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Monique Lindner spent more than seven years as a full-time traveller before settling in one city that she says has a mixture of ‘local charm’ and ‘big city vibes’

A woman who has visited more than 40 countries says there is only one city where she would want to live. Monique Lindner has been to stunning locations in the likes of Australia, Latin America, and Asia.

She says she was the first of her family to leave their home country, Germany, and even spent more than seven years travelling the world. But eventually she found she needed somewhere that she could settle down.

Writing in BusinessInsider , Monique says there was one destination that stood out above the rest. After some careful consideration she found herself setting up home in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

She says the city is the perfect mix of “local charm” and “big city vibes”. Located a few hundred miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is home to around a million people and boasts an array of Buddhist temples and ruins.

Monique said: “My first visit was about a decade ago, when the city felt more like a backpacker’s paradise with cheap beer on every corner, $5 hostel beds, and loads of young people driving around with their gear on rented scooters.”

She says she “loves” that the city is home to both shopping malls as well as smaller “mama shops” owned by local families. It has local tea and fresh food markets as well as chains like Starbucks.

Monique admits she would “never get bored” visiting the Buddhist temples and attending musical performances and local art galleries. But says she still “loves to travel”, regularly finding herself on daytrips by car and boat.

A 25 minute drive from the city would find Monique in the middle of an “amazing” national park while an hour gets her into the historic town of Lamphun. When she first settled in Chiang Mai, Monique found herself living in a gated community with a garden, tennis court, and pool, all on a “modest budget”.

She added: “Although my neighborhood felt quiet, it was still convenient, with car-repair joints, fresh food markets, and numerous shops nearby. Building a community and making friends in the area has also been easy for me.”

Monique says she has attended events advertised on Facebook and even connected with other “digital nomads” during her time in Thailand. She says it feels like there are “activities and gatherings for everyone” ranging from yoga classes to drumming workshops.

She however admits there is no “perfect” place to settle down, and struggles during the traditional “burning season” where crop fields and forest debris are burned.

She says she has embarked on road trips during the last couple of burning seasons, but admits she finds herself “missing” Chiang Mai.

Monique concluded: “Falling in love with this city was easy for me, and it was wonderful having a home base there for several years. Though I’ve still got a few logistics to work out, I hope to call this piece of Thailand my permanent place of residence in the future.”

Netflix’s American Primeval launched in January 2025, but BBC’s 2022 western series The English starring Emily Blunt is being hailed as the superior show

Three recent TV western series tower above the rest. The latest arrival is American Primeval, which landed on Netflix at the start of this year. The series delivers an unflinchingly realistic and brutal portrayal of existence on Utah’s lawless frontier, following a mother and child fighting for survival.

Their trek brings them face-to-face with settlers living by their own code, indigenous peoples protecting their territories, and Brigham Young’s Mormon militia. The unrelenting brutality stands in sharp opposition to the sanitised portrayals of the Wild West seen in 1990s pictures such as Tombstone and Dances With Wolves.

Yet it isn’t simply violence for its own sake. It features outstanding performances and centres its narrative on the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a grotesque and shameful chapter in American history that was probably unfamiliar to most viewers before this series.

Audiences have hailed the programme as “absolutely phenomenal” and “raw and unflinching”, whilst Empire magazine characterised it as “a raw, bloody odyssey that will pierce your skull like a hatchet flung face-first”, noting: “Nostalgia has been stripped away completely, scalped in favour of a grimy, far more authentic journey that takes us back to how the so-called land of the free really came to be.”

The Guardian offered a more critical view, branding it a “samey western that’s far less clever than it thinks it is”. I dispute that verdict.

Godless

If you were gripped by American Primeval, there’s another Western miniseries that many reckon is even better. Godless, a Netflix original released in 2017, shares the Old West setting and intense violence of American Primeval, but offers a unique twist. Godless spins a classic tale of revenge. Jeff Daniels portrays crime boss Frank Griffin, who, along with his band of outlaws, is on the hunt for Roy Goode, a former member who betrayed them.

As Roy flees from his past, he ends up in a secluded New Mexico mining town predominantly inhabited by women. His arrival lures Griffin’s deadly gang to the town, forcing the residents to stand their ground.

The series was lauded as a “work of confident artistry”, an “unrelentingly brilliant” and “clandestinely old-fashioned mash-up of all the great Westerns you ever knew and loved”. It also bagged three Primetime Emmy Awards.

