic island) makes for thrilling trail running. It is also, as far as we know, the only place to offer year-round urban tobogganing in wicker sledges, which are steered downhill at great speed.

Where to stay: The island's most famous hotel is Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel —a pink cliffside palace with a Michelin-star and stunning ocean pool. If you're traveling in a group, Okulus sleeps eight, and thanks to its curated interiors, is easily the coolest villa in Madiera.

The Algarve, Portugal

Best for: getting away from it all December temperature range: 48-64°F

Continental Europe’s most south-western region has its own sunny microclimate that makes it consistently warmer than the rest of Portugal. You won’t be in a bikini in winter, but the pleasant T-shirt temperatures mean that an increasing number of hotels and restaurants stay open year-round, and cities such as Albufeira retain a buzz. Away from the package tourist haunts, there are dramatic red-cliff coastlines and Moorish villages dotted among the hills to explore.

Where to stay: Enjoy a tranquil escape to Casas da Quinta de Cima , where a series of nine little cottages sit on a serene farm estate in rural eastern Algarve. For something more grand, reserve a room at Bel Vista , a turn-of-the-century villa hotel with a swimming pool framed by slender palm trees, a L’Occitance Spa and a one-star Michelin restaurant by Chef João Oliveira. See our pick of the best hotels in the Algarve for more options.

Athens, Greece

Best for: culture seekers December temperature range: 49-59°F

Perhaps surprisingly, the Greek capital stays much warmer than many places on the country’s salty-aired coastline once winter rolls in. All the better for those who want a slice of sunshine without being marooned on a beach somewhere. Athens is a classic city-break destination, but an influx of artists, chefs and hoteliers over the past few years means the quirky neighborhoods and must-visit restaurants are now as much a draw as the big-hitting sites. Spend days exploring the many museums, libraries and galleries—we particularly like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which is home to the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera and a 42-acre park.

Where to stay: For a room with a view, some suites at xenodocheio Milos have huge terraces overlooking the old Parliament. If you're here for some sun and food, Ergon House is more than just a restaurant with rooms – the ground floor is a perpetually buzzy deli, roastery, bakery and dining room. See our pick of the best hotels in Athens for more.

The Greek Islands

Best for: open-water swimmers December temperature range: depending on which island you're on, temperatures range from 54-63°F

The gorgeous Aegean is surely the loveliest of Europe’s seas, and the water of many of the Cyclades, such as Paros, Santorini , and Milos , is still tolerable in winter, making it a year-round destination for swimmers. In places like Santorini, visiting in the off-season means you can explore the picturesque vistas without the crowds, while Rhodes is known to have clear blue skies and warm temperatures well into winter.

Where to stay: Many Greek Island hotels close their doors between the end of October and the start of May, but there are a handful that continue to welcome guests. On Santorini, Opsis Cave Houses are one of the properties in Oia that still welcomes guests. Best of all, the views are entirely uninterrupted across the glittering blue sea.

Best for: eco-conscious adventurers December temperature range: 55-64°F

You might think that including the Azores is stretching the definition of Europe to breaking point, but the Atlantic archipelago is actually about five hours from London . And, in any case, they’re not your typical isolated island group. For starters, it’s never that hot here, even in summer. People don’t visit to laze on the beach Maldives-style. They come because it’s a natural nirvana, rich in wildlife, full of rugged, dramatic craters and caverns, hot springs and lush forests. All of which are being sustainably managed: only 5 per cent of the land is developed, and the islands are dotted with marine conservation parks.

Where to stay: Stay at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach or the similarly green-minded Sete Cidades Lake Lodge , both on São Miguel. See our Azores hotels guide for more.

