Joshua Tree National Park is an otherworldly National Park in southern California, famous for its distinct trees (and inpsiring that U2 album your Dad likes talking about).

Ethereal at both sunrise and sunset, this National Park is one of the most magical in the US. Named after the unique trees scattered throughout the park, you'll remember your visit to Joshua Tree for the rest of your life. Whatever you do, bring a good camera as you'll get some amazing pictures while you're here.

Here are six compelling reasons to include a visit to Joshua Tree National Park on your US itinerary.

The trees

These Joshua trees are actually a type of Yucca, and were named by Mormons in the 1850s, who saw their gnarled branches in the arms of Joshua pointing to the promised land. Now these trees make for some pretty epic sights and lend the park a distinctive feel that can't be matched anywhere else.

The park

The park is made up of two distinct deserts: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert. Each has its own ecosystem, whose characteristics are determined by their elevation. So you'll want to check out both. Be aware that this will take some time though. In total, there's over 3,000 kilometres of desert for you to explore.

The wildlife

As well as a wide variety of plants, the park is also home to a plethora of wildlife which have adapted and learned to survive in this desert landscape. You may come across black-tailed jackrabbits, scorpions, rattle snakes, tarantula, coyotes, non-venomous snakes, bighorn sheep, lizards, kangaroo rats, and lynx (just to name a few!).

The nighttime

There's very little light pollution in Joshua Tree, and this makes the night sky absolutely epic. You'd struggle to find a better place to go stargazing, so camp nearby and make sure you take the opportunity to do so - it will be one of the best stargazing experiences of your life. You can even see shooting stars!

The east side of the park is the best to place to base yourself as the nearest town (and source of light pollution) is 300 miles away. 

The hikes

This National Park has some of the best hikes in the west coast, so make sure to leave some time to hike a small section of the park. There are more than 100 miles of hiking and horse trails in the Indian Canyons, including panoramic vistas and 60ft waterfalls. Obivously you won't get to see them all, but it's worth doing a small, manageable route. Don't push yourself too hard and risk exhaustion or sunstroke.

There’s also Ryan Mountain, which offers a panoramic overview of Joshua Tree’s famous rock formations, and Warren Peak, where you can spot Mount San Jacinto.

The sunsets and sunrises

The park looks amazingly beautiful when its tinged in red and the sky is multicoloured. Try and visit for either a sunrise or sunset and you'll get an epic picture for your Instagram Story.

The UK may have seen a damp start to the summer, but temperatures are set to rocket, so there will be plenty of opportunity to spend time in the glorious sunshine this summer.

Despite popular opinion, the UK is home to some spectacular stretches of sand, perfect for topping up that tan. Take a look at what we consider to be Britain’s top ten beaches.

South of England

Bournemouth Beach

Regularly named the best beach in Britain and one of the top five in Europe, Bournemouth’s beach has everything. Stretching seven miles beneath a dramatic cliff line, this beach provides some of the most stunning views in the UK. On a clear day it’s even possible to see as far as the Isle of Wight!

Although undoubtedly more popular during the summer months, many people flock to this beach all year-round, to enjoy surfing, coastline walks and strolls along the pier.

Porthcurno, Penzance

Found in the far west corner of Cornwall, this idyllic beach is slightly more isolated and therefore a little tricky to find. However, its unspoilt white sand, picturesque turquoise waters and unique rock formations are worth the lengthy drive.

Be aware that the beach’s remote nature means you’ll need to come prepared, so pack a picnic, plenty of water and a bucket-load of sun cream!  

Margate, Kent

You can’t get more quintessentially British than Margate Beach. Think fish and chips on the beach, more ice cream vans than you can shake a stick at and a plethora of arcade games.

With its sweeping bay, white-washed cliffs and easy rail connections, Margate Beach has become a popular haunt for Londoners and is perfect for a day trip or weekend away.

North of England

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Plenty of beaches can offer large open bays with majestic waves that crash over miles of sandy shoreline, so what makes Bamburgh Beach stand out above the rest?

Well, Bamburgh’s unique feature is its 12th century castle which stands proudly behind the beach. The beach itself has a good mixture of firm sand – perfect for sandcastle building! – as well as a section of large rocky terrain, ideal for a spot of rock pooling.

Formby, Lancashire

Hemmed in by strikingly tall sand dunes on one side, and the Irish Sea on the other, Formby Beach is perfect for anyone searching for a secluded spot. As well as soaking up the sun, there’s also plenty to explore here. The soft rock along the coastline is often eroded by the tides to reveal prehistoric footprints from both humans and animals.

If you’re feeling brave enough, you can even scale the largest sand dune for incredible views over to the mountains of Cumbria.

Wales

Rhossilli Bay, Rhossilli

Another beach often named among Europe’s finest is Rhossilli Bay. Its three miles of golden sand and remote location give you the feeling of being in a completely different country.

