Mali, one of the poorest countries in the world, is rich in
wonder, offering some of Africa's most fascinating cultural sites
and scenery. The landlocked Republic is the largest country in West
Africa, surrounded by seven other states and crisscrossed by the
great Niger River.
The country's best-known city is the fabled Timbuktu, home to
one of the oldest universities in the world. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Timbuktu is well worth a visit to explore the
birthplace of advanced mathematics and astronomy. In ancient times
this city was the powerful centre of Mali's Mandinka Empire. Mali's
empire lost power in the 16th century as the trans-Saharan caravan
trading routes were replaced by European sea traders. Imperial
power in Mali was substituted by French colonialism and ultimately,
in 1960, independence, which has failed to bring prosperity. The
Niger River is now the centre of industry and commerce, vital for
the livelihood of a nation whose majority are poor farmers and
fishermen.
Mali is a perfect holiday destination for travelers looking for
an 'off the beaten track' experience. From camel treks through
desert landscapes, to hikes along the Bandiagara Escarpment where
the Dogon people have carved their homes from the mountain, Mali
offers many unique sensations. Visit the medieval city of Djenne to
marvel at the exquisite mosque, the largest mud building in the
world and centre of the country's predominant Islamic faith. Master
the skill of bartering in the Bamako City Centre Market or explore
some of the capital's worthwhile museums. Many visitors opt for the
lively town of Mopti, built on three islands, where the river
market that brings in goods from along the Niger bursts with music,
arts, and crafts.
The name Timbuktu has long been colloquially used in English to
denote remoteness. However, a trip to Mali today is certainly not a
dead end, but rather an intriguing journey of discovery.
Key Facts
Language:
French is the official language in Mali, but Bambara is
spoken by 80 percent of the population. Numerous other African
languages are also spoken. Outside the bigger towns few people
speak French, and hardly anyone speaks English.
Passport/Visa:
Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Mali, and
sometimes these visas can be gained on arrival. Visitors are
encouraged to contact their nearest Malian embassy or consulate to
confirm their visa/entry requirements. Note that a yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required to enter Mali for all
travellers arriving from an infected area. It is highly recommended
that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity
remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency in Mali is the West African CFA Franc
(XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is tied to
the Euro. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks in Bamako. The
Euro is the easiest currency to exchange. Some major credit cards,
most reliably Visa, are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in
the capital, but credit cards in general are not widely used in
Mali.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are most
commonly of the round, two-pin variety.
Travel to Mali
Climate in Mali
Mali's climate is hot and dry in the northern Sahara zone, north
of the Niger River, and hot and humid in the subtropical south of
the country. Rainfall varies throughout the country, varying from a
virtual absence of rain in the desert north to a rainy season
lasting for about five months from June to October in the south.
The middle section of the country experiences rainfall between June
and August. The dry season is from November to May, with cooler
temperatures between November and February that becomes cold at
night in the north. The most uncomfortable time to visit is from
April to June, with extreme heat, and in December when the hot, dry
Harmattan wind blows. Temperatures average 86F (30C).
Health Notes when travelling to Mali
All visitors to Mali are required to have a vaccination
certificate for yellow fever. It is also recommended that
precautions against meningitis (particularly if travelling between
February and April), malaria, and cholera be taken, and that all
eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19
vaccines.
Bottled water is available and recommended. If not available,
visitors should ensure that water is boiled and they should avoid
ice in drinks. Food should be thoroughly cooked. Medical facilities
are limited, especially outside of Bamako, and basic medicines
might not be available. Travellers are advised to bring a personal
supply of medicines with them. Comprehensive medical insurance is
essential; serious medical problems will require air evacuation
outside of the country.
Safety Notes when travelling to Mali
Tourists should avoid travelling to the provinces of Timbuktu
(Tombouctou), Gao, Kidal and Mopti, as well as parts of Kayes,
Segou and Koulikoro, as there has been an increasing number of
inter and intra-communal security incidents. Bandits and smugglers
pose a risk along Mali's northern borders, particularly after
dark.
