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Booka Room^™ Hotel and Travel News

• Fun and Games – the inside track on Rio de JaneiroFriday the 29th, 2016

  Five insiders reveal how to run with the locals in the Olympics host city – a spectacular tropical metropolis with great beaches, music, views and food• Check out the sounds of Rio with DJ Gilles Peterson’s playlist• Where to go in Rio: Guardian readers’ travel tipsIf the Olympic...

• A Greek swimming odyssey: in love with the waters of LefkadaSaturday the 30th, 2016

  On a guided swimming holiday around the islands off western Greece, Joanna Lodewyke conquers her fear of open water while revelling in coastal beautyI’m a keen swimmer, but have watched the rising popularity of wild swimming – in rivers, lakes and sea – with bemusement, mainly because to...

• Brooks Country House, near Ross-on-Wye: hotel reviewSaturday the 30th, 2016

  Once its pool and spa open – and there’s a little more choice at dinner – this new incarnation of a Wye Valley manor house will be hard to resistThere is something significant about decelerating on the driveway sweeping you towards a country house hotel. Perhaps the slower pace allows time...

• Discover the place where ice-cream was invented: Valle di Cadore, ItalyFriday the 29th, 2016

  Ernest van der Kwast, author of a new novel about an Italian ice-cream dynasty, was inspired by a valley high in the Dolomites – which mysteriously empties every summerWhen you think Italy, you think football, pasta, ice-cream. It was winter and I was in northern Italy, feeling a bit lonely. I...

• Nature writers on their favourite places in the UKFriday the 29th, 2016

  Five leading nature writers were asked to reveal the places in the UK that they love. Their answers, from Orkney to Dartmoor, blend weather and landscape with childhood memoriesby Melissa HarrisonAuthor of Rain: Four Walks in English Weather“There are certain landscapes that get under your skin...

• Scarborough’s new waterpark gets ready to make a splashThursday the 28th, 2016

  Rides and slides and flumes and pools at a state-of-the-art waterpark are part of the east coast resort’s ongoing efforts to revitalise its tourist industryImagine you are one of the world’s leading waterpark operators, with £14m burning a hole in your pocket and a desire for a UK gig –...

• Black Mountains magic: a walk through the folklore and fiction of WalesWednesday the 27th, 2016

  ‘Something about the Black Mountains lends itself towards myth and magic, folklore and fiction. What exactly, I’m not sure,’ says Oliver Balch. With poet Owen Sheers as his guide, he aims to find outDriving along the windy, tree-funnelled road into Llanthony, I pass six squaddies. They are...

• Obonjan 'shambles' as organisers delay opening of 'wellness eco-festival'Thursday the 28th, 2016

  Festivalgoers hear last minute via Facebook of water and power failure on uninhabited Croatian islandA six-week music and wellbeing festival on the Croatian island of Obonjan, touted as the first of its kind, has been postponed on its inaugural day due to a power and water failure.The previously...

• Samba, history, food and drink in Rio de Janeiro: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 28th, 2016

  For zest and spectacle it’s hard to beat Brazil’s shoreline city, and our readers aren’t short of suggestions, including samba parties, favelas and cultural hotspots• Send us a tip and you could win a £200 hotel voucherThe iconic Carioca aqueduct in the Lapa neighbourhood becomes a hub...

• A Bond-style bar in Lanzarote? Get groovy at the Mirador del RíoThursday the 28th, 2016

  Indulge your spy-film fantasies at this cool clifftop hangout – a design classic by iconic architect César ManriqueTechnically, the Mirador del Río is a cafe and bar, but the reason people come here is to live out their 1960s spy-film fantasies. Created in 1974 by visionary architect and...

• Sunrise to sundown, Mumbai is a vegetarian’s paradiseTuesday the 26th, 2016

  Speciality dishes from all over India are showcased at the street food stalls and cafes of Mumbai. Here, food writer Meera Sodha spends a whirlwind 24 hours sampling as many vegetarian ‘greatest hits’ as she can In a few decades Mumbai will be the biggest city in the world. Already a...

• Send us a tip on beaches in South Africa – and win a £200 hotel voucherWednesday the 27th, 2016

  South Africa offers a huge variety of beaches – for swimming, surfing, wildlife-watching and relaxing. Send us details of your favourite and you could win a £200 voucher from uk.hotels.comYour favourite beach in South Africa could be on the spectacular, wild Atlantic coast, or to the east,...

