japan is one of my favourite countries in the world, and perhaps the one i’ve visited the most. i’ve been planning my first international trip, and japan is still top of my list - where to go, is the trickier question. tokyo and kyoto are rich, multilayered cities that one could spend months in and barely scrape the surface of, but if you’re looking to beat the crowds and venture outside of these tourist hubs, then the lesser known niigata prefecture is well worth a visit. to the northwest of tokyo and stretching some 240km along the sea of japan, niigata is like a macrocosm of the best of the country, boasting both incredible scenery and a rich cultural history. from cherry blossoms, to world class art, to a thriving geisha district, these are the best things to see in niigata prefecture.

the wild west : you may have seen it in the movies but you may be surprised to learn that australia is home to some stunning oases of desert studded with towering cacti and exotic flowers bigger than your head. as australia’s roadmap to reopening continues and we excitedly plan our regional holidays, we’re highlighting some of the prickliest and most photogenic cactus farms that prove you don’t need to travel far for a slice of mexicana.