Best for: design buffs and hotel obsessives December temperature range: 52-63°F

Its frankly ridiculous 300 days of sunshine a year would be the standout selling point for most islands of Malta’s size, but the understated Mediterranean gem is also a history-soaked gastronomic hub, packed with first-class hotels and surrounded by some of the world’s best diving sites. Visit in winter for a weekend exploring striking Valletta, the ancient capital that’s had a bit of a revival of late, converting some of its gorgeous townhouses into excellent design hotels. The restaurant scene is thriving, too. Head to Panorama at the British Hotel in Valletta or Barracuda near the Sliema coast for a taste of traditional Mediterranean food.

Where to stay: Domus Zamittello in Valetta is a restored baroque masterpiece by the bombed-out opera house, with painted coffered ceilings. Iniala Harbour House offers a front-row seat to the Grand Harbour across its four smartly renovated townhouses.

Best for: adventurous foodies December temperature range: 52-63°F

Italy’s southernmost island is closer to Tunis than Rome and has winter weather to match. Visiting at this time of year allows you to get up close to Sicily’s incredible historic spaces, such as the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento, which is reliably overrun in high season. With a distinct food culture, Sicily has gastronomic delights beyond summer’s glut of glorious fruit and veg – visit in February to experience the sea urchin season in full swing.

Where to stay: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is Sicily's grand dame hotel, with opulent marble bathrooms and a pianist that cajoles couples to dance on the elegant balcony overlooking Amalfi-style Taormina. We also love Agriturismo trailblazer Monaci Delle Terre Nere , one of the region's smartest and most stylish country hotels. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Sicily .

Best for: stop-and-flop and families December temperature range: 50-61°F

Straddling two continents, Turkey’s enormous landmass is diverse enough to justify its nickname: the land of four seasons. For winter sun, the best part of the country to visit is, predictably, the south coast, particularly the area around Antalya. There’s a long stretch of fairly upmarket hotels to the west of the city, many of which are family-friendly entertainment retreats in their own right, with golf courses and adventure playgrounds beside the beach. On Turkey’s wilder southwest coast, there’s the pretty city of Bodrum and lovely Didyma with its astonishing ruined temple.

Where to stay: For an authentic low-season experience, check into one of the pansiyon guesthouses dotted across the city. Owners will enthusiastically share their recommendations for a city that dies down considerably compared to summer. For something more private, check into Kalkan's Villa Pairidaeza —where the sunsets need to be seen to be believed.

Seville, Spain

Best for: Sun-soaked city exploration December temperature range: 46-63°F

Year-round direct flight routes and mild temperatures make Seville the perfect choice for travelers searching for some mid-winter vitamin D. Ditch the Michelin-man coats in favor of light jackets and utilise the sunny conditions for pictures of the magnificent Plaza de España, al fresco lunches along the winding alleyways that siphon off Plaza Pumarejo, and afternoon drinks under blue skies atop Hotel Doña María. Head to Seville between the last week of November and the end of December to pick up handmade crafts and sweet treats from the Christmas markets .

Where to stay: The hottest stay in the sunny city right now is Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Sevilla , having opened its doors in spring 2023. Set in the Plaza de San Francisco, the 25-room property is ideally located for experiencing all the city offers over a long weekend. Admire the cathedral and surrounding rooftops from the terrace, and sample fresh seafood sashimi dishes in the sleek signature restaurant.

The French Riviera

Best for: Low-season glitz December temperature range: 43-61°F

Granted, you won’t be donning swimwear on Plage des Ponchettes or spotting A-listers in Nice 's beach clubs come December. However, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day, the winter months are ideal for exploring Nice and the surrounding French Riviera towns—without the crowds that flock here each summer. Check out the Christmas village at Place Massena in Nice, spot the pop-up nativity scenes around the city, or pop to glitzy Monaco for a lavish lunch and glide around the ice rink.

Where to stay: Anantara Plaza Nice is a luxe urban oasis centrally located for sightseeing and sunny lunches along the promenade. There’s a glamorous rooftop terrace for sea views and destination restaurants ideal for those occasional rainy nights.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

Recommended

Hotel du Couvent: First Guest

Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection

Europe Travel Guide

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.