Antigua & Barbuda

Head to the islands in the heart of the Caribbean. While most travellers from the northern hemisphere prefer to travel to the Caribbean between November and February, the perennially perfect beach conditions and weather ensure Antigua and Barbuda a place on our list of autumn holiday locales. Antigua alone has 365 white, sandy beaches, but going to the beach is just scratching the surface of things to see and do on the islands. Activities range from sailing and diving at one of Barbuda’s 200 ship wrecks to visiting Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Antigua and Barbuda have rich music, culture, song and dance, and centuries of traditions. If this isn’t enticing enough, hotel rates are significantly lower at this time of year.

Cartagena, Colombia

Once a favourite looting ground for Caribbean pirates, Cartagena is Colombia’s most popular holiday spot. Located on the country’s Caribbean coast, it is a spirited city with colourful buildings and lively residents. Founded in 1533, the city comprises the Ciudad Amurallada, or old walled city, and the modern Bocagrande. Beautiful Spanish architecture can be seen in the walled city, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site, especially the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress that was built in the 17th century and the colonial houses. Cartagena’s cultural heritage isn’t its only draw. The beaches of Cartagena, gorgeous scenery and delicious cuisine make it a spectacular choice for a holiday. High season begins in December, so travel here in autumn before the prices go up and ahead of Cartagena becoming South America’s most popular destination!

Lijiang, China

Rich cultural and historical traditions along with the kindness of the local residents have made Lijiang a popular destination for Chinese and foreign tourists alike. Its Old Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and the city’s unique architecture stems from its location at the confluence of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Lijiang is surrounded by dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains where hiking and cycling are popular outdoor activities. The majority of the city’s inhabitants are ethnic minorities, particularly the Naxi, Yi and Bai, and there are many ways to experience the local, traditional way of life, particularly on a homestay trek. Autumn brings drier weather, cheaper hotel rates and fewer tourists to Lijiang. Don’t forget your hiking boots!

Vilnius, Lithuania

The bizarre bust of Frank Zappa isn’t the only reason we love Vilnius. Crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2009, this picture-perfect city has one of the largest World Heritage-listed old towns in the world; ; in spite of invasions, it has beautifully preserved Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance structures. Wandering through Vilnius’ labyrinthine streets and spending time in the living museum that is the city’s Old Town transports you back to medieval Lithuania. Vilnius residents are no strangers to occupation, and because of it delight in independence, cultural events and festivals. Even the capital has its eccentricities, like the self-proclaimed independent city called the Republic of Užupis. If you’re more interested in history, travel a short distance to the medieval island castle of Trakai. Fewer tourists travel to Lithuania in autumn as the weather is turning colder, but we think it’s the perfect time to experience Vilnius without the crowds.

The Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia, as seen from the whitewashed buildings in the ancient medina

Hammamet, Tunisia

Stunning whitewashed buildings aren’t only found in Greece. Though it’s billed as North Africa’s premier beach destination and is better known as the ‘Tunisian St. Tropez,’ Hammamet is a seaside destination with much more to offer those in search of R and R. The city itself is surrounded by the ancient fortification of the Hammamet Kasbah and the narrow back alleys that reach toward the old medina are full of bright, whitewashed buildings with blue trim and intricate architectural designs. Hammamet and the surrounding region of Tunisia have a glorious history and ancient Roman baths famous for healing mineral waters are located within the city’s medina, while the Roman ruins of Pupput are only three kilometres away. The cooler autumn climate and Hammamet’s proximity to the capital, Tunis, make trips to Tunis and Carthage as easy as those to other Roman ruins, like Thuburbu Majus and Dougga. The combination of past and present, the Mediterranean climate and off-season deals pin Hammamet as our pick in Africa.

Travellers to Hammamet are routinely amazed by the sheer beauty of the ‘Tunisian Saint Tropez’. Frequented even during ancient Roman times because of its healing mineral baths and known today for its historic medina and beautiful beaches, Hammamet practically oozes tradition.

