CATEGORIES

IN HIGH SPIRITS

The southern Thai island of Phuket has an intriguing and distinctive identity - with an annual vegetarian festival that confounds all expectations, pastel-hued old town and Peranakan culture rooted in China

A river runs through it

A new generation of passionate locals is putting the bucolic southern regions of Albania on the map, offering opportunities to dine with shepherds, dip into hot springs and raft in Europe's first wild river national park

17 WAYS TO SEE PARIS OUTDOORS

Pinned by the Eiff el Tower, threaded by the Seine and punctuated by grand gardens that are multiplying as part of the city’s bid to become one of Europe’s greenest, Paris is among the world’s most impressive destinations. And with all eyes on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a better time to visit

The craftspeople of Sarawak

From ancient pottery to embroidery fit for Miss World, meet the producers championing traditional artisanal creations in Malaysia's island region.

ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES

From ice skating and cross-country skiing to snowy train rides and cosy cabins stays, there are many memorable ways to make the most of the European winter

GOLDEN YEARS

Join the celebrations century of statehood as the island marks half a with fireworks and parades

A TASTE OF The Philippines

A TRIO OF BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS DOMINATES THIS ARCHIPELAGO NATION'S UNIQUE CUISINE

WHERE TO STAY Helsinki

FINLAND'S CAPITAL HAS AN OFFBEAT SIDE THAT SHINES THROUGH IN ITS CREATIVE HOTEL SCENE

A YEAR OF ADVENTURE

Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre

Bear Grylls

THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP

BOSTON

In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed 'The Hub of the Solar System' such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation.

BALI

Known for its beaches, jungles and colourful temples, the Indonesian island of Bali is also home to a vibrant and hugely varied offering of local dishes, from grilled octopus with starfruit to rich Padang-style curry

MANCHESTER

A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses the northern city, with old factories turned into artists' studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout

CARVED IN STONE

THE ONE-TIME CAPITAL OF AN ANCIENT HINDU KINGDOM, HAMPI WAS ABANDONED IN THE 16TH CENTURY, AND TODAY THE RUINS HAVE BECOME A SITE OF PILGRIMAGE

RHYTHMS & FLAVOURS

A TWO-WHEELED MEANDER THROUGH THE LOWLANDS OF CENTRAL EMILIA-ROMAGNA REVEALS THE GASTRONOMIC HIGHS OF ITALY'S 'FOOD VALLEY'

MONTREAL

Canada's French-speaking second city mixes the best of North America with the best of Europe, from hybrid culture and superb shopping to some of the world's best bagels

The Big Trip Hiking in New Zealand

IMMORTALISED ON THE BIG SCREEN AND BELOVED BY OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS, NEW ZEALAND'S SOUL-STIRRING LANDSCAPES ARE ITS CROWNING GLORY. FOR HIKERS, COMPLETING ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S 'GREAT WALKS' IS A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.

THE END OF THE RAINBOW

Surfers are drawn to Tahiti's southeastern corner for its mythical waves, but there's so much more for adventurers - from waterfall-washed peaks to hiking trails that take over as the roads run out

Argentina

FROM THE STREETS OF BUENOS AIRES TO THE PEAKS OF PATAGONIA, THIS VAST COUNTRY OFFERS ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF EXPERIENCE, WHETHER YOU WANT TO HIKE IN A NATIONAL PARK, SAMPLE LOCAL WINE, GO WHALE-WATCHING OR STAY ON A RANCH

ICELAND VOLCANOES

As seen in recent eruptions, seismic activity in the country is hotting up. From travel advice to volcano tourism’, here’s what you need to know about visiting

HONG KONG

Self-styled as ‘Asia’s world city’, Hong Kong has seen its fair share of upheaval over the decades, but much of its current prosperity is built on its historic standing as a trading outpost.

BOGOTÁ

In the kitchens of the Colombian capital, a quiet revolution is creating a dining scene to rival that of Lima’s, one where indigenous ingredients and local cultures are being championed to build unique flavour

MURCIA

From UNESCO-listed caves to marine reserves and quiet towns once inhabited by Romans, Carthaginians and Moors, this under-explored region of southeast Spain has surprises in store.

Louis Alexander

THE 24-YEAR-OLD BRITISH EXPLORER AND ENDURANCE ATHLETE RAN A MARATHON ON EVERY CONTINENT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DEMENTIA

BEAULIEU

Roam the New Forest National Park, explore medieval abbey ruins or curl up with a fireside pint in this scenic Hampshire village

DIJON

BURGUNDY'S WINE-SOAKED MEDIEVAL CAPITAL HAS LONG BEEN A CRADLE OF INVENTION, ART AND GASTRONOMY

ESCAPE TO THE WILD

Northern Queensland’s rainforest and reef offer an Australian family adventure like no other

A TASTE OF West Bengal

IN THE NORTHEAST INDIAN STATE AND PARTICULARLY ITS CAPITAL, KOLKATA STREET FOOD REIGNS SUPREME

DUBAI

In the shadow of the world's tallest skyscrapers, centuries-old neighbourhoods and intimate cultural experiences can be found in this Emirati city - reminding visitors of its humbler roots

BERLIN

Following decades of turmoil during the 20th century, the German capital blazes with colour and invention, busy forging monuments to its new artistic movement from the ruins of its past