Adventure.com: Ladies first? Life in Palau, one of the world’s last matriarchies.

“You know that saying, ‘Behind every great man, there’s an even greater woman’?” asks our local guide, Velma. “It’s especially true here. Women have a lot of power in Palau”.

It’s my first morning in this idyllic-looking country, and I’ve wasted no time firing off my burning questions. A pre-trip Google showed a tropical paradise, but one thing in particular piqued my interest: Palau is one of the world’s last matriarchies. 

At a time where women’s reproductive rights are going backward, almost one third of women experience partner violence, and suicide is a major cause of death in young men, I can’t say I’m sold on the patriarchy, as societal structures go.  

But I am deeply curious about the reality of an alternative. What does a modern matriarchal society actually look like, in practice? How many of the historic traditions are still upheld? Is there a gender pay gap? How do the men feel about it all? 

Australian Traveller: The ultimate guide to experiencing K’gari’s new light show

With sweeping sandscapes, lucid lakes and biodiversity as rich as its unspoiled terrain, K’gari (Fraser Island) is a place where raw beauty knows no bounds. This October, the World Heritage-listed island’s distinct wonder will take on a new dimension with the launch of Illumina, the first permanent light, laser and projection installation of its kind in Queensland.

Crafted by international light artist Bruce Ramus and his team (renowned for creating the Wintjiri Wiru installation at Uluru), Illumina transforms K’gari’s regeneration, growth and intricate ecosystem into a vibrant spectacle of colours and intricate patterns cast across the sky.

Citizen Femme: Raffles Bali —The Sustainable Wellness Sanctuary Embracing Tradition

Not so long ago, Bali was synonymous with two types of distinct – and contrasting – types of travellers. Spiritual seekers sought solace in the steep foothills of Ubud, as partygoers pounded the streets of Seminyak.

While neither offering has waned in popularity (and over-tourism remains an issue in those areas), over the last decade, the Indonesian isle has cemented a new dimension to its reputation: it’s also become a leading destination for high-end wellness, thoughtful travel and world-class food.

This evolution is epitomised by the recently-opened, award-winning Raffles Bali. With a focus on preserving local culture, cuisine and the natural beauty of its home in Jimbaran Bay, it exudes respectful luxury while enveloping guests in traditional Balinese wellness at every opportunity.

Mamamia: I just returned from Tasmania’s newest romantic retreat — here’s my honest review

My eyes squint open, surely ahead of schedule. 

I reach for my phone for confirmation. 6.14am. As I regain consciousness, I realise why I’m awake. I’m staring into an uninterrupted sea of green, in what seems like every shade. Dappled light dances through the leaves as the early morning sun makes her grand entrance. From here, through floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, my forest view is panoramic.

It’s silent except for the occasional bird, and snore from my partner, whose eyes seem perfectly happy to stick to the sleep-in schedule. I would think I was waking up outside if it weren’t for the opulent king-sized bed I’m tucked into. A bed so comfortable it will ruin all future beds for me, including my own.  

Riparide: Finding Bliss at Bangalow Bails

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to throw in your job, move to where it’s green and live the slow, conscious life. The drive alone was enough to make that morning’s stress seem insignificant. Winding through seas of scenic hills and smelling fresh country air has a unique way of helping you unwind. When your shoulders relax and your body exhales, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Bangalow Bails – a converted dairy burrowed in the heart of the Byron Bay Hinterland.

Time Out Amsterdam: The 24-hour city that knows how to party

Multi-disciplinary, high quality, and long-lasting is how Amsterdam’s nachtburgermeester (night mayor) describe’s the city’s offering when the sun goes down. Once typecast by tales of debauchery and crude excess, the city’s nocturnal scene is now mentioned in the same breath as New York, London and Berlin, despite being a fraction of their size. Whether it’s for the stereotypical red light-centered stag do or to dance for three days straight, Amsterdam’s nightlife is a major draw for the millions who visit each year.

The Journal: The warning nobody gives you when travelling to India and Nepal

When I told people I was travelling to India and Nepal by myself, I was met with a lot of hazardous looks and subsequent “don’ts”. Don’t eat the street food, don’t take public transport, don’t take taxis, don’t wander the streets, don’t draw attention to yourself, don’t make eye contact with people – it went on. Granted, some stemmed from religious and cultural norms, which should absolutely be respected when visiting any destination. But most of the wide-eyed warnings came from people who’d never actually ventured to either country themselves.

Most of them came from fear.

Huffpost UK: The magic of Madeira: Portugal’s island paradise offers adventure aplenty

Lying 700km off the coast of Africa is a small island paradise, its authenticity still perfectly preserved despite growing tourist demand. Madeira is the sun-kissed destination giving the likes of the Canary Islands and Marbella a run for their money. Boasting a tropical climate with warm temperatures that extend through March and November, the island attracts sun-seekers year-round. While the destination has typically been a popular go-to for over 50s, its strong food and wine culture coupled with adventure opportunities is putting it on the map for young travellers.

Express Travel: How to soak up the best of Florida Keys

It’s that dreaded time of year again. The excitement of the festive season has worn off, leaving foggy heads and swollen waistlines in its wake. As the dark, wet and short days of January become difficult to bear, many Brits look to flee the cold in favour of flip flops and sun loungers. Of course, the predictable sun spots in Spain and Portugal are always an option. But for those seeking a more memorable experience, the Florida Keys are calling. 

Huffpost UK: Three reasons to add a road trip through the Canadian Rocky mountains to your bucket list

There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun rise over snow-capped mountains. Perhaps it’s the contrast of pristine white peaks against a pink-tinged sky, or the encapsulating feeling of witnessing one of nature's most aesthetic feats. Or it might just be the humbling enormity of the landscape. This is the conclusion I reach from the comfort of the passenger seat in a Ford SUV, as I repeatedly pick up my jaw at what is outside the fogged-up window.

The Journal: Argentina vs Brazil: Which side of the Iguazu Falls should you travel to?

A magnificent display of over 250 cascading drops, The Iguazu Falls has certainly earned its stripes as one of the New Natural Seven Wonders of the World. Spanning almost 3km across the borders of Argentina and Brazil, the Cataratas del Iguazú (in Spanish) or Foz do Iguacu (in Portuguese) make a splash as the largest waterfall system on the planet. Step aside, Niagara.

Time Out London: Six people you’ll see on your lunchbreak in London this summer

For Londoners powering through the daily grind, an actual lunch break is a rare occurrence. But now that summer is upon us in all of its unreliable glory, those brief glimpses of sunshine are enough to lure even the most avid office worker away from their screen. All of the fresh(ish) air never fails to bring out the city’s finest at this time of year, so between the hours of noon and 3pm, here are the people you’re likely to spot.

Huffpost UK: Life beyond the lens: travel blogger Brooke Saward reveals reality behind World of Wanderlust

Many would say that Brooke Saward has the best job in the world, and the statement is pretty hard to argue. At just 24 years of age, the Australian-born beauty has turned her curiosity and taste for adventure into a profitable business. World of Wanderlust is a digital destination for those who appreciate travel and seek new experiences; it inspires people to not only wonder what lies beyond their immediate horizon, but to go and find out what it is.