Lisbon
Tiled hills, cheap seafood, and the best sunset spots in Western Europe. Stay 3–5 days, or 5–7 with sintra and the coast.
Autumn colour in Japan and North America, comfortable heat in North Africa and Mexico, and quiet, cheap southern Europe.
The last reliable month for Mediterranean swimming, and the first good month for Marrakech and Mexico City after the rains.
World-class food, walkable neighbourhoods, and prices that still feel like a mistake. Stay 4–6 days.