Customs in Mali
Mali is a Muslim country and visitors should respect the local
culture by dressing modestly (especially women) and asking people
before taking their photographs. Religious customs should be
respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating,
drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as
it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is frowned
upon. Generally direct eye contact is considered rude. Aim for
indirect eye contact.
Duty Free in Mali
There is free import of 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 2kg of
tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol, and perfume for personal use.
Sporting guns are allowed as long as authorisation from the Customs
Department in Bamako is acquired within 24 hours of arrival.
Doing Business in Mali
French is the principal language of business in Mali. Business
is conducted somewhat formally, but due to the heat, lightweight
suits are worn for important meetings and more casual attire for
regular meetings. One should use the French titles of Monsieur and
Madame when meeting and greeting. Women, in particular should dress
conservatively. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 4pm
Monday to Thursday; 7.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm on
Fridays to allow for mosque.
Communication in Mali
The international dialling code for Mali is +223. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). Some hotels offer internet access and roaming
agreements exist with several international mobile phone
companies.
Tipping in Mali
Tipping is not required in Mali, but is an expression of respect
as well as for rewarding good service.
Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Mali, and
sometimes these visas can be gained on arrival. Visitors are
encouraged to contact their nearest Malian embassy or consulate to
confirm their visa/entry requirements. Note that a yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required to enter Mali for all
travellers arriving from an infected area. It is highly recommended
that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity
remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Mali. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Mali Tourist Office, Bamako: +223 20 22 5673
Mali Embassies
In the United States:
Mali Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 2249.
In Canada:
Mali Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1501.
In the United Kingdom:
Mali Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Britain):
+322 345 74 32.
In Australia:
Mali Embassy, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia): +81
3 5447 6881.
In New Zealand:
Mali Embassy, Tokyo, Japan (also responsibe for New Zealand):
+81 3 5447 6881.
In South Africa:
Mali Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 7464.
Foreign Embassies in Mali
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Bamako: +223 20 70 2300.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Bamako (also responsible for Australia): +223
20 21 2236.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Bamako: +223 2021 3412.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Bamako: +223 20 29 2925.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Mali
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Health Recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Mali, so CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map - Yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).
Country entry requirement: The government of Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Mali.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mali. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Mali located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mali, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Mali
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Health Recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Mali, so CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map - Yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).
Country entry requirement: The government of Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Mali.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mali. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Mali located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mali, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Mali
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Note: Zika is a risk in Mali. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Mali. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mali, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mali. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Mali include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mali. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mali’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Mali. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mali may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mali, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mali for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency in Mali is the West African CFA Franc
(XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is tied to
the Euro. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks in Bamako. The
Euro is the easiest currency to exchange. Some major credit cards,
most reliably Visa, are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in
the capital, but credit cards in general are not widely used in
Mali.
Bamako International Airport (BKO) Mobibo Keïta International Airport
Location: Bamako The airport is situated nine miles (15km) from
Bamako.
Time: No GMT offset.
Contacts:
Tel: +223 204 626
Getting to the city:
While buses, minibuses and shuttles may be available, it is
advisable to take a taxi or organise transport through hotels.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available.
Facilities:
Airport facilities are limited, but include some shops.