• Instagram snapshots: Sejkko in PortugalWednesday the 27th, 2016

  The Atlantic exerts a huge influence over the weather, light and atmosphere on Portugal’s exposed coasts and islands. It is perfectly captured by Sejkko Continue reading...

• 10 of the best hotel, B&Bs; and apartments in AthensSunday the 24th, 2016

  Greece’s economy may still be in the doldrums, but Athens’ arts scene and nightlife are flourishing. Combine that with a wave of new affordable places to stay and the capital is no longer just a gateway to the Greek islandsIn July 2016, Athens cathedral emerged gleaming from its dusty shroud...

• How do you survive holiday car journeys?Monday the 25th, 2016

  The Dover traffic jams highlighted the perils of holiday driving. Tell us how you relieve the boredom of long family drives – and stop the kids fighting The school summer holidays got off to a great start, with blue skies and sunshine. Great, that is, unless you were stuck in a 12-mile traffic...

• The whole hog – roasted pork, southern Italian styleSunday the 24th, 2016

  No Puglia carnival would be complete without bombette pugliese – slices of pork neck straight from the butcher’s oven and dripping in melted provolonePuglia has a rich food tradition, with distinct regional varieties, but one street food treat typical of its whole southern end is the bombetta...

• Roaring success: 50 years of Longleat Safari Park – in picturesFriday the 22nd, 2016

  Longleat, the first drive-through safari park outside Africa, is marking its 50th anniversary with African Summer, a series of events (from 23 July-4 September). We look back to the park’s opening in 1966, when it cost £1 to drive a car through Continue reading...

• Families turn to crowdfunding to save holidays after tour operator collapseThursday the 21st, 2016

  Some of the 140,000 customers affected after Lowcostholidays went into administration are trying to raise money to pay for alternative tripsFamilies affected by the collapse of budget tour operator Lowcostholidays are turning to crowdfunding sites to appeal for money from friends and family to...

• The Last Bookstore: a literary treasure trove in downtown LAWednesday the 20th, 2016

  The biggest (and loveliest) new and secondhand bookshop in California is on a mission: to ‘keep the paper and ink book business alive’For a visiting student without a car, Los Angeles is a difficult city to make home. It’s vast, sprawling over almost 5,000 square miles, with an infamously...

• Brighton tower: tickets go on sale for the new i360Wednesday the 20th, 2016

  The world’s tallest moving observation tower – up and down, not side to side – opens on 4 August, taking in views from 138 metres above Brighton beachTickets are now on sale for Brighton’s latest tourist attraction, the world’s tallest moving observation tower. The British Airways i360...

• 10 of the best campsites, cabins and B&Bs; in SloveniaSunday the 17th, 2016

  With Hobbity hideaways, remote farms and friendly guesthouses, Slovenia offers a wealth of accommodation from which to explore its mountains, lakes and villages Continue reading...

• Tourism will not give in to terror, but the industry faces a rethinkSaturday the 16th, 2016

  Tourists still flock to Brussels and Paris – that latter evidenced by recent Euro 2016. But how will security in public spaces change?Of all France’s great cities, none can rival Nice when it comes to conjuring up images of the sun-kissed good life.With a stunning marina that draws in the...

• Bof! A post-Brexit guide to holidaying in the EUTuesday the 12th, 2016

  Millions of Brits will soon be heading for the sunspots of Europe as usual – but after the vote to leave, hasn’t everything changed? Plus: how to say ‘I am Scottish’ in Greek and a guide to squeezing the most out of your sterling If there’s one way in which Brits connect with Europe,...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels and B&Bs; on Mexico’s Pacific coastTuesday the 17th, 2015

  Enjoy ocean views from rooftop bars or just step out and get the sand between your toes. From Mazatlán to Pochutla, here are 10 charming beachside escapesMexico’s Pacific coast, more than 1,000 miles of it, is renowned for its beaches, as well as the resorts which have attracted Hollywood...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels, guesthouses and hostels on the Yucatán peninsula, MexicoSunday the 15th, 2015

  Well-known and deservedly popular for its jungle, coast and ancient ruins, the Yucatán peninsula can be a pricey place to stay – unless you pick one of these brilliant budget hotels and hostelsOn the surface, this mid-size hotel in Cancún’s hotel zone is pretty unremarkable. The...