The beach is accessed via steps that wind through stunning sand dunes to a beautiful open bay at the bottom. For any surfing enthusiasts, Rhossilli Bay is a must-visit – you may even end up riding along with the dolphins that regularly play in the shallows here!

At low tide, take a walk over to the small tidal island, the Worms Head, or explore the remains of old, aged shipwrecks.

Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea

Due to its worldwide fame, Rhossilli Bay always draws a huge crowd. For a quieter, and by no means inferior, alternative, head thirty minutes around the corner to Three Cliffs Bay.

As the name suggests, the key feature here is the beach’s three limestone cliffs which jut out into the rolling sea. If this wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, there’s also a natural stream that cuts through the middle of the bay, adding further intrigue to the area’s rugged natural beauty.

Scotland

Aberdeen Beach, Aberdeen

It’s rare to come across an urban beach without a buzz of arcade machines in the background and the smell of over-priced fish and chips in the air. However, this three-kilometre stretch of beach manages to retain its natural beauty while still having an air of city charm.

Expect to see bottlenose dolphins here in the summer, while you can also spend time exploring the beautiful, historic, former fishing villages and dramatic granite outcrops, which are ideal for a spot of rock climbing.

Coldingham Bay, Eyemouth

If you’re after a more active day at the beach, head to Coldingham Bay. With plenty of rock pooling, surfing and coastal walks to be completed, this beach will entertain even the most active among us.

The amenities here are also surprisingly good: shower rooms, toilets and picnic facilities can all be found in sufficient numbers. For this reason, it does get busy during the summer, so arrive early to guarantee a good spot!

Sandwood Bay, Northwest Sutherland

Sandwood Bay, located in the most northwestern point of Scotland, has been recognised as one of the most beautiful but remote beaches in Britain.

Reachable only by a four-mile hike, you need to come well prepared if you want to catch a glimpse of the rugged pink sand and jagged cliffs.

Better still, there’s a freshwater lake just behind the dunes, full of catchable brown trout, should you want to go for the full survival experience.

Ranked as the best student city in the world, London not only provides incredible academic and professional opportunities, but is also renowned for its heady mix of art and culture, world-class cuisine and some of the best nights out in Europe.

Inevitably, all of this comes with a financial cost, but don’t let that deter you. One of the joys of London is discovering the abundance of free activities on offer. From immersing yourself in countless museums, to strolling around world-famous landmarks and partying the night away at some of London’s biggest, free festivals – you’ll never be short of free things to do.

Here are ten of our favorites.

Explore the free museums

London has an abundance of free museums housing collections from across the globe, with displays both impressive and eccentric. Head to South Kensington and you can visit the Natural History Museum, admire the huge array of beautiful artefacts in the Victoria & Albert museum, and immerse yourself in space exploration at the Science Museum.

The Imperial War Museum is also a must-see, with a staggering 400 exhibits displaying the impacts of war through the eyes of those who experienced it first-hand.

See the world-famous sights

The beauty of London is you can be walking almost anywhere in the city and are guaranteed to spot a famous landmark or historical building and the best part – it’s completely free!

Wander around Westminster for a close-up look at Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. You can then head down the river and take a walk over Tower Bridge – hang around long enough and you could even see it open for a passing ship!

Enjoy the buskers in Covent Garden as you wind your way through the arcades and make your way to see the majestic, bronze lions guarding Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.

Relax in the city’s parks

Despite its status as one of the biggest and busiest cities in Europe, London has plenty of parks and green spaces for you to unwind in. Hyde Park has 350 acres of beautiful, open space for you to enjoy and you can even dip your toes in Serpentine lake.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Richmond Park is the ideal place for deer-spotting with 650 currently living in the park. Or, you could time your visit to St James’ Park to coincide with the daily pelican feeding at 2:30pm.

Regent’s Park is one of the most popular thanks to its central location. Take a walk around the beautifully manicured gardens before working your way up to Primrose Hill for some great views of the city skyscrapers.

Absorb yourself in London’s art scene

There’s an abundance of free art to enjoy in London, with galleries such as the Tate Modern, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery displaying everything from Picasso to Botticelli.

If you fancy something less austere, Shoreditch is the home of edgy, ever-changing street art. Keep your eyes peeled for world-famous artist Banksy’s work.

Go on a free walking tour

There’s no better way to get to know the city than on foot. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fanatic, keen to spot graffiti art in East London or want to hear about the city’s infamous ghost stories, there will be a walking tour that’s perfect for you.

If there’s a specific area of town you want to explore, walking tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the area before you continue exploring on your own.  

Peruse the city’s many markets

For cheap eats, quirky presents and all manner of bargains, London’s markets cannot be beaten.