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The entire Obama family is back on the vacation grind, this time in the south of France. Ever since leaving the White House, Barack, Michelle, and their two daughters Sasha and Malia have been galavanting around the globe, taking in the sights and living their best life. The family has been spotted on private yachts in French
On a remote and rocky hillside on the Mani peninsula, a 90-minute drive south from Kalamata airport, Aria Estate is a group of 13 B&B apartments built last year. Each minimalist suite has exposed brickwork, a simple kitchenette and a terrace where the seasonal four-course breakfast is served. Afternoon tea with homemade cake and aperitifs with
We have a lot of arguments in the Traveler office about packing: roll vs. fold, carry-on vs. checked, hard shell vs. soft... The list goes on. This week—to add more fuel to the fire—we brought in two expert travelers on opposite ends of the spectrum to talk about their packing tips. Shiona Turini is a self-proclaimed maximalist. Her job as a stylist and costume designer
Carbon Beach is a beguiling and exclusive crescent of sand along the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, famous — infamous might be a better word — for the long and mostly losing battle conducted by its wealthy homeowners to keep the public off this stunning mile of coastline. It is also known as Billionaire’s Beach, a fitting reference to the Californians
In-flight meals are definitely one of the most maligned aspects of air travel. Despite some airlines acquiring world-class chefs to create their menus, few passengers are likely to get revved up about the prospect of eating 30,000 feet above the Atlantic. Perhaps it's because our taste buds have a tendency to malfunction at altitude. Some argue that we're
As the sparkling blue waters and red-roofed towns of Croatia drift by, Torstein Hagen makes his way through the minimalist, Scandinavian-style lobby of the Viking Jupiter cruise ship, explaining what makes Viking’s voyages successful. The secret is in what the ships don’t have. There are no casinos, no kids, no umbrella drinks, no formal nights, no
I reckon we could learn a thing or two about wellness from Cleopatra. Celebrated in history for her undulating beauty and cunning intellect, the former queen of Egypt (circa 51 BC) bathed in milk, a known softener for skin; she dipped into the Dead Sea, with its mineral-rich waters; and used rose water as a hydrator. Even her much-emulated smokey-eye make
With a symmetrical pastel-blue exterior, a la Wes Anderson, and block colour splashes throughout, this former Portuguese family home just outside Lisbon has been transformed into a vibrant new hostel. The partially dilapidated structure was restored in order to keep the original shape of the roof intact. Minimalist interiors include white walls and polished concrete
From its integral role in the world's first moon landing 50 years ago this July to a new lineup of appealing options in the arts and culinary scenes, Houston has never been more ripe for exploration. It wins in the aesthetics department, too: The much-photographed skyline is dotted with skyscrapers in architectural styles ranging from Art Deco to minimalist, and this city of
The premise of a hotel is simple: Build a beautiful building in a sought-after location, and visitors will come. The French hotel group AccorHotels is upending that concept with the Flying Nest, a humble but stylish traveling hotel built from shipping containers.
The first thing you should know about Holborn’s L’oscar hotel is that it’s housed in a turn-of-the-century, Baroque-style church. Initially, this holy history may seem at odds with the decadent maximalism of Jacques Garcia, the Parisian décorateur who literally wrote the book on elegance, luxury and excess. But instead, the divine past of this listed
On Tuesday, the Supreme court upheld the Trump administration’s travel ban 5-4, affirming the president’s power over matters of national security. The latest iteration of the ban includes restrictions against five majority-Muslim nations — Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela are also on the list. Three other
How to enrich an everyday rail journey? Scan the station departure screens for a glimpse of a faraway place, and plan for the day you will forsake your usual train and make your escape. Laced within the most humdrum rail schedules are some exotic anomalies – even from an inner-city station or a windswept halt in rural Norfolk. You just need to know where to start.
The storms knocked two of the region's busiest cruise ports — Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten — off cruise schedules for weeks and maybe months. Several other popular cruise destinations including Tortola in the British Virgin Islands also are closed to ships for now
Inspired by the human body, the new resort’s 430 guestrooms and public spaces epitomise Karim’s signature ‘sensual minimalism’ style, including an iconic multi-coloured seven-storey façade
Malibu has long been a place where A-listers have retreated for the weekend to let their hair down and bury their toes in the sand. Now, with not one but three new hotels opening along the Pacific Coast Highway, there are three compelling reasons to make Malibu the go-to spot for your next beach getaway
Airbnb — the sharing-economy start-up born with a crash-on-my-couch informality — is now trying to professionalize its more than two million “hosts” around the world. In just nine years, the company has built a global hospitality brand on the backs of homeowners
A decade ago, Airstream introduced a small, utilitarian trailer called the Basecamp. The beautiful, streamlined pod turned heads on the highway. Inside, it had no bathroom but the easy-to-clean, minimalist interior was perfect for muddy and sandy gear. Airstream announced that the Basecamp was coming back new. The company introduced an updated version, hoping for a more receptive market.
