THE HYPE TRAVEL / APRIL 2026
We’re heading to Amsterdam for a photo exhibition; a small island awaits us in the south of France; and for anyone who isn’t traveling right now, we’ve found a cookbook that brings a taste of Mexico right into your own kitchen: Here’s our roundup of news and trends from the world of travel.
Collaboration
Rush Hour
Being late is a mindset. For some people. Others start to panic. No matter which camp you fall into, the right luggage makes traveling easier either way—whether you’re at the airport five hours early or jumping on the train at the last minute. Eastpak has teamed up with skateboarding brand Dime to create practical luggage for anyone who wants to dash through the city, to the airport, or even just to their next meeting.
eastpak.com, dimemtl.com
Places
The Vuelta
This year, Barcelona is in the spotlight as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture. So it’s a great time to give historic buildings some well-deserved attention. The century-old Grand Hotel Central is back in business after a comprehensive renovation. A dream destination for culture buffs who love the sun: On the hidden rooftop garden, the terrace with its infinity pool beckons, offering just the right dose of vitamin D. Then it’s off to the historic library, filled with the personal collection of Francesc Cambó—hotel founder, politician, art patron, and bon vivant. Oh, and both the sea and the city center are within walking distance.
grandhotelcentral.com
Book
Mexican Passion
Social media makes it seem like traveling halfway around the world every few weeks is no big deal. For some of us, the reality is a little different. So if you have to put off that trip to Mexico for a little while longer, you have two options: First, visit Taquería con Salsa in Munich. There, Luis Fernando Gonzalez Cortes—known on social media as @aufdiefaust—serves up authentic Mexican cuisine. Second option: his new book, “Mexico mi Amor: A Culinary Journey.” In it, he shares in-depth knowledge about typical ingredients, cooking methods, and the cultural background of Mexican cuisine. And in doing so, he shows that it’s more than just food—it’s also an expression of community, joie de vivre, and tradition. The book takes us to markets and street food stalls and offers insights into Cortes’ personal memories of growing up in Mexico.
Luis Fernando Gonzalez Cortes, “Mexico mi Amor: A Culinary Journey,” Callwey, approx. 45.—, callwey.de
New Opening
Ready for the island
First-time travelers look for a nice hotel, while seasoned travelers aren’t satisfied until they’ve found an entire island. The private island of Île de Bendor lies across from Bandol Bay, 45 kilometers east of Marseille and 15 kilometers west of Toulon. Or, to put it another way: a seven-minute boat ride from the mainland. Entrepreneur Paul Ricard acquired Île de Bendor in 1950 and, with galleries, studios, and hotels, turned it into a dream destination for an entire generation. 75 years later, Arnaud Zannier, together with Ricard’s great-grandson Marc de Jouffroy, is taking over the island. The result? 93 accommodations scattered across the island, eight restaurants led by top chef Lionel Levy, and the region’s largest spa—all available for booking and enjoyment starting in May.
zannierhotels.com/bendor
Exhibition
Diagnosis: Color deficiency Treatment: Chromotherapy
The world is losing its color. This isn’t a conspiracy theory—I promise. Statistics show that 80 percent of new cars are now black, gray, or white. Back in the ’90s, there were still plenty of splashes of color. In film and TV, the trend is toward desaturation. And who has ever seen a colorful new building? Exactly. When the legendary photographer Martin Parr passed away last year, the world lost even more color. For his eyes seem to have seen more color than those of us mere mortals. Fortunately, photographs live on forever. So let’s head to Amsterdam’s FOAM, where the exhibition “Very Modern and Rather Ugly” showcases his satirical humor and his love of color.
“Martin Parr – Very Modern and Rather Ugly,” FOAM Amsterdam, starting April 3, 2026, foam.org