The English

But there’s another modern western TV series that trumps them both. The English, a BBC production that flew somewhat under the radar upon its 2022 release, stars Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Rafe Spall. Set in 1890, it follows Lady Cornelia Locke (Blunt) who journeys from England to the American west seeking vengeance against the man she holds responsible for her son’s death.

Whilst it rivals both American Primeval and Godless in terms of its grim portrayal of the Old West, the series also shines a light on another disturbing element of 19th-century existence that seldom appears on our screens: syphilis and the devastating toll it takes on the body. The show also presents one of the most chilling figures in recent memory: Black-Eyed Mog, a bonnet-clad, spectacle-wearing Welsh matriarch who presides over a brutal clan controlling the plains from their fortified stronghold.

Critics awarded it five stars, praising a script “as gorgeous as the landscape”, which “evokes the pitilessness of the old west” and poses the question of “how many of us would remain sane, and morally sound, in a lawless land where – for hundreds of miles at a time – no one could hear you, or anyone who got in your way, scream”.

After travelling to nine Spanish cities over several years, two stole my heart with their ancient culture, stunning architecture and unique atmosphere – and you can explore them both by train

Over the years, Spain has become one of my favourite places to visit. Mallorca was the first foreign place I visited as a young adult in the 1990s – and I’ve returned there numerous times since. Mallorca’s capital city, Palma is a splendid destination for a winter break, but there are two lesser-known Spanish cities that have truly left an impression on me.

In total, I’ve journeyed to nine Spanish cities over several years, each one special and distinct in its own way. From inland Madrid to vibrant Seville or the coastal southern province of Cádiz, every location has been memorable and unique, reports the Express.

I’ve visited Barcelona a couple of times, even spending several months there once, and while it’s a fantastic city, it was two other Spanish cities that truly captured my heart. The first city that enchanted me is described by Lonely Planet as “truly one of Spain’s most magnificent cities” – and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s an ancient city not far from Madrid named Toledo.

I visited this historic place alone several years ago, outside of the busy season, so there were hardly any tourists. However, like many other places, Toledo can sometimes draw too many visitors these days.

This atmospheric place is an old walled city with a haunting aura of past lives; you can almost feel the layers of history that have unfolded in Toledo. This ancient city is perched on a hill, encircled by the Tagus River (El Rio Tajo in Spanish).

When I stepped off the train from Madrid, the sight of Toledo genuinely took my breath away – at first glance I mistook the river for a moat, though I’ve since learnt that it winds naturally around the hill upon which this city sits. Lonely Planet noted that Toledo “was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages” where “Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted”.

Yet even today, it’s that sense of diverse culture that feels compelling and somehow magical, as if it’s been absorbed into the walls of the ancient buildings here. There are mosques, synagogues and one of Spain’s “finest Gothic cathedrals” within this city.

Historically, Toledo is said to have been named by the Romans before later becoming an Arabic fortress. The old town area is brimming with history, featuring sights such as the “Puerta de Valmardon” – the oldest city gate within the walls.

The most ancient monument still standing in Toledo is believed to be the Cristo de la Luz Mosque, constructed in the year 999, though throughout this sprawling city, you’ll discover so much of interest spanning numerous eras.

Now onto my next most memorable Spanish city, perhaps even less well-known than Toledo – and you can actually catch a train from Toledo to get to this next beautiful destination: Córdoba. I’ve explored much of Spain via rail journeys – and I’d thoroughly recommend it.

You get to see so much of the countryside when you travel by train abroad. The Spanish city of Córdoba, nestled in the Andalusia province in the south of Spain, is a city I had the pleasure of visiting a few years ago – and it’s another very memorable place.

After spending two days in Seville, having initially flown into Malaga, Córdoba was less than an hour’s train ride away from Seville – and what a captivating place it turned out to be.

Set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which flows from Seville to Cádiz, Córdoba is brimming with nature and wildlife. The Sierra Morena Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to Córdoba.

I visited Córdoba in October when it was still quite hot, with daytime temperatures reaching 40C. While I would recommend visiting at a cooler time of year, the city was incredibly atmospheric.

Known as the ‘city of flowers’, Córdoba is adorned with floral decorations in its streets, on monuments and balconies. One particularly vibrant street is the Calleja de las Flores.

One of the city’s most awe-inspiring features is the Roman Bridge of Córdoba. Featured in series 5 of Game of Thrones as the “Long Bridge of Volantis”, it offers exceptional views and tranquil riverside walks.

The city itself is bustling, and at its heart lies the Mezquita Cathedral de Córdoba. This unique mosque-cathedral is an incredible structure that was once under Moorish rule centuries ago before being converted into a Catholic cathedral.