The 2016 Basecamp (MSRP $34,900) is 16 feet long and weighs in at just 2,585 pounds, the lightest in Airstream's fleet. In October, the first units rolled through the doors of dealerships, and there's been a wait list ever since
The resort’s design plays its part in this, with a strong emphasis on natural materials, chiefly wood. Its main feature is four sea cabins that look like outsize sound-system speakers jutting out from the island. The cabins have walls clad in larch and are of modular construction, with floor-to-ceiling glass wrapped around their fronts. Placing minimalist boxes into natural settings has become an architectural cliché. No matter. Manshausen’s designer, Snorre Stinessen, won several prizes at the Architizer A Awards in New York for the cabins – and deservedly so
Well that was quite the trip! We wanted to see the Suez Canal and found not many passenger ships do that route, and we saw why, what with high canal charges and pirates round Somalia
After the first successful hijacking of a commercial ship by Somali pirates in five years, John Honeywell explains why cruise ships continue to visit the region - and how they protect themselves. For most, mention of the word “pirate” conjures visions
The Tilden, a renovated hotel that embraces its place in the city's historically sketchy neighborhood, features minimalist design that redefines the 118-room hotel, which reopened in October
Remember that “Get a Mac” ad campaign from around a decade ago? On one side of a minimalist room, you had the PC, played by a suit-and-tie John Hodgman—all business, by-the-book, and old-school polite professionalism
While the building has housed travellers since the 15th century, the interiors of this Old Town boutique hotel are thoroughly modern. The clean look of white-painted walls and blond-wood floors and drawers is punctuated by quirky details: Bright-orange armchairs on a black-and-white patterned rug, say, or a slate-grey tissue holder shaped like a Monopoly house
New openings in the Ethiopian Highlands are rare. When it comes to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of the richest wildlife areas in the country, visitors could previously stay either in the nearby town of Debark or, if keen to be inside the park’s borders, the decade-old Simien Lodge
The threat of terrorism is rated "high" in more than 30 countries around the world, according to the Foreign Office, with summer holiday favourites such as Spain and France given the same rating as Libya, Pakistan and Somalia. Here are 15 "low" risk destinations that might surprise you
Looking for a different kind of wine-tasting experience? Malibu Wine Safaris has just the ticket at Saddlerock Ranch, part vineyard, part wildlife habitat
Although Peter Benchley’s book “Jaws” and Steven Spielberg’s subsequent movie adaptation depicted the great white as a danger to humans, the last decade has seen Isla Guadalupe become one of the world’s top destinations for shark enthusiasts and scientists hoping to dive with the oft-maligned and misunderstood creatures
Our downstream journey from Homalin, close to the Indian border and 600 miles from the Chindwin’s confluence with the better-known Irrawaddy, has been hastened by the current. So the captain decides to make one of several unscheduled stops during our week-long journey to Monywa
The diplomatic advance would help open the way for U.S. airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months in what would likely be the biggest step toward tighter economic ties since the two countries began normalizing relations last year
For all the early optimism, businesses and advocates for engagement are increasingly finding that genuine normalization is still more aspiration than reality
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is an Iceland hotel offering minimalist design, good breakfasts and a heated outdoor pool, near Thingvellir National Park and the popular "Golden Circle" route
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is an Iceland hotel offering minimalist design, good breakfasts and a heated outdoor pool, near Thingvellir National Park and the popular ‘Golden Circle’ route
Avalon Hotel is a stylish Gothenburg hotel offering youthful interiors, cosy but minimalist rooms, exceptional Swedish cuisine, and fabulous views of the city from the rooftop swimming pool, near Kungsportsplatsen and Gothenburg Central Station
The formalities of hotel dining usually run on the same well-trodden lines – what you might call the César Ritz lines. You walk to the entrance and a well-mannered, agreeably dressed member of staff swoops in and leads you, usually with the solemnity of a cardinal, to your table; which is usually covered in a thick, off-white cloth and all the other glinting appurtenances of fine dining
Aman Tokyo is a Tokyo hotel offering minimalist interiors, traditional Japanese spa treatments, fabulous city views, spacious rooms and excellent food, near the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. Click on the right of the image below for more photographs
Based on the straightforward idea that "less is more," modern design focuses on creating more with, well, less -- by using simplicity, minimalism and geometry
The White House’s move toward normalizing relations with Cuba has fueled interest among American cruise passengers hoping to visit, although the agreement doesn’t allow U.S.-based cruise ships to call