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.

We sat down with award-winning writer and editor, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of Mexican Gothic and The Seventh Veil of Salome to discuss challenging Mexican stereotypes through fiction, religious art in Mexico City, and nature excursions in Baja California. 

“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.

This interview is part of a collaboration with Penguin Random House to celebrate Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month. We sat down with award-winning writer, Cleyvis Natera, author of Neruda on the Park, a novel that explores the impact of gentrification in a predominantly Dominican part of New York City.

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.

We sat down with acclaimed Cuban-American writer, Cristina García, the author of eight novels including Dreaming in Cuban, a finalist for the National Book Award which tells the story of a Cuban family across three generations as they experience the country’s revolution.

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.

Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. This week, ECT CEO, Katalina Mayorga, shares her highlights and intel from Puglia, Italy.

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.

Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. This week, Katie S., shares her highlights from Rioja, Spain.

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.

Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. This week, Megan Ryder-Burbidge, shares her notes from Jordan.

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.