Escape Edition 82

The City's the Limit

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The Citys the Limit

People have flocked to cities for centuries. If you’ve travelled to many around the world and are now looking for more to discover, you’re in luck. In this week’s Escape Edition, we shine a light on cities - journeying from the USA and British Columbia to Hong Kong and beyond. Cityscape? It’s a date.

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do first. At the top of your list should be Stanley Park. Bigger than New York’s Central Park, this sprawling green space boasts botanical gardens, dozens of trails, and some colourful First Nations totem poles. To cover as much ground as possible, why not hire bikes and cycle through the park and along the seawall?

Show Less

A holiday to Vancouver is a food lovers’ paradise, and Granville Island is a must! South-west of Downtown, this peninsula is crammed with places to eat: a real smorgasbord of delis, lunch counters, restaurants, and stalls, it sells everything from cheese, meat, and bread to confectionary, fresh produce, noodles, and pizza. Head into the courtyard and enjoy culinary delights while listening to the buskers who often congregate there. In Charming Gastown, you’ll find some of the city’s trendiest shops, bars, and restaurants lining Water Street. But the neighbourhood’s most famous landmark, the Gastown Steam Clock, is a must-see. It’s one of very few functioning steam-powered clocks in the world ‘tooting’ on the hour and shooting out steam every 15 minutes.

Show Less

For sweeping vistas over the city, head to Vancouver Lookout. Or get your heart pumping on a hike to the top of Grouse Mountain – known as the ‘Peak of Vancouver’ – for sweeping panoramas. If you’d prefer to look out over ancient rainforest, head north of the city to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. When you want to relax, spend a day on one of the city’s powdery beaches. Kitsilano Beach and English Bay Beach are two of our favourites in the summer. Or, if you want to see some local wildlife, go on a whale-watching trip in search of wild orcas between March and October.

Take me there

Vancouver Tourism

Show Less

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

As one of the largest cities stateside, the vast array of things to see and do in Houston ensures there's always something new to discover in the Bayou City. We’ve pulled together the ultimate 48 hours in the city to highlight some of our favourite things to do.

When people think of Houston, they might be taken back to Tom Hank’s famous line in Apollo 13, ‘Houston, we have a problem’. The city’s world-renowned Space Centre is a must-see attraction, and it gives a fascinating insight into the role Houston’s NASA facility played in putting people on the moon in 1969. In the afternoon, venture to Skvlawn, the five-acre urban rooftop park on ton of POST Houston, a new mixed-use development featuring a world-renowned international food hall.

Show Less

Houston is known for its diverse selection of eateries. Regarded by some as the culinary capital of the South, the city has more than 10,000 restaurants. Between them, they produce cuisine from over 70 countries, so even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied. If you're a particular fan of cooking, why not book a cooking class during your Houston trip? With a variety of options from Central Market to UrbanCHEF, Houston has a class for every appetite.

On day two, use the METRORail to head to the museum district and explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you are travelling as a family, the Children’s Museum is a must. After a busy day, head downtown and check out the city’s biggest sporting events or catch a show in the impressive Theater District.

Show Less

On your final day, rent bikes and meander along Buffalo Bayou Park’s bike path. This beautiful path follows the bayou, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline. The next stop is Uptown, home to the largest shopping mall in all of Texas - the Galleria. Here, vou can shop 'til you drop in over 700 stores before heading to your next stop.

Our top tip is to extend your stay and spend a couple more nights experiencing what this wonderful city offers.

Take me there

Visit Houston

Show Less

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

Ever evolving, Hong Kong has loads to offer as a holiday destination. For starters, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are crammed with dining options to suit every budget, from Michelin starred restaurants to street food. And once suitably filled with delicate dim sum and sweet char siu pork, you can turn your attention to sightseeing. Victoria Harbour, Lantau Island’s Tian Tan Buddha, and The Peak are key attractions. Most people reach the top of this famous hill by taking the historic Peak Tram – but if you’re feeling active, you can always walk it instead. If hiking’s your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that Hong Kong has hundreds of miles of trails. Despite its commercial reputation, most of the city is countryside.

Show Less

The outlying islands, in particular, are a tapestry of cloud-skimming mountains, golden beaches, and quaint fishing villages. So you should certainly make time to explore. But, while there’s plenty to keep you occupied here, Hong Kong only needs to be the start of your trip. Its excellent location in the heart of Asia makes it ideal for a multi-centre holiday. Why not combine your Hong Kong trip with the trip of a lifetime to China? Journey from the imperial treasures of Beijing through Xian with its legions of Terracotta Warriors to reach the charming city of Chengdu, where you will meet its most famous residents – the captivating Giant Pandas.

Take me there

Hong Kong Tourism

Show Less

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do first. At the top of your list should be Stanley Park. Bigger than New York’s Central Park, this sprawling green space boasts botanical gardens, dozens of trails, and some colourful First Nations totem poles. To cover as much ground as possible, why not hire bikes and cycle through the park and along the seawall?

