Welcome to the ibis family

Start with an IC Card such as Suica or Pasmo. These can be used across trains, subways, and buses, allowing you to tap on and off without needing to calculate fares. This helps avoid paying for incorrect tickets, prevents overpaying on short trips, and makes it easier to move between different lines without needing to buy multiple tickets each time.

Valparaíso, Chile: Hillside colour and creative energy Why it's underrated: A visually striking port city of murals and steep streets, offering a strong contrast to more polished capitals. Don't miss: Ride a funicular, like the historic Ascensor Reina Victoria; walk downhill through Cerro Alegre to enjoy the street art; end at a spot with harbour views like Fauna Restaurant to watch the lights come on across the port. Try this local bite: Empanadas from a local bakery. Easy add-on: 1.5-hour bus to Santiago.   Thessaloniki, Greece: Waterfront walks and historic architecture Why it's underrated: Greece’s second city is all about food, history and atmosphere, with fewer crowds than Athens. Don't miss: Walk the waterfront in the late afternoon light and admire the iconic White Tower of Thessaloniki; explore Ladadika for bars and tavernas; stop by Modiano Market to see the city’s food culture up close. Try this local bite: Bougatsa with coffee in the morning. Easy add-on: 1-hour flight or 5-hour train to Athens for iconic sights and museums.   Tangier, Morocco: Crossroads energy and coastal views Why it's underrated: This city in North Africa offers a fast-moving mix of cultures, art history and market life, ideal as a first or last stop in Morocco. Don't miss: Wander the kasbah and enjoy incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar; stop by the Tangier American Legation Museum to explore Tangier's cultural history; end the day at the legendary Café Hafa with sweeping views over the sea. Try this local bite: Fresh sardines near the Grand Socco. Easy add-on: 1-hour ferry to Tarifa plus ~2.5-hour train to Seville.   Busan, South Korea: Markets, coastlines and laid-back city energy Why it's underrated: A major city that feels calmer than Seoul, with distinct neighbourhoods and strong food culture. Don't miss: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest fish market, visit the Haedong Yonggungsa temple with views over the sea, end the day in the buzzing neighbourhood of Seomyeon. Try this local bite: Tteokbokki and fish cake from a market stall. Easy add-on: 2.5-hour KTX high-speed train to Seoul.   Wellington, New Zealand: Compact culture and harbour views Why it's underrated: A creative, walkable capital in the Pacific that packs coffee, museums and scenery into a tight, easy-to-navigate centre. Don't miss: Start with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for an introduction to New Zealand's history, environment, and Maori culture; stroll along the Wellington Waterfront and keep an eye out for seals; finish by riding the Wellington Cable Car and watch the sun set from the Kelburn Lookout. Try this local bite: A flat white and a bakery pie. Easy add-on: 3.5-hour ferry to Picton for access to the South Island.

In May, Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica offers an ideal setting, with blue skies, temperatures between 20 and 23°C, and a relaxed pace far removed from the summer rush. Enjoy a getaway that alternates between exploring the town and savouring the first moments by the sea. In the morning, wander through the market at Place Foch, then follow the Route des Sanguinaires to discover sun-drenched coves along the coastline.

From Hainanese chicken to spicy laksa, Singapore's hawker centres serve some of the city's best dishes. Find the top markets, stalls, and tips.