On Svalbard, the remote Norwegian archipelago halfway between Europe and the North Pole, it’s illegal to die. Which, for most travellers, of course, isn’t a deal breaker. In fact, it could be reassuring bearing in mind this is the land of the polar bear. It’s also forbidden, my guide was telling me, to leave the settlement without a gun in case you run into a spot of bear-shaped bother.
The journey north in the Arctic Circle is almost as exciting as the destination.
For the Norwegian coastal city of Stavanger, oil is the name of the game. But chip away at its hard, industrial exterior, and you’ll find this historic city is captivating to the core.
Tom Perry travels to the tiny remote Solomons’ island of Bellona, where men are men, caves are hotels and crayfish are plentiful.
Tom Perry avoids being skewered at a festival in the Solomon Islands that celebrates sorting out problems the old-fashioned way.
Finding solace in the Solomon Islands is an easy task on a new cruise that combines history, nature and culture.
For a more serene take on the traditional safari, Hanna Jones laces up her hiking boots for close encounters of the wild kind in Kenya.
Carrie Hutchinson gets a different view of Kenya and its amazing wildlife on a flying tour.
On a mission to experience the real Cuba, Guy Wilkinson rents some dilapidated wheels and tackles crumbling roads and a corrupt constabulary on a road trip from Havana to Trinidad.
For decades it was relegated to the international sidelines, but visit Cuba now while its true heart still beats. And there’s no better time to get out and about in its capital than after the sun sets.
Despite a slothful start, Natasha Dragun manages to explore one of the pioneering countries of the eco-tourism world.
One of our group is crying quietly inside the hood of her jacket as the nine-seater aircraft quivers and bucks in the wind. “Is this normal?” I yell over the hum to Gonzalo, our guide. “It’s a normal windy-day,” he nods with a smile. Then the pilot cranks the engine to taxi for take-off.
Cam Cope ventures to the south of South America and explores Chile’s magnificent fjords by boat.
Once the centre of Brazil’s diamond-mining region, Chapada Diamantina National Park, with its underground caves, soaring plateaus and diverse ecosystems, is now on the travel radar. Get there before everyone else does, writes John Malathronas.
Lara Dunston lives a night at full tilt in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
On Svalbard, the remote Norwegian archipelago halfway between Europe and the North Pole, it’s illegal to die. Which, for most travellers, of course, isn’t a deal breaker. In fact, it could be reassuring bearing in mind this is the land of the polar bear. It’s also forbidden, my guide was telling me, to leave the settlement without a gun in case you run into a spot of bear-shaped bother.
The journey north in the Arctic Circle is almost as exciting as the destination.
For the Norwegian coastal city of Stavanger, oil is the name of the game. But chip away at its hard, industrial exterior, and you’ll find this historic city is captivating to the core.
The upside is a complete lack of crowds. On the other hand, the weather can be a little unpredictable. Danika Porter sails from Dubrovnik out of season and discovers a charming coastline dotted with idyllic islands.
With nearly twelve thousand comedy performances on offer at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Justin Jamieson finds it hard to wipe the smile off his face.
With International Women’s Day and International Whiskey Day knocking on our doors, it’s time to raise a glass (or several) to the fierce females turning Ireland’s whiskey game on its head.
Put a smile on your dial when you go out on the town with the locals in one of the world’s happiest cities.
Get your hairbrush out. It’s time to imagine you’re far more famous than you are at these five slices of pop history.
Even during the chaos of Songkran, Graeme Green finds a cluster of Thai islands where calm prevails and the living is easy.
A festival held on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River splashes out for the gentle giants of Thailand’s north.
Justin Jamieson went looking for a waterfall in Koh Lanta and found a tarantula, a possible cobra, and far too many questions about elephant poo instead.
It’s a favourite destination for seekers of days in the sun and nights on the tiles, but the Indo island lost its allure for many travellers long ago. There’s another side to Bali, though. Resident Mark Eveleigh takes a slow road trip through its wild west in search of that old-school vibe.
In Raja Ampat, Kayak4Conservation is connecting travellers with local Papuans for kayaking adventures through one of the world’s richest marine environments.
In Indonesia’s remote Alor Archipelago, Lynn Gail sails towards the Ring of Fire and ends up in the home of an Abui village chief.
Lien’s enviable calves leave me in his wake and rapidly propel him up the mountain.
Justin Jamieson revisits Nagano and Kanazawa in winter, where monkeys steam, samurai endure and ancient cities reveal a colder, sharper kind of magic.
Kirk Owers hops on a cruise boat to explore the Mekong River, the lifeblood of Cambodia and Southern Vietnam, and absorbs a history lesson by osmosis as he drifts along the mighty waterway.
There are places that celebrate Christmas. Then, there are places that simply are Christmas. That’s Grapevine Texas.
Let’s get one thing straight: if your entire Las Vegas itinerary revolves around a casino floor, you’re doing it wrong.
Justin Jamieson gets loose in Steamboat Springs and lives to tell the tale.
Forget Aspen’s fur coats, Vail’s valet parking, and Park City’s $40 salads.
Get your hairbrush out. It’s time to imagine you’re far more famous than you are at these five slices of pop history.
Get to the heart of any place you visit by taking part in cultural experiences and festivals.
Spending a ski season in Canada inspired physiotherapist Jessie Mayo to find a way to combine her career and her favourite sport. She tells Sarah Reid how, with a bit of networking and a stroke of good luck, she pulled it off.
When the sun goes down and the night crawlers come out, Toronto has a wealth of hidden gems scattered across its boroughs. Joel Smye shares where you’ll find them.
