Steve Michailidis

Having lived and worked there in the past, I often get asked, “Why travel to Japan?” And the answer is not always simple. My love of Japan is a “feeling,” and feelings are often hard to describe, and even harder to explain. However, there are certain aspects of life there that are why I travel to Japan time and again.

I recently got back from an amazing trip in Greece, where I spent a couple of weeks reconnecting with friends and family. The highlight of my trip was the last couple of nights I spent in Thessaloniki, where I had the pleasure of staying at The Met Hotel. This hotel, which is proudly affiliated with Design Hotels, truly exceeded my expectations. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the property extremely comfortable.

When people think of visiting New Zealand, they often immediately picture its stunning countryside, with its snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. However, many visitors overlook Auckland, the country's largest city, as a destination. Having lived in Auckland, I believe that it is worth a visit, as it can offer visitors a variety of activities to suit all interests.

If you're planning a trip to New Zealand and flying to/from Auckland airport, I highly recommend spending a day or two in Auckland before or after your trip. This will give you a chance to experience the city's unique culture and attractions, as well as to relax and recharge after your long flight in one of the hotels in Auckland, New Zealand.

With its geothermal activity and spas, Māori history and location in the central North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is a destination in its own right, a stopping-off point, but also a great base for exploring the beautiful & varied lakes, the lush forests, and the native bush of the region.

Named after Alexander the Great’s sister, Thessaloniki is often overlooked by first-time visitors to Greece but it is worth a visit for its cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, as well as proximity to important historical sites and nature. As the co-capital of the Byzantine empire, a major commercial and passenger port and gateway to northern Greece and the Balkans, Greece’s second largest city has a lot to offer to both first-time and repeat visitors.

Athens is a place where history, culture and philosophy come alive. Here, you can start the day walking in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle; enjoy delicious fresh food for lunch and dinner and experience the vibrant nightlife in one of the city’s popular bars & clubs all in the same day.

With its hot summers and mild winters, Greece is a year-round destination and worth spending at least 2 days in Athens exploring the main tourist attractions — whether you’re visiting en route to/from one of the many beautiful islands that Greece is known for, or making a dedicated trip to the country's capital city.

The Acropolis — one of the most iconic landmarks in the world — the flea markets and other outdoor attractions are all within walking distance, making Athens easy to explore on foot. No matter when you visit, you're sure to enjoy the delicious food and the warm hospitality of the Greek people. I would know! Being Greek, Athens is very close to my heart.

The capital city of a diverse 2,653-mile (4,270km) long country, Santiago is a city of contrasts. It is a modern metropolis, full of rich history and culture, where you can find towering skyscrapers and fine dining, as well as vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and tranquil parks.

Sandwiched between the Andes mountain range and the coastal range, with Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, and the Pacific Ocean within driving range; You could be snowboarding, surfing, or tasting world-class wines all in the same day. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nightlife, Santiago has something that will appeal to all visitors and budgets.