Where do you go when you let your mind wander? Portugal’s Ruben Branches wants to know. The fashion photographer is inspired by the stories of our limitless consciousness, crafting a portfolio of black-and-white and color creations that speak to the nostalgic traveler. 

“To me, photography is a place where you can create your own universe and storytelling through art,” says Branches. “I consider myself as a restless artist — I never stop. I’m always searching for and writing down my next idea.”

Oftentimes, Branches finds it at the beach.  “The sky and sand and beautiful ocean,” says Branches. “It’s just a magical, peaceful, healing place.” 

In the crashing waves off the coast of Portugal, Branches captured a story of expansion. “Growing up, the landscapes and cultures I’d see on TV were so magnificent to me — I wanted to know more than the small village I grew up in. This photoshoot is dedicated to healing our inner child’s yearn for travel.”

The photographer’s favorites: Two cities I love from the bottom of my heart are Paris and New York. Everytime I visit, I really feel that people there are free to express their style and are proud of it — I’m a fan of us embracing our genuine selves. — Ruben Branches

Meet more notable artists in Portugal.

Follow along the country’s coastline and the land opens up to rolling rice fields, bright blue waters, and a slower pace of life in the Alentejo region. Situated at the center between Comporta, Grandola, and Melides is Casa da Volta, a six-suite villa that captures the charm of the rural region without sacrificing modern accommodations. Photography by Alex Reyto

At Casa na Terra, there is constant communication between building and land. Part of the Silent Living portfolio — a collection of former personal residences now shared with travelers around the world — this three-room masterpiece offers majestic views and sleek accommodations. From the outside, all that’s visible are the patios and signature dome of the home. But indoors, a luxe, grounding experience awaits. Photography by Richard Gaston

For those gifted enough to work while you travel, Outsite Mouco is the perfect place to post up. Both a coliving and coworking space, the Porto hotel is equipped with the best of both worlds — sleek, quiet spaces to get work done and social offerings for when you’re off the clock. Photography by Kathrin Mormann

Find your next stay from our list of accommodations in Portugal.

Of all its mosaic-splashed monuments and modern day mainstays, Portugal’s charming coastal city — Porto —  is one of the best hosts for getting lost within art. And if there’s only time for one place on your list, locals and visitors alike know to make it Serralves.

More than a space for art, Serralves is a multicultural meeting ground. You can easily spend your day wandering the House of Cinema, historic 1930s villa, and contemporary art museum nestled in between the property’s lush gardens.

New for October is Micro | Macro at the pavilion in the park, part of a temporary project made by Ryoji Ikeda to create a space for invited artists to develop site-specific installations.

Get the full list of sights and stops in Portugal.

When photographer Ken Hermann picks up the camera, it’s not only his subject in focus. “The setting isn’t just a backdrop to me, it’s an active element that brings out different emotions and layers to the subject,” he says. 

Hermann travels around the world to broaden perspectives and capture the true essence of the people and places he comes across. His work’s been featured in National Geographic, Wired, and CNN, and in galleries around the globe, introducing people to the candid faces and places most wouldn’t know. 

“I believe photography has the power to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and evoke empathy. Through my lens, I aim to highlight the beauty, struggles, and resilience found in every community.”

The artist’s favorite project: It was in Calcutta, on location for another project, that sparked an idea Hermann waited over two years to pursue. “I first encountered the Flower Men while working on a different assignment, but their presence in the flower market immediately captivated me. Although I didn’t have time to shoot them then, I eagerly waited for the opportunity to return and pursue this concept. I’m grateful I did, as it turned out to be an immensely rewarding experience.”

Discover more artists in Denmark.

In Denmark’s oldest national park, Thy, rugged coastal wilderness rules in every direction. 

Along the coast’s sandy dunes, surfers come from all over to own the waves of the country’s unsuspecting surf town, Cold Hawaii. Named for its similarities in wave and wind conditions to the sunnier, warmer island counterpart, Cold Hawaii has transformed a sleepy seaside town to a global surf hub.

Once you return from the water, slow-travel adventurers can still take advantage of the park’s mesmerizing expanse by resting their heads at Vipp’s Cold Hawaii Guesthouse. It’s a one-of-a-kind stay, a lone cottage reimagined for luxurious simplicity designed by architect Ebbe Lavsen. Inside, the Vipp V3 kitchen takes center stage, serving as an anchor to take in the otherworldly views just beyond the window. Photography by Renee Kemps

View our list of places to stay in Denmark.

At Copenhagen Contemporary, art is a full body experience. The museum holds space for immersive experiences and installation art that encourages visitors to rethink old perceptions of viewing art. Here, you’ll find a mix of performance work, video, and tactile projects that ignite the senses from emerging artists and renowned talents. Photography by David Stjernholm

Copenhagen’s two-time Michelin starred Koan is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Owner/chef Kristian Baumann infuses Korean culture into every bite of the 13-course lineup, crafting a tasting experience that draws from traditional fine dining and humble, everyday flavors. Photography by Michael Rygaard

Discover more sights and venues in Denmark. 

