Canada: land of maple, poutine, and boundless beauty.

This week, we venture to Banff, a resort town in the heart of the Banff National Park. This is no 'sunbeds and endless blues' type town, rather a mountain-flanked, forest-covered adventure playground. It's not too unlike the scenery in Colorado, or at least in part, anyway. Obviously, the best way to experience it is to get out and about, but at these Colorado stays, you don't have to leave your accommodation to be totally immersed in nature.

Have we tempted you to travel, yet? When you've booked your airfares, we've compiled a list of luxury carry-on items to make the flight just that little bit more comfortable for you.

CANADA

Back to the beauty of Banff

It’s little wonder Banff has been a tourist town as far back as the 19th century, given its bewildering natural beauty. Nearby hot springs, breathtaking lakes and soaring, white-tipped mountains make it a spectacular spot, even for the average Canadian.

Whether blanketed in snow or bathed in sunshine, Banff doesn't have a bad angle. Discover everything to see, do, stay, eat and drink in this storybook town.

LUGGAGE

Carry-on must-haves for the stylish traveller

You don’t always have to compromise on comfort and functionality for style, and these carry-on items are proof of that.

Look good and make travelling just that little bit easier.

UNITED STATES

Immerse yourself in nature with these eight Colorado stays

During the summer months, you can ride horseback across the state’s great plains; in the fall, venture to the forests and surround yourself with golden, quaking aspens. Spend winter mornings atop one of many ski slopes, gazing in awe as the snow-covered mountain peaks and pastel sky gently meet. And, in the spring, take a hike through lush fields alongside glistening lakes.

When it comes to falling asleep at night, consider one of these eight stays, and you’ll never have to part with nature on your Colorado getaway.

AUSTRALIA

Luxury hotels on the Gold Coast

A golden sunrise over the vast ocean, enjoyed from the luxurious comfort of your beachfront suite. Does that sound like your kind of paradise?

Known for its pristine beaches and towering skyscrapers, Australia's Gold Coast is home to some of Australia's top luxury hotels, ready to welcome you with world-class facilities and sun soaked coastal views.

EGYPT

What to do in Egypt without seeing the pyramids

When thinking about a trip to Egypt, number one on most bucket lists is to see The Great Pyramid of Giza, created in honour of the pharaohs of the fourth dynasty.

However, Egypt is abound with unbelievable ancient sites, and we found the following attractions quieter and just as memorable as any pyramid would be.

Destination of the week

Buena Vista, Colorado

Often referred to as the USA's whitewater rafting capital, the charming town of Buena Vista, Colorado, is an outdoor adventurer's wonderland. Helmet up and take to the turbulent waters of the Arkansas River for a thrilling ride, snow-shoe through the deep, fluffy snow at Monarch Mountain, or climb to an elevation of 14,000ft and conquer a summit in the fringing Sawatch Mountain Range.

It's just as well the town is also known for its hot springs because a good soak is in order post an action-filled day. Submerge yourself in the steaming pools at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and enjoy the sight of the snow-dusted mountains and frozen river in the distance. Though Buena Vista is small, it has some prime local watering holes. Take, for instance, The Jailhouse and The Lariat, both taking pride in their local beer taps and fresh menus. After a long day, a beverage and some jalapeño cornbread are just the ticket.

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