• Top 10 budget beach B&Bs; in the SeychellesSunday the 25th, 2015

  The Seychelles islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue may be known for their luxury resorts but there is also a great selection of family-run, more affordable guesthouses just as close to the archipelago’s famous, world-class beachesFor a room with a five-star view, Colibri is hard to beat....

• Top 10 budget beach guesthouses and B&Bs; in South Africa's Western CapeSunday the 4th, 2015

  From Cape Town and its peninsula to the Garden Route and the West Coast, the Western Cape is a dazzling part of South Africa, and its beachside accommodation doesn’t have to break the bankTop 10 budget beach stays in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Continue reading...

• Top 10 budget beach stays in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaSunday the 7th, 2014

  Our pick of eco-lodges, cool guesthouses and rondavels make ideal bases for exploring South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast• Top 10 budget beach stays in Bali and Lombok• Top 10 budget beach hotels and villas in CroatiaSwell Eco Lodge, MngcibeOffering a stylish and serene alternative to the...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels, villas and bungalows in Bali and LombokSunday the 5th, 2014

  Surf and diver pads, yoga retreats and stylish cabanas on deserted beaches … there are plenty of ways to get away from it all on Bali and neighbouring Lombok Continue reading...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels, villas and campsites in CroatiaWednesday the 2nd, 2014

  Finding a prime spot on Croatia's coast in summer on a budget is no mean feat. Our picks range from a seafront villa on sandy car-free Lopud island to a bargain find in hip HvarCroatia has a short and intense high season. All prices cited here are valid for stays from mid-June to late August....

• Top 10 budget beach hotels, hostels and campsites near Vancouver, British ColumbiaTuesday the 24th, 2014

  British Columbia's rugged beaches offer everything from wild camping to luxury lodges. All these places to stay near Vancouver start at under £100 a nightA whiff of military utilitarianism still permeates the basic private rooms of this converted 1930s air force barracks, 20 minutes from...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels in Andalucía, Spain: part twoTuesday the 25th, 2014

  Spain's Costa de la Luz offers beach after golden beach. Here's our pick of the best affordable seaside hotels from Cádiz to Tarifa, from the family-friendly to wind and kitesurfing hangouts• Part one: Andalucía from Malaga to MojácarThe Hotel Fuerte Conil can't be called budget in high...

• Top 10 budget beach hotels and guesthouses in Sri LankaWednesday the 26th, 2014

  Sri Lanka has some of Asia's loveliest, most surf-able beaches – and plenty of affordable places to stay. Here are 10 of the best hotels and guesthouses, starting at just £5 a nightThis simple collection of rooms has been around for almost 25 years, and the atmosphere is pure surfer-casual –...

• A break with tradition: the end of the Thomson holiday brochureTuesday the 12th, 2016

  As Tui Travel, owner of Thomson and First Choice, says glossy guides will be gone by 2020, we look back at how they evolved Continue reading...

• Bend, Oregon city guide: what to see and do, plus the best bars, restaurants and hotelsFriday the 8th, 2016

  With more sunshine than Portland or Eugene, nature on the doorstep and great craft beer and coffee, Bend may just be the perfect small US city stopoffThe change in the Oregon landscape was profound: US route 26 had taken me from the rain-soaked, lush green of the Pacific Northwest over Mount Hood...

• The Fourth of July: how to celebrate in your 20s and 30sSaturday the 2nd, 2016

  With age comes political awareness, higher alcohol tolerance, and an earlier bedtime. But it’s possible to be an adult and still enjoy yourself this weekendThe Fourth of July used to be one of my favorite holidays, but the significance of the day has changed since the halcyon days of...

• Montreal city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and musicSaturday the 21st, 2016

  It’s got Gallic charm, North American grit and parties like nowhere else. And with two new direct flights starting from the UK, Montreal now makes a perfect city breakMontreal doubled for Brooklyn in John Crowley’s eponymous 2015 film, has been dubbed the next Seattle, and last year became...