Houses in the Medina look out over the tranquil, azure waters of the Gulf of Hammamet

Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea at the start of trade trails leading deep into the Sahara Desert, Hammamet’s Medina, or Old City, is surrounded by a series of early 16th-century fortifications. Setting foot within is like stepping back in time as you wander past donkeys and street vendors in the city’s narrow lanes or take in the largest Roman necropolis in Africa at the ruins of Pupput.

If your appetite for history has been whetted, head north for a day-trip exploration of the ancient ruins of Carthage, west on a Roman Cities Tour or further afield south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kairouan, Capital of Islamic Culture 2009 and North Africa’s holiest city.

If you’re able to pry yourself away from sunbathing on spotless beaches and want to see more of Hammamet’s gorgeous Mediterranean coast, the city sits on the edge of the Cap Bon Peninsula, which can be is best taken in on a day trip. A tour takes in the area’s outstanding natural beauty as well as local craftsmen at work.

Of course, Hammamet hotels could act as your base of operations for seeing the sights, tastes and sounds of Hammamet as well as the wider area.

whl.travel’s launch of www.travel-hammamet.com, which covers Hammamet and Nabeul, connects travellers with Tarak and the team at Capitol Travel.

The Triumphal Arch of Antoninus marks the entrance to the ruins of the Roman city of Sufetula, very close to modern day Sbeitla

On behalf of the Capitol Travel Team, Tarak Ben Rached says: “We are passionate about the destinations we serve and take great pleasure in being in direct contact with our guests and changing their preconceptions of Tunisia. For us, cultural exchange and the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life are the most rewarding aspects of working in tourism.”

Hammamet is the first whl.travel destination portal to be launched for Tunisia.

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EN FRANÇAIS / IN FRENCH:

Les voyageurs à Hammamet sont régulièrement surpris par la beauté de la ‘Saint Tropez Tunisienne’. Fréquentées, même pendant l’antiquité romaine en raison de ses bains theramaux de guérison et connu aujourd’hui pour son historique médina et de ses belles plages, Hammamet veille a conserver ses traditions.

Situé sur les rives de la mer Méditerranée au départ de sentiers pour le désert et le Sahara, la Médina, ou la vieille ville, est entouré par une série de fortifications du début du 16e siècle. En mettant le pied dedans c’est comme remonter dans le temps ; vous vous promenez dans les ruelles étroites de la ville ou prenez le temps de visiter la plus importante nécropole romaine en Afrique dans les ruines de Pupput.

Customers enjoy a quiet drink in the famous Cafe Bouhdid, just outside Hammamet's ancient walls

Si votre appétit pour l’histoire a été aiguisé, allez au nord pour une journée d’exploration  des ruines antiques de Carthage, à l’ouest sur une tour des villes romaines ou plus loin au sud vers le Site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO de Kairouan, Capitale de la culture islamique 2009 et ville la plus sainte du Nord de l’Afrique.

Si vous êtes capable de vous grappiller des bains de soleil sur les plages immaculées et que vous souhaitez voir la plus magnifiques côte méditerranéenne de Hammamet, la ville est située sur le bord de la Péninsule du Cap Bon, Qui peut être plutôt des mesures sur un Day Trip. Une visite dure en beauté naturelle exceptionnelle de la région ainsi que des artisans locaux au travail.

Bien sûr, Hammamet hôtels pourrait agir comme base d’opérations pour voir les images, les goûts et les sons de Hammamet Ainsi que la zone en plus large.

whl.travel en lancement de www.travel-hammamet.com, qui couvre Hammamet et Nabeul, relie les voyageurs avec Tarak et l’équipe de Capitol Travel.

Au nom de l’équipe de Capitol Travel, Tarak Ben Rached a écrit: “Nous sommes passionnés par les destinations que nous desservons et de prendre beaucoup de plaisir à être en contact direct avec nos invités et de changer leurs idées préconçues de la  Tunisie. Pour nous, les échanges culturels et la possibilité d’interagir avec des personnes de tous les milieux de vie sont les aspects les plus gratifiants de travailler dans le tourisme. ”

Hammamet est le premier portail de whl.travel qui sera lancé pour la Tunisie.