Córdoba, set amidst ancient surroundings, exudes a lively atmosphere. Every glance reveals something intriguing, from the whitewashed or vibrantly coloured homes to the unspoilt cobbled streets.

It’s an unforgettable destination, offering a blend of culture and delectable cuisine, such as the Córdoban Salmorejo soup – a delightful concoction of garlic, tomato and olive oil, even served at breakfast.

My journey through this city was part of a larger adventure that included visits to Malaga, Seville, Córdoba and the coastal city of Cádiz. Each of these places had its own unique charm.

Fringed by the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that Cádiz is renowned for its fried seafood selection – incredibly fresh and delicious.

The city’s central market (Mercado Central) is a treasure trove of stalls including local fish and irresistibly sweet churros. The market has a truly local feel; while tourists do visit, they’re not as prevalent as in other Spanish seaside locations.

In this city, which gazes out across the ocean towards Morocco and beyond, the daily and frequent tolling of bells from the Cádiz Cathedral adds to the continental ambiance.

A stroll along the coast here is simply beautiful, with sandy beaches lining the way. Although the sea was rough during my October visit, preventing me from swimming, the water temperature remained pleasantly warm.

Touring the cities of Andalusia was a fantastic way to experience this region of Spain and it’s something I’d certainly do again. In my view, it’s incredibly rewarding to see several different places in one exploratory holiday.

There’s another city worth mentioning at the opposite end of the country in north-eastern Spain, which I visited on a separate occasion – Girona.

Girona is less than an hour by train from Barcelona. I made the journey there from the beach resort of Lloret de Mar while on holiday – it’s another captivating city with a remarkable old town.

While in Girona’s old town, I explored the Passeig de la Muralla, which has numerous steps leading to high points offering stunning views of the surrounding province. Although this city is inland, there are several beach areas just a short drive or train ride away.

Girona is a blend of ancient structures and vibrant new buildings. Spain’s official tourism website describes this city as being “of Roman origin with medieval, Romanesque, Gothic and modernist architecture”.

This city also served as another Spanish filming location for Game of Thrones.

KEW Gardens is renowned as a place you can unplug among the bustle of London.

But from November until January the world-famous botanic garden becomes electrified – quite literally – in a fantastic extravaganza of multicoloured lights.

Kew’s annual light trail offers visitors the chance to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in an entirely new way.

In recent years, many other outdoor attractions have copied Kew’s Light Trail concept but this really is the original and arguably the best.

Christmas at Kew is always a hot ticket – having gone on sale back in January – but there is still time to get tickets as the trail goes on until January 2026 so is an ideal activity for ‘Twixmas week.

It is a great family outing for all ages which will bewitch all ages-from grandparents to kids.

Read more on Light Trails

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I tried the UK’s only in-air Christmas light trail you explore by zipline

I took my two children aged 12 and 8 and they easily coped with the 3km loop.

This year’s trail starts at the Palm House and is perhaps the most spectacular yet  and begins by taking visitors across a stunning new bridge from which they can admire 100 giant illuminated water lilies.

The botanic garden’s famous Chinese Pagoda is lit for the first time ever this year and stands like a shining beacon.

The ever-popular cathedral-like arch of lights is a photo opportunity not to miss. 

And kids will also love bobbing and weaving through dangling tendrils of lights in another section.

Other fun surprises new to the route include a full dancefloor complete with giant light-up headphones offering a brilliant Instagrammable opportunity.

Elsewhere, fun-fair horses that pop up among the garden’s atmospherically lit trees in hues of purple and silver.

And keep an eye out for a very special Christmas visitor who pops up towards the end of the route.

The finale of the trail is as stunning as ever with an awe-inspiring music and light show projected onto the Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse. 

A musical mix from Mariah Carey to Coldplay bring to life this greenhouse which brims with some of the world’s rarest plants.

Christmas at Kew offers a feast for the eyes-but also the tummy, much to the delight of my two mini-trailers.

There are multiple festive food and drink stalls available along the way in wooden cabins, offering everything from gourmet burgers, Asian food, to Souvlaki wraps and mulled wine for me!

One delicious pitstop even offers marshmallow toasting over a fire pit.

My boys happily polished off giant hot dogs and mini waffle bites on the way round.

A trip to Kew after nightfall this wintertime will guarantee to see faces lit up as brightly as the gardens.

Christmas at Kew runs on selected dates until Sunday January 4, 2026.

Prices start at £18 for kids and £27.50 for adults.

For more on light trails, here’s how to find the cheapest one in the UK.

And here’s the 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.