For too long, many cities have been viewed as the inconvenient stopover en-route to a final destination. Cairo, often avoided by default, and Muscat reduced to somewhere you ‘have’ to fly in to. Misunderstood cities like Colombo have far more to offer than a train to Ella.
Your Personal Archive
Every traveller carries a record of cities they have loved and those they have left behind. Understanding why a place resonated, or failed to, is essential. Was it the late-night energy of Barcelona, the calm elegance of Vienna, or the overwhelming bustle of a capital that did not suit your pace?
Timing
The same city can feel entirely different depending on when you visit. Paris in winter offers quiet museums and cosy brasseries; in autumn, savour café terraces and twilight walks along the Seine. In Beijing, summer can be stifling, with hazy, humid days best spent exploring shaded courtyards, early-morning markets, or escaping to the surrounding mountains. Winter, by contrast, is bitingly cold, the air crisp and skies often bright blue, perfect for walking the Great Wall without crowds.
Timing shapes not only the atmosphere but also your experience of the city, from avoiding peak crowds to aligning with festivals, exhibitions, or simply enjoying the weather you prefer.
History That Speaks To You
History is not one-size-fits-all. You may be drawn to cities with ancient roots: Rome’s imperial grandeur, Xi’an’s dynastic legacy and role as the gateway to the Silk Road. Perhaps you are captivated by modern narratives: Berlin’s twentieth-century resilience, Tokyo’s post-war transformation. Knowing which chapters of history you wish to step into ensures the city offers depth in the way you most value. And if history is not what draws you to a place, that is perfectly fine, your journey can be shaped entirely around the elements that matter most to you.
Levels Of Comfort
For some, the presence of world-class luxury hotels is a defining factor. Take London, where there are no less than eight 5* properties on Park Lane alone from grand dames to art-deco institutions. Other cities, such as Brisbane, may have their charms but offer far fewer options at that level, shaping the entire feel of your stay.
Some cities have none at all, and that is where the awareness of our team becomes key. Understanding your expectations, whether you want to push your boundaries and embrace a destination where the luxury is in the experience, or prefer to remain in surroundings that feel familiar. Either way, we listen.
Your Natural Habitat
In some cities, you have to seek nature out. Budapest’s thermal baths or Cairo’s gardens and riverside promenades offer a rare break from the urban energy. In others, nature finds you effortlessly. In London, vast parks are stitched through the city’s fabric, while in Tokyo, cherry blossom season transforms entire districts into living gardens.
For some travellers, proximity to water is essential whether a harbour to walk along, a river running through the centre, or a beach within easy reach. Knowing how important these natural elements are to you will help determine whether you choose a city where they are in abundance, or one where their presence is a treasured escape.
Your 24 Hours
London, despite its size, does not run as late as many expect, with restaurants and bars often winding down earlier than imagined. Istanbul, on the other hand, surprises with its energy; streets alive well into the night, from bustling cafés to markets. And in Hong Kong, the night markets need to be seen to be believed. Knowing whether you thrive in the first light of morning or the depths of the night will help match you to a city that keeps pace with you.
The right city is more than just the next pin on your map, it is the setting for a chapter in your travel story. While many destinations will feel instantly in step with your pace and preferences, some are worth stepping outside your comfort zone for. Whether that means embracing a different climate, navigating a language you do not speak, or exploring a cuisine entirely new to you. There may even be occasions when a country essential to your wider journey does not perfectly align with your tastes. In those moments, our role is to shape the experience so it feels as comfortable as possible, allowing you to enjoy the city on your terms while still discovering its unique character.