Borough Market is renowned for its fresh produce and street food. Soak up the atmosphere here and enjoy a fresh juice under the old railway arches. Fashion aficionados should head to Brick Lane Market, a treasure trove of vintage clothes and unique arts and crafts.

For something different try the famous Columbia Road Flower Market, where you can enjoy the sights and smells of fresh bouquets and bag a bargain towards closing time, happy in the knowledge that every pound spent here goes to local, independent businesses.  

Attend a free festival

There are huge, free festivals to keep you entertained all year round in London. Every August bank holiday is Notting Hill Carnival, London’s biggest street festival. Enjoy Caribbean culture at its best with mind-blowing food, flamboyant costumes and tunes blasting away into the night.

Also, check the Lunar calendar to make sure you’re around for the biggest Chinese New Year festivities outside of Asia in London’s Chinatown.

Stroll along the Southbank

A quintessential London activity, nothing can beat a stroll along the Southbank on a glorious summer’s day. Take in the excellent views of the city from the riverbank, admire the skills of those practicing in the much-loved skate park, or sit back and enjoy free entertainment from the many buskers you’ll pass along the way.

If you time it right with the tides, you can even head right down to the water’s edge for a bit of mudlarking – the urban equivalent of beachcombing – and potentially spot a historical artefact.

Take in the views from Hampstead Heath

Just north of Camden lies the beautiful Hampstead Heath. It’s definitely worth the steep walk up Parliament Hill for the impressive vista across the city. On a summer’s day continue exploring and you can take a refreshing dip, with three outdoor swimming pools and a lido to choose from.

Walk along London’s prettiest canal

Touted as one of the prettiest walks in London, the canalside route from King’s Cross to Little Venice reveals a London that feels completely different to the skyscrapers of the city. On the way, you’ll get to peruse the books in London’s only floating bookstore and admire the newly regenerated Granary Square.

Home to Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge and nearly 40 million people, California is also where some of the top universities in the US are based.

In total, 15 universities from the state are included in the QS World University Rankings 2020, including two which are ranked among the five best universities in the world.

Best university in California: Stanford University

As the second-best university in the world, Stanford University is heads and shoulders above the other universities in the state. Located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley region, Stanford has produced so many future business leaders that it’s been nicknamed the ‘billionaire factory’.

It is by far the most reputable university in California with both academics and employers (metrics used in our rankings methodology), while also possessing a higher proportion of international faculty than any other university in the state.

Best university in California for research: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Only three places behind Stanford in our global ranking, Caltech has plenty to recommend it. Based in Pasadena, close to Los Angeles, Caltech is an ideal study destination for anyone interested in science and engineering.

While Stanford performs better overall in our ranking, Caltech is the top institution in the state for research output, measured by how many research citations per faculty member the university has produced. Only three universities in the world out-perform Caltech for this metric.

Best public university in California: University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

If you’re a Californian resident, one of the big questions you’ll have to answer when choosing universities to apply to is whether you opt for a public or private institution. While private universities usually offer a better academic experience, public universities have the benefit of cheaper tuition.

So, while Stanford and Caltech are clearly the top universities in California, they are both private universities. For this reason, UCB should also be seriously considered as a study destination.

The public University of California system has 10 campuses, many of which are included in our ranking above. UCB benefits from a stronger reputation with academics and employers around the world than any of the other public institutions in the state. It also produces more research and hires more international faculty members.

To find out more about top universities in the rest of the US, click here.

The Australian National University (ANU) is the best university in Australia this year.

Despite falling five places globally in the QS World University Rankings 2020, ANU remains ahead of the next-best university in the country, the University of Melbourne.

Of the 35 Australian universities to be ranked this year, only five have fallen in rank since last year with ANU being one of them. In general, Australian universities have made impressive improvements.

One factor driving this improvement has been an increase in the proportion of international students at many Australian universities. 26 of the 35 ranked institutions have received a higher score for this indicator than in last year’s ranking (read about the methodology here), and nine of the world’s 50 most internationally diverse universities are now Australian.

Read on for a closer look at the country’s top 10 universities, as well as a brief overview of how the other 25 performed.

10. University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)

Not to be confused with its namesake in the UK, the University of Newcastle was founded in 1965 and has its main campus in the Callaghan suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. It has approximately 26,600 students spread across six campuses, including one in Singapore.

9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS is one of the youngest top Australian universities, established in its current form in 1988. Improving its global rank by 20 places this year, UTS is ranked within the world’s top 100 for four of the six ranking indicators, including employer reputation.

8. University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide has been recognized for its innovations in various areas of research by the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA), a national research evaluation framework conducted by the Australian Research Council (ARC). It has climbed eight places this year to sit just outside the world’s top 100.

7. University of Western Australia (UWA)

The first of seven Australian universities to feature inside the top 100 in the world, the University of Western Australia outscores all of the Australian universities above it for both the proportion of international faculty members and the number of citations per faculty member (a measure of research output).

