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Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium's port city of Antwerp is on the rise, particularly for those with an eye for design. With an established fashion scene (thanks to local design houses Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, & more), Axel Vervoordt gallery that is a destination in and of itself, an exciting culinary scene, and cool boutique hotels, it's one of Europe's most up-and-coming cities. Who Should Go: To restate: anyone with an interest in design. Also, those who love Copenhagen, which has a similar vibe to Antwerp (chill local scene, great wine bars, cool design spots). When to Go: April through October Don’t Miss: Axel Vervoordt, Nives, Album, Osaka, KMSKA, St. Vincents, August
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea’s bustling capital of Seoul is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, a culture-rich, fashion-forward, art-filled metropolis that is modern and very orderly. Here, you’ll find incredible bars and jazz clubs tucked along winding backstreets, an array of emerging Korean fashion designers, amazing food, and a booming art scene—Freize launched its first fair in Asia here in 2022, and the city is rife with interesting galleries. Who Should Go: Travelers who love big, dynamic cities, as well as those with an eye for fashion and design or a serious foodie streak. When to Go: March through May; September through November Don’t Miss: Gwangjang Market, Anthracite Coffee Roasters, Bar Cham, wildduck & canteen, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro-side city of Porto has long been known for its stunning architecture and port wine, but in recent years its creative, graffiti-lined neighborhoods have blossomed with cool wine bars, coffee shops, and galleries. It’s one of Europe’s most up-and-coming cities, with beautiful nearby beaches, too. Who Should Go: Those who love discovering destinations in the midst of a renaissance, or those who have been to and loved Lisbon (you can also make a great combination trip out of the two Portuguese cities). When to Go: April through November Don’t Miss: A Certain Café, The Largo, Cozinha das Flores, Early Cedofeita, Fundação Serralves, Piscina das Marés
Cap Ferret, France
If St. Tropez is akin to the Hamptons, France’s Cap Ferret would be most similar to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod. It's a laid-back, French seaside destination where days are simple and best spent boating, biking, and enjoying oysters at seaside seafood shacks. Who Should Go: Those who want a totally low-maintenance beach destination, authentic French seaside living, and to rent a house by the ocean for a week (while there are good restaurants here, it’s the type of place where you’ll cook at home and enjoy alfresco meals with friends and family). When to Go: May through September Don’t Miss: Chez Hortense, Huîtres Maleyran, Restaurant La Co(o)rniche, La Cabane d'Hortense, Dune du Pilat
Marrakech, Morocco
Few places feel as alive as Marrakech, a vibrant city that has incredible hotels and restaurants, boutiques with local treasures and a handful of interesting cultural attractions. One of the best experiences here is shopping in the souk (preferably with a guide), and those who need a bit of adventure can do a day trip to the Atlas Mountains for hiking or the desert for camel rides and an alfresco lunch. Who Should Go: Anyone who loves to shop and experience culture-rich destinations. When to Go: October through March Don’t Miss: Farmers, LRNCE Studio, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Rosemary, Farasha Farmhouse, Bahia Palace, Blue Ribbon Marrakech
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