Dare we say it, but we think it’s impossible not to love Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital offers everything you look for in a city, without the cosmopolitan bustle that can often be overwhelming in other cities. True, it doesn’t get particularly warm, but the chill is all part of its cozy charm.

You might find the city charming or you might find it chaotic, but one thing is for sure—it is never ever dull. The best way to enjoy Hanoi? Pull up a street stall, order some heavenly food, and watch it all unfold in front of you. 

A combination of rugged landscapes, sparkling coastlines, and rustic villages has made Mallorca one of Europe’s top-visited destinations. Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Mallorca’s reputation has evolved over the years from a quiet, secluded Mediterranean island, to one of the first all-inclusive travel destinations, to a bohemian escape for artists.

The juxtaposition of ‘new meets old’ is thrown around a lot in travel, but Cairo takes it to the extreme. Where else can you see ancient iconic marvels and centuries-old mosques sitting alongside a rapidly modernizing metropolis? This striking contrast is just one of the reasons why few cities in the world offer an experience like Egypt’s capital.

While its heritage is what makes Kyoto unique, it is still very much a modern city with cool concept stores, boutique galleries, and a surge of new contemporary hotels. Take the time to get to know this side of it to escape the tourist overcrowding and give you a better understanding of the city beyond its picturesque image.

Think you know Thailand? Think again. In a country best known for its islands and temples, Thailand’s Northern capital offers an urban destination that has quietly emerged as an art and design hub. In true ECT style, we’ve delved into the current artistic energy of the city to uncover the brands, bars, galleries, and cultural hubs you should know about.

“Sometimes people feel frustrated when they visit Saigon because they couldn’t get to know the feel of the city better,” explains Jonathan Morana, ECT Clubhouse Travel Expert for Vietnam. We worked with Jonathan to curate a list of the best recommendations for getting to know the feel of the city at a deeper level.

A vibrant island off Italy’s southern coast, Sicily is a feast for the senses. With a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a cuisine that reflects centuries of cultural influences, this island captures the essence of Italy in every possible way.

Where else could you bathe in mineral-rich hot springs, hike mountains, view the Northern Lights, and enjoy buzzing nightlife and a burgeoning restaurant scene? While many pass through Reykjavik on their way to witness the rest of the country’s jaw-dropping scenery, take your time to get to know more about this captivating city.

Discover varying takes on Portuguese dishes in old-school tavernas and hipster hangouts, wander cobbled streets adorned with graffiti art and tiled facade buildings, and balance your time between urban activities and nearby beaches and natural landscapes. You’ll soon understand why travelers return to Porto again and again. 

We’ve got you covered with the Black-owned businesses you can’t miss, plus other underrepresented- and immigrant-owned businesses paying homage to their cultures. There’s no doubt we’re sharing how to best experience this city without getting caught up in the tourists’ agenda.

Its visual and sensory assets make it a haven for design devotees and color aficionados—but that doesn’t mean it should be reduced to being just an Instagram backdrop.

In true ECT fashion, we’re heading off the beaten path and steering away from Mykonos and Santorini for now and bringing you recommendations for the capital city of Athens, the southern mainland peninsula of The Peloponnese, and Greece’s largest island, Crete.

Undeniable character, culture, and plenty of craic—we wouldn’t expect anything less from Ireland’s capital. With its newly earned culinary credentials, bracing natural surroundings, lively pub culture, and enduring charm, if there’s anywhere you’re guaranteed to have a good time, it’s Dublin.

Miami has been named the “Magic City'' because of its rapid growth in population and popularity, yet the real magic of this metropolis is its rich multicultural makeup.

We’re zooming in on our community’s favorite places in Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio, two of Belize's most enchanting havens that offer distinct yet complementary experiences.

Los Angeles often gets lost in its identity as Tinseltown, La-La Land, home to the rich and famous. Beyond the glitz and glam of the city, however, lies evidence of its history and presence as a diverse and cultural hub.

The perfect trip in San Sebastian is spent wandering its beautiful cobbled streets, indulging in pintxos (small bar snacks that are an integral part of the local culture), savoring Txakoli wine, and connecting with the surrounding nature. In other words, it’s a city to enjoy life's simple pleasures, which sounds pretty good to us.

“In my opinion, Boston is the Goldilocks city,” says ECT Clubhouse member Julia Perry. “Not too big, not too small, but just right. With delicious food, plenty to do, and four incredibly distinct seasons to visit, it has everything you're looking for.”

While its inclusive atmosphere is a point of pride and celebration, its reputation as a place for freedom has contributed to a wealth of tourism issues. So how can you make sure you’re being a benefit to this dynamic city and not a burden?