• Ports of call: a wine tour of the DouroFriday the 20th, 2016

  Portugal’s Douro region is famous for its port, but also produces fine, good-value reds and top nosh. Perfect, then, for thirsty foodies like our writerThe Douro river is wild and tamed, fertile, rich and dust poor. She is the heart, soul and life force of the region she gives her name to. For...

• Oakland city guide: what to see plus the best bars, hotels and restaurantsThursday the 12th, 2016

  The city across the bay has shed its inferiority complex and offers plenty of reasons to visit. In fact, you can now skip San Francisco altogether, and fly to Oakland direct from the UKOakland is changing fast. Once known merely as San Francisco’s rough-and-tough neighbour – the birthplace of...

• Indonesia beginners’ guide: Bali, Lombok, Java and FloresFriday the 8th, 2016

  This vast country’s 17,000 islands would take years to explore. As a new direct flight from the UK to Indonesia launches, we pick what to do and see plus the best hotels, food and drink in four popular destinationsThe world’s largest island nation, Indonesia comprises about 17,000 islands...

• Ljubljana, Slovenia: what to see plus the best hotels, bars and restaurantsFriday the 1st, 2016

  Slovenia’s – and now Europe’s – green capital is a laid-back charmer of a city. Easily walkable, it boasts striking architecture and a vibrant outdoor eating and drinking cultureAs capital of one of Europe’s most forested countries, it’s perhaps fitting that Ljubljana is this year’s...

• Chiang Mai, Thailand, guide: what to do, plus the best hotels and restaurantsSaturday the 26th, 2016

  Northern Thailand’s largest city has struck a fine balance between the traditional and the contemporary, and offers unique cuisine, affordable stays and must-do treks• Chiang Mai food paradise: ‘the best I’ve ever eaten’With long, leafy boulevards, Chiang Mai presents an alluring...

• World view: Sitting ducks, Kerala, IndiaThursday the 28th, 2016

  A farmer herds a flock of domesticated ducks towards his rice paddy near Alleppey in south-west India. The ducks will be fattened for market on fallen grains Continue reading...

• World view: Waterfall, Palace of Versailles, FranceThursday the 21st, 2016

  Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is the artist behind this year’s exhibition at Versailles. His works, on show in the gardens and inside the chateau, include this Waterfall installation – a cascade that seems to fall from midair into the canal Continue reading...

• Instagram snapshots: Vincent Demers in Willemstad, CuraçaoThursday the 21st, 2016

  The Caribbean doesn’t get much more colourful than the 17th- and 18th-century colonial houses that bring a vibrancy to Curaçao’s capital city Continue reading...

• World view: the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque, MoroccoThursday the 14th, 2016

  The story behind this photograph, taken at the world’s longest running educational establishment, starts with a young rock photographer’s decision to visit the 1970 Isle of Wight festival to snap Jimi Hendrix Continue reading...

• Instagram snapshots: Pier Luigi Aldinucci in central ItalyWednesday the 13th, 2016

  The sweeping views, colours and movie location quality of the Marche and Tuscany countryside are superbly documented by a local resident Continue reading...

• Travel photo of the week: Hiking the Laugavegur Trail, IcelandThursday the 7th, 2016

  This trek across hills and lava fields east of Reykjavik is hard, and subject to extreme weather, but that’s what makes it one of the most rewarding hikes in the world Continue reading...

• Instagram snapshots: Adonis Villanueva in Breb, RomaniaWednesday the 6th, 2016

  An American traveller’s three-month journey in Romania revels in the traditional, with images of work, stillness and beauty Continue reading...

• Readers' travel photography competition: June – in picturesSunday the 3rd, 2016

  Dream-like almost-empty landscapes dominated this month. Scroll to see the winning shot, judged by Mick Ryan of fotovue.com. All monthly winners will be displayed at the year-end exhibition at the Guardian’s London HQ; the overall winner gets a fantastic Secret Fjords’ self-drive holiday to...

• National Geographic travel photographer of the year – in picturesFriday the 1st, 2016

  The annual National Geographic travel photographer of the year contest attracted 10,000 entries worldwide this year. The grand prize went to Anthony Lau for his shot of a horseman in Inner Mongolia, winning him a trip to a polar bear photo safari at Churchill Wild-Seal Heritage Lodge. Here’s a...