Show Less

A holiday to Vancouver is a food lovers’ paradise, and Granville Island is a must! South-west of Downtown, this peninsula is crammed with places to eat: a real smorgasbord of delis, lunch counters, restaurants, and stalls, it sells everything from cheese, meat, and bread to confectionary, fresh produce, noodles, and pizza. Head into the courtyard and enjoy culinary delights while listening to the buskers who often congregate there. In Charming Gastown, you’ll find some of the city’s trendiest shops, bars, and restaurants lining Water Street. But the neighbourhood’s most famous landmark, the Gastown Steam Clock, is a must-see. It’s one of very few functioning steam-powered clocks in the world ‘tooting’ on the hour and shooting out steam every 15 minutes.

Show Less

For sweeping vistas over the city, head to Vancouver Lookout. Or get your heart pumping on a hike to the top of Grouse Mountain – known as the ‘Peak of Vancouver’ – for sweeping panoramas. If you’d prefer to look out over ancient rainforest, head north of the city to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. When you want to relax, spend a day on one of the city’s powdery beaches. Kitsilano Beach and English Bay Beach are two of our favourites in the summer. Or, if you want to see some local wildlife, go on a whale-watching trip in search of wild orcas between March and October.

Take me there

Vancouver Tourism

Show Less

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

As one of the largest cities stateside, the vast array of things to see and do in Houston ensures there's always something new to discover in the Bayou City. We’ve pulled together the ultimate 48 hours in the city to highlight some of our favourite things to do.

When people think of Houston, they might be taken back to Tom Hank’s famous line in Apollo 13, ‘Houston, we have a problem’. The city’s world-renowned Space Centre is a must-see attraction, and it gives a fascinating insight into the role Houston’s NASA facility played in putting people on the moon in 1969. In the afternoon, venture to Skvlawn, the five-acre urban rooftop park on ton of POST Houston, a new mixed-use development featuring a world-renowned international food hall.

Show Less

Houston is known for its diverse selection of eateries. Regarded by some as the culinary capital of the South, the city has more than 10,000 restaurants. Between them, they produce cuisine from over 70 countries, so even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied. If you're a particular fan of cooking, why not book a cooking class during your Houston trip? With a variety of options from Central Market to UrbanCHEF, Houston has a class for every appetite.

On day two, use the METRORail to head to the museum district and explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you are travelling as a family, the Children’s Museum is a must. After a busy day, head downtown and check out the city’s biggest sporting events or catch a show in the impressive Theater District.

Show Less

On your final day, rent bikes and meander along Buffalo Bayou Park’s bike path. This beautiful path follows the bayou, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline. The next stop is Uptown, home to the largest shopping mall in all of Texas - the Galleria. Here, vou can shop 'til you drop in over 700 stores before heading to your next stop.

Our top tip is to extend your stay and spend a couple more nights experiencing what this wonderful city offers.

Take me there

Visit Houston

Show Less

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

Ever evolving, Hong Kong has loads to offer as a holiday destination. For starters, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are crammed with dining options to suit every budget, from Michelin starred restaurants to street food. And once suitably filled with delicate dim sum and sweet char siu pork, you can turn your attention to sightseeing. Victoria Harbour, Lantau Island’s Tian Tan Buddha, and The Peak are key attractions. Most people reach the top of this famous hill by taking the historic Peak Tram – but if you’re feeling active, you can always walk it instead. If hiking’s your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that Hong Kong has hundreds of miles of trails. Despite its commercial reputation, most of the city is countryside.

Show Less

The outlying islands, in particular, are a tapestry of cloud-skimming mountains, golden beaches, and quaint fishing villages. So you should certainly make time to explore. But, while there’s plenty to keep you occupied here, Hong Kong only needs to be the start of your trip. Its excellent location in the heart of Asia makes it ideal for a multi-centre holiday. Why not combine your Hong Kong trip with the trip of a lifetime to China? Journey from the imperial treasures of Beijing through Xian with its legions of Terracotta Warriors to reach the charming city of Chengdu, where you will meet its most famous residents – the captivating Giant Pandas.

Take me there

Hong Kong Tourism

Show Less

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Capetown

Foodies will love the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. This bustling wharf has over 80 eateries, ranging from casual coffee shops to gourmet restaurants. Or check out the local markets, Eastern Food Bazaar and Food Lover’s Market, which are filled with mouth-watering morsels.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Abu Dhabi

Sunbathing isn’t the only thing to do in Abu Dhabi. Don’t miss Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the enchanting Qasr Al Watan Palace. For theme park thrills, head to Yas Island and enjoy Ferrari World’s record-breaking rollercoasters. Alternatively, test your Grand Prix skills at Yas Marina Circuit or book tee-time at award-winning Yas Links.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Sydney

There’s enough to see and do in Sydney to fill several holidays. The trick is to pace yourself and balance iconic sights with meandering around intriguing city neighbourhoods. Consider taking a Harbour Cruise to look at the city from the sea, or if you’re feeling bold, you could even scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The climb is daring but worth it for a brilliant bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House.

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Escape Edition 82

The City's the Limit

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

VIBRANT VANCOUVER

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

HASSLE-FREE HOUSTON

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

HONG KONG ALL DAY LONG

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Capetown

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Abu Dhabi

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Sydney

FIND THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON OUR TRIPS

8 Day Jordan Discovery

Singapore & Sentosa Island

Dubai & Sri Lanka

11 Day Western USA Highlights

11 Day Perth, Rock and Reef

Luxury Wine and Wellness Escape

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST

Out There Made Easy

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Part of the Dnata family

Good Housekeeping

ATOL Protected

Rated Excellent