There’s no denying the transformative power of travel. But there’s something to be said about coming home. It was when Andoni Beristain returned to his childhood region — Spain’s northern Basque Country — that the photographer found the freedom to truly shape his creative vision. “The sea, the culture, the people… everything here inspires me,” says Beristain. 

Beristain loves to play with contradictions. The cheerful, yet melancholic. The surreal, yet nostalgic. Through vivid color choices and strikingly clean compositions, Beristain tackles the often complex and contradicting experiences of life. From deep dives into bullying to light-hearted spins on stereotypes, Beristain’s work is honest and accessible to all. “I try to reflect life as it is, the good and bad. I aim to open myself up in a colorful and hopeful, yet raw way.”

Behind the scenes: We followed Beristain to the beaches of San Sebastián, his local town, where he leaned into surrealism to poke fun at common stereotypes. “I wanted to convey the famous Spanish siesta. It’s true that some take it, but it’s not as common as people think,” says Beristain. “I decided to create a mishmash of a dreaming traveler who sleeps on the beach.”

Discover more artists across Spain.

History and postmodern architecture meet in colorful congruence in Calpe. The medieval fishing town dates back thousands of years, with meandering alleys and towering natural showstoppers that invite you to step back in time. But no building is as notable in Calpe as La Muralla Roja. Designed by architect Ricardo Bofill in 1968, the apartment complex carves out color-blocked stairways and rooms in pinks, reds, blues, and purples. Book a stay and you’ll find yourself in a brightly whimsical maze of past and present.

Traveler’s Tip: Want to stay at La Muralla Roja? Book one of the apartments via Airbnb.

Find our list of places to stay in Spain.

Moco Museum’s Barcelona location furthers the museum’s commitment to showcasing the world’s greatest artistic talents, from Banksy to Basquiat. On display now is a Digital Immersive Art exhibit featuring the works of Six N Five and Studio Irma. And before its gone at the end of the month, catch “The Future Is Old” by Robin Kid, an exhibit that questions structures of power, privilege, and democracy. Photography by Salva Lopez

In Madrid, Rowse creators Nuria Val and Gabriela Salord found a clean slate to open their first brick-and-mortar in the Chamberi district. The digs offer the plant-based beauty brand a fresh, bright space to share their boutique goods and host wellness activations for a truly refreshing shopping experience. Photography by Coke Bartrina.

Discover more sights and venues in Spain.

You don’t need to seek out the spectacular to create something special. For Hamburg’s 3D artist Vincent Schwenk, inspiration is often found within the ordinary. “It could be a wall with an interesting texture, beautiful color schemes in a restaurant, or just how the light comes in,” says Schwenk. “Walking around with open eyes and staying curious is key.” 

The 3D artist plays with the playful, letting each element interact in ways that may seem weird at first, but ultimately create a cohesive whole. “I start by focusing on one aspect — a bold color, shape or texture — and then allow the composition to unfold naturally,” says Schwenk. Be it a scene filled with abstract pool inflatables or animating ordinary objects, the fun lies in giving the everyday a surreal twist.

Behind the scenes: For DELSEY, Schwenk worked on two playful concepts. The first, a pool scene filled with abstract pool inflatables – bold, colorful forms floating around in unexpected ways. The second piece, a room installation featuring dynamic straps combined with fun animations.

Meet more notable artists in Germany.

For this stop, the only question you need to answer is: “where do you want to wake up?” RAUS Cabins are dotted all over the country, offering dreamlike escapes naturally curated to your liking. Do you want to look out to picturesque pastures? Tuck away into the middle of the forest? Quiet your mind among a peaceful meadow? Each cabin provides the perfect remedy, striking a balance of feeling far while remaining a stone’s throw from civilization. The power is yours — stay in or venture out.

Traveler’s Tip: Your experience is ultimately tied to your location. Opt for a farm stay? Meet four-legged friends in the morning or enjoy fresh produce and eggs from the on-site shop.

Discover more exciting stays in Germany.

A day in Berlin:

Lunch plans or museum outings? In some ways, Jigi Poke in Berlin offers both. The interiors designed by Vaust Studio is a sculptural haven, embracing raw forms and texture to create a striking space for fresh poke bowls.

If you still want to infuse art into your afternoon, Nella Beljan Gallery sits just 10 minute’s drive from your lunch spot. The showroom is by appointment only, featuring a small-batch collection of curated art across a range of mediums, from pottery to fashion.

And when it comes to art on a plate, few craft it better than Ernst. Though the restaurant recently announced its closure at the end of the year, the intimate dining experience — part of the Michelin restaurant guide — gave Berlin’s dining scene a breath of fresh air. Missed the chance to try it out? Their sister restaurant across the street, Julius, offers daytime and dinner service in a casual atmosphere that still delivers on bold, bright concepts.

See our full list of venue recommendations in Germany.