• The pop-ups that made hotel revenues go sky highMonday the 25th, 2016

  Marriott’s Canvas Project gets entrepreneurs to transform tired hotel spaces into edgy food and drink outlets for locals – and so far, it’s workingWith so many new dining and socialising options emerging, especially in major cities, the hotel industry has got its work cut out trying to lure...

• The Varsity Hotel, Cambridge: reviewSaturday the 23rd, 2016

  With a rooftop bar, modern design touches and a brand new restaurant with a view, this Cambridge hotel is performing to a high degreeI know this is Cambridge, not Oxford, but from where I’m standing I can see five spires, a tall chapel tower (St John’s) and the lush grass of Jesus Green. It...

• Where to buy fresh food and drink in Normandy and BrittanyThursday the 21st, 2016

  The sheer abundance of regional specialities in north-west France makes for a thrilling foodie road trip. We sniff out the best local produce, plus great places to eat, drink – and sleep it off• Readers’ tips on places to visit in Normandy and Brittany The Pays d’Auge region, just an...

• Art Hostel, Leeds: hotel reviewSaturday the 16th, 2016

  Leeds finally has its own arty city-centre hostel, a revamped listed building with installations and bespoke design touchesLeeds has always been an unusually style-conscious city. It loves hot trends. In the 1990s, its clubs Back To Basics and Vague popularised glam clubbing and, famously, Leeds...

• Robot staff and emoji menus: how hospitality went hi-techWednesday the 13th, 2016

  Technology is shaking up the industry, with artificial intelligence increasingly being used to enhance the customer experience and make businesses smarterFriendly greetings are part of the everyday vernacular of hotel lobbies across the world. Book to stay at the Henn-na in south-western Japan...

• British bolthole review: Kedleston Country House, DerbySaturday the 9th, 2016

  An elegant refurbishment has brought this gorgeous, historic hotel back to life but more work is needed – on its far from fabulous menuWe are ensconced in the snug by the fire, glasses of sherry cobbler and rum flip in hand. This cosy quarter is furnished with period furniture, long curtains...

• The best new affordable boutique hotels in EuropeSaturday the 9th, 2016

  Chic and contemporary, these beautifully designed boltholes – in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and beyond – make for stylish short breaks and weekend getaways This may be a hotel in practice, but it is a members’ club in spirit (coq stands for Community of Quality). Guests are encouraged to add...

• Take the kids to … Kew Gardens, LondonTuesday the 26th, 2016

  A new giant beehive installation is creating a real buzz at Kew, an attraction so brimming with botanic wonders that kids can’t help but learn as they playIn a nutshellThe largest collection of plants on Earth, in the world’s most famous botanic garden.What’s new? Continue reading...

• Edinburgh rocks … but there’s lots more to see nearbyFriday the 15th, 2016

  Our writer and his son stop off in North Berwick on the East Lothian coast for some seaside fun before hitting the Edinburgh children’s festival• The alternative guide to EdinburghI’ve always felt it’s mad, criminal almost, to go all the way to Scotland (I live in London) only to visit...

• Take the kids to … Adrenalin Quarry, CornwallFriday the 15th, 2016

  Ahhhhhh!!!! Zipwire over a lake at 40mph or plunge from a giant pendulum 50 metres above it. They’ll love itThrow your family off a cliff into the abyss of an abandoned, water-filled quarry in one of two ways: fly through the air on a 490-metre zipwire at up to 40mph, or be slowly winched 50...

• Best of Normandy and Brittany: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 14th, 2016

  Northern France is known for beaches, cider, cheese and seafood but our readers also pick out some less obvious delights on the coast and inlandSend us a tip and you could win a £200 hotel voucher Continue reading...

• 10 of the best urban beaches and city riversides in EuropeSunday the 10th, 2016

  From London to Warsaw, sand is being placed along rivers, reggae is pumping from cool cocktail bars, there’s beach volleyball and plenty of places for a swimThe French capital has put a lot of energy into developing its urban beach and riverside culture; the Paris-Plages have been a feature on...

• Take the kids to … Paultons Family Theme ParkWednesday the 6th, 2016

  Tripadvisor has crowned the home of Peppa Pig World as the UK’s best amusement park but it’s the mix of nature, wildlife and attractions – including its new ‘Lost Kingdom’ – that makes it such a hitIn a nutshellWhen Peppa Pig World opened at Paultons Park in 2011, it instantly put...