6. Monash University

Climbing just one place globally this year, Monash University is mainly based in Melbourne but has five campuses in the state of Victoria and two overseas, in Malaysia and South Africa. It’s among the world’s 50 best universities for both academic and employer reputation.

5. University of Queensland (UQ)

The first of our top universities in Australia to rank inside the world’s top 50 institutions, the University of Queensland is mainly based in state capital Brisbane and has been responsible for a number of recent research innovations, such as the cervical cancer vaccine.

4. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

A founding member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research-intensive universities, the University of New South Wales has a poor ratio of faculty to students, but more than makes up for it with strong scores in the other five ranking indicators.

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney continues to be the third-best university in Australia and is the oldest of these top three, having been founded in 1850. It also scores higher for its proportion of international students than either of the universities above it.

2. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne has a very diverse student body, with nearly 40 percent of its students coming from outside Australia. It also earns the distinction of being the highest-ranked Australian university for both academic and employer reputation.

1. Australian National University (ANU)

Top in Australia for yet another year, ANU’s strong performance is helped by scoring well in all but one of the ranking indicators. However, as the only university in the top 10 to fall in rank this year, the gap between ANU and the others is certainly becoming tighter.

The remaining 25 Australian universities are ranked as follows. After 500, institutions are banded (e.g. 501-510, 511-520 etc.)

The University of Oxford continues to be ranked as the best university in the UK this year.

The elite institution has climbed one place since last year’s ranking and is now the fourth best university in the world, while their rival institution the University of Cambridge has dropped one place to rank seventh.

Cambridge is far from along among UK universities in seeing its rank fall this year, with 56 of the country’s 84 universities dropping at least one place.

However, there continues to be four UK universities within the global top 10, as you can see from the table below. Read on for more information on the top 10 UK universities, and view the full results of the QS World University Rankings 2020 here.

10. University of Warwick

One of the prestigious Russell Group universities, the University of Warwick continues to be the tenth-best institution in the UK despite dropping eight places globally this year. The university is bolstered by a strong reputation with employers and a healthy percentage of international students, two of the indicators used to compile our ranking (as explained in the methodology).

9. University of Bristol

Bristol is one of the rare UK universities to improve this year, climbing two places to just sit inside the world’s top 50. Since last year, the university has improved its proportion of international faculty and students, as well as its academic reputation.

8. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The first of four universities based in England’s capital city, LSE is ranked seventh in the world for international students, making it the most diverse UK university in our ranking. It also performs particularly well for employer reputation, with only Oxbridge and Imperial ranking higher within the UK.

7. King’s College London (KCL)

King’s College London has dropped two places this year to be ranked joint 33^rd in the world, sharing the rank with Kyoto University in Japan. It’s particularly well-regarded for its medical education and research and is home to the oldest nursing school still in operation: the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (established in 1860).

6. University of Manchester

Another university to improve its overall rank since last year, the University of Manchester can point to improvements made in its academic reputation and research output (measured by citations per faculty). It also has the largest student community among these top UK universities, with approximately 41,000 students, nearly 11,000 of whom are from outside the EU.

5. University of Edinburgh

Falling two places but still inside the world’s top 20 universities, the University of Edinburgh is the only Scottish university to feature in this top 10. While Scottish students are able to study at the University of Edinburgh for free, students from other parts of the UK (i.e. England) have to pay fees. The university counts Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell and J.K. Rowling among its alumni.

4. Imperial College London

Imperial has been overtaken by UCL in this year’s ranking, losing its status as the top university in London. Despite this, it continues to out-score UCL for four of the six ranking indicators: employer reputation, faculty student ratio, percentage of international faculty and percentage of international students.

3. UCL (University College London)

Now the best university in London, UCL is one of the largest and most diverse of the UK’s top universities, with a student population of 38,900, with almost 40 percent of these coming from outside the UK.

2. University of Cambridge

The gulf between Cambridge and its closest rival Oxford continues to grow, with the University of Cambridge slipping one place globally this year. UCL is now hot on its heels.

While Cambridge can point to a stronger reputation with academics and employers than Oxford can manage – as well as a more internationally diverse faculty – it’s now three years since it could claim to be the best university in the UK.

1. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford has tightened its grip on the number one spot in the UK this year, improving its proportion of international faculty and the number of citations being produced by those faculty members. While it might be tempting for such a famous university to rest on its laurels, it’s encouraging to see Oxford is still improving its research output.

The next 10 best universities in the UK can be found below

A further 30 UK universities are ranked within the world’s top 500 institutions.

After 500^th place, the QS World University Rankings group universities together into bandings, e.g. 501-510, 511-520. The remaining 34 universities and their banding can be seen below.