• Beer halls, bars and restaurants in Germany: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 21st, 2016

  Fancy some fruity beer with a side of pretzels or a glass of white wine with traditional noodles and cheese? Readers suggest their favourite refuelling spots in GermanySend us a tip and you could win a £200 hotel voucherA pearl on the beach! That’s Strandperle, a beach bar in the wonderful...

• Send us a tip on German bars – and win a £200 hotel voucherWednesday the 13th, 2016

  Germany offers a huge variety of places to down a lager or sip a crisp white. Send us your tip on your favourite and you could win a £200 voucher from uk.hotels.comWunderbar. Your favourite drinking establishment in Germany could be anything from a massive Bavaria bierkeller with an oompah band...

• 10 of the best small Mediterranean hotels: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 7th, 2016

  Crete and other Greek islands were the most popular destinations when we asked for your tips on small, family-run hotels around the Med, with Spain and the Italian coast close behind Continue reading...

• Share your holiday highlights from Normandy and BrittanyWednesday the 6th, 2016

  Cider, seafood and sandy beaches spring to mind when we think of holidays in Normandy and Brittany, but these regions have a lot to offer inland, too. Send us your tip and you could be on your way to a location of your choice with our prize of a £200 voucher from uk.hotels.comPerhaps it’s an...

• Discover affordable Scandinavia: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 30th, 2016

  Swim in Sweden, drive in Norway and take a locals’ tour in Denmark or Finland. The best things in life aren’t as pricey as you feared if you’re ready to exploreEnter next week’s competition and you could win a £200 hotel voucherYou’ll find this 1920s Swedish bathhouse and open sea lido...

• Tell us about your favourite small Mediterranean hotels for the chance to win a £200 travel voucherWednesday the 29th, 2016

  A characterful, independent B&B or hotel with friendly staff and a pleasant setting can add so much to a holiday in the sun. Send us your tip and you could be on your way to a location of your choice with our prize of a £200 voucher from uk.hotels.comThere are lots of things that can make a...

• The best of Germany: readers’ travel tipsThursday the 23rd, 2016

  The country’s natural wonders, combined with cold war history, fairytale castles and great cities make it a prime destination for our readers. Decent beer, tooEnter next week’s competition and you could win a £200 hotel voucherLast summer, while travelling around Germany by car, we...

• Worried Trump might win? Plan your escape to Cape Breton, CanadaSaturday the 23rd, 2016

  A tongue-in-cheek website offers Americans refuge in the case of a Trump win. But there are lots of good reasons for visiting this corner of Nova Scotia – whoever’s US presidentIn early February this year, Destination Cape Breton, the tourist association for the rugged island off Nova Scotia,...

• Ales of the riverbank: a pub crawl of Norwich by canoeSaturday the 23rd, 2016

  Norwich has dozens of ancient churches, a network of peaceful waterways and a pub for every day of the year. So where better to combine sightseeing and paddling from pub to pub?We’ve had many elegant moments, but this is not one. Charlie lowers herself into the canoe first – an unsteady and...

• 'Let's get more travel stories on Africa by Africans'Friday the 22nd, 2016

  Louise Linton’s cliche-ridden memoir of her gap year in Africa was met with scorn and anger earlier this month. We asked three writers why travel writing about the continent needs to change – and how This month actor Louise Linton caused a social media storm when an extract of her African gap...

• Driven to distraction: the Norway road trip where cool design meets dramatic sceneryTuesday the 19th, 2016

  Norway’s roadside architecture project, part of its National Tourist Routes, has led to the creation of bridges and viewing platforms that make every journey a tour de force – and more new designs are on the horizonVertigo-inducing viewing platforms, island-hopping bridges, and some of the...

• Tour de Farce: cycling from La Manche to Le Med | Martin LoveSaturday the 16th, 2016

  Riding the length of France gives Martin Love and three friends the chance to savour endless rain, empty roads and performance-enhancing croissantsIt’s a misty morning in March. I’ve got a stinking hangover and am being dragged round the block by the dog. Suddenly my friend Frank bounces out...

• On the right lines: a new zipwire over Niagara FallsSaturday the 16th, 2016

  We get a sneak preview of a zipwire ride above the Horseshoe Falls – one of several ways Niagara is updating its appeal‘Lines ready – launch!” The gate in front of me shot open and I flew towards Niagara Falls. I was one of the first to try the Mistrider, a new parallel-line zipwire that...

• Baroque and roll: a cycling tour of south-east SicilySaturday the 16th, 2016

  This corner of the island – where the architecture is flamboyant, the chocolate weird, and the wine miraculous – offers plenty of cultural and calorific sustenance for cyclistsIf the dog had not started licking my kneecaps, I would never have made the discovery. I was in the shop of Antica...

• Where to grab some of the best kebabs in BerlinSaturday the 16th, 2016

  As Berlin marks its role in kebab history with the Kebabistan street food festival, its founder wraps up some of her favourite grills in the cityFrom street food feasts serving ramen burgers and pulled pork sandwiches to farm-to-table restaurants opening every month, Berlin’s culinary scene is...

• Mercury Rev's Jonathan Donahue on the myth and magic of north WalesFriday the 15th, 2016

  As a boy growing up in the US, the rock guitarist believed dragons and elves actually existed in Snowdonia – and he finds the region just as alluring todayFor the first part of my life I thought Wales was this magical realm with an otherworldly language and symbolism, whether it was Arthurian...

• Sharp rise in cost of holidays abroad leads to staycation boomSunday the 10th, 2016

  Rise in number of British holidaymakers staying at home coincides with expected surge in overseas tourists taking advantage of the weak poundBritain’s beach resorts and rural hotspots are expecting a bumper summer as millions more UK tourists opt to holiday at home and overseas tourists are...

• Germany’s Spreewald gherkins – possibly the best in the worldSunday the 10th, 2016

  This famous export from the forests of Brandenburg state, south-east of Berlin, is a legend among picklesAfter the fall of the Berlin Wall, almost all of East Germany’s communist-era products disappeared into obscurity. One that did manage to survive is the legendary Spreewald gherkin.Pickle...

• Five stars – says who? My trouble with TripAdvisor | Marina O’LoughlinFriday the 8th, 2016

  Ever been fooled by a rave restaurant review? Marina O’Loughlin has – and that’s just the start of her problems with the siteIt was in a small seaside town in Croatia that my dislike of TripAdvisor petrified into loathing. The site’s top listing wasn’t one of the ad-hoc shacks down by...

• Fen Rivers Way, Norfolk: walking in a water wonderlandWednesday the 6th, 2016

  The path may be flat but there are plenty of high points for walkers, from riverside villages and pubs to abundant wildlife, fascinating history and landscape – and that huge epic skyBleak, desolate and exceedingly flat: like most people, this was my passing impression of the East Anglian Fens....

• Why I love being a pilotTuesday the 5th, 2016

  Mark Vanhoenacker flies for a living yet the shock of arriving somewhere new with different air, different sounds, different everything still manages to surprise him. ‘Place lag,’ as he calls it, is a wondrous thing Jet lag is part of my job as a long-haul airline pilot for British Airways....

• 10 of the best hotels, cottages and B&Bs; in Europe for cyclistsFriday the 1st, 2016

  If you like tough cycling challenges, but have a partner who prefers poolside lounging and gazing at views, our selection provides stylish stays and cosy retreatsThere are three of us in my marriage: me, Dave and a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX. As bikes go, it’s a fine specimen, but it has been...

• 10 of the best national and regional parks in FranceTuesday the 28th, 2016

  France’s green spaces provide the chance to see magnificent wildlife, explore mountain villages or just have a great hike or bike rideThe first (1963) and largest of France’s mainland national parks, the Vanoise is in the French Alps, becoming the Gran Paradiso national park once it’s over...

• Walking Hadrian's Wall: discovering the secrets of the landscapeSaturday the 25th, 2016

  Boyd Tonkin joins author Graham Robb on a walking trip in search of cols and passes – parts of the British landscape you often won’t even find on a mapKevin Costner, eat your tights. “Are you film stars?” asks an optimistic family of walkers. Photographer Murdo MacLeod is pointing his...

• Top 10 yoga retreats in IndiaMonday the 20th, 2016

  India is a dream destination for many yogis, but with so many ashrams and courses, how do you choose wisely? From the hardcore to the boutique, we select 10 of the best places to practise yogaThough this list includes some of the best ashrams, retreats and shalas India has to offer, there are...

• 10 of the best new affordable hotels in New York CitySunday the 19th, 2016

  From bargain-price rooms in midtown Manhattan to swish boutique hotels in Brooklyn and Queens, our top 10 makes it possible to explore NYC to the maxIn an elegant brick building in Manhattan’s Murray Hill, this excellent budget option opened following the success of sister hotel, The Pod. It...

• How to eat the best, for less: the UK's top 10 budget cafes and restaurantsWednesday the 15th, 2016

  After visiting over 1,000 restaurants for our Britain’s best budget eats series, Tony Naylor bids farewell to the column by sharing his tips on how to dine memorably for under £10, and whittles down all those meals to his 10 favouritesIn the last eight years, I have, almost literally, eaten my...

• Where do Brits go on holiday, and who comes on holiday to Britain?Saturday the 30th, 2016

  Summer holiday season is upon us, with all the bad traffic and worse weather that entails. Here we look at the data on tourism to and from the UKHolidaymakers who got stuck in monster traffic on their way to Dover and the Eurotunnel last weekend can attest to the fact that we are now in peak...

• 10 of the best clubs in AmsterdamFriday the 17th, 2011

  Old newspaper offices, art galleries and avant-garde theatres all double as clubbing venues in Amsterdam, where there's a night to suit everyone from techno heads to surf rockers. Arun Sood of Amsterdam Magazine picks his top 10• As featured in our Amsterdam city guideTucked away from the leery...

• Where to go on holiday in 2016Thursday the 31st, 2015

  Every new year brings a host of reasons to choose a destination. We pick new flights, new openings, anniversaries and special events for 2016’s hotlistTo the Barrier … and beyondWith Sir David Attenborough espousing its delights in his latest BBC documentary series, the Great Barrier Reef –...

• 10 of the best clubs in BarcelonaWednesday the 8th, 2011

  From an Ibiza-style beach club to an underground gem, here's where to party after dark (and even later) in Barcelona, as picked by Leo Pollock of Le Cool Barcelona• As featured in our Barcelona city guideTucked away further up Avenida Diagonal from the main stretch of clubs and bars, BeCool...

• 10 of the best campsites in CornwallWednesday the 14th, 2012

  From spectacular sites overlooking the Atlantic to posh ones offering caravans, yurts and tipis for camping softies, here are 10 of Cornwall's best, from the new Time Out Camping guide• As featured in our Cornwall holiday guideFans of retro will be in their element in Lovelane's period...

• 10 of the best restaurants and cafes in LisbonThursday the 26th, 2014

  As Lisbon's biggest market is transformed into a gourmet food hall, we take a look at the best places to eat in Portugal's capital, a city renowned for its seafood – and custard tarts• Have you been to Lisbon? Tell us about your favourite place to eat in the comments below• A Lisbon food...

• 10 of the best clubs in BerlinWednesday the 17th, 2011

  Techno still rules the house in Berlin, but there's so much more to the nightlife in what is probably the best clubbing city in Europe, says Kevin Braddock • As featured in our Berlin city guideMassive, mythical and sometimes monstrously hard to get into (the door staff can be terrifyingly...

• 10 of the best glamping sites in the UKTuesday the 26th, 2016

  Camping purists may sneer but glamping is here to stay with hundreds of sites scattered across the UK. We pick 10 additions to Cool Camping’s new book, Glamping GetawaysTwo yurts and an octagonal “caban” (pictured above) accompany a handful of tent pitches at Graig Wen on the banks of the...

• Top 10 Dorset campsitesWednesday the 5th, 2012

  There are some gorgeous campsites in Dorset, many overlooking the Jurassic Coast. The founder of the Cool Camping Guides picks his favouritesAs featured in our Dorset holiday guideKnow a great campsite in Dorset? Please add a commentThe best way to enjoy Dorset's Jurassic coastline is to get your...

• 10 of the best walks in the Lake DistrictWednesday the 28th, 2012

  With so many spectacular walks in the Lake District, it's a tough job narrowing the list down to just 10. So we sought expert advice and asked National Trust Cumbria's Mike Innerdale to tell us about his favourites• 10 of the best walks in Cumbria• As featured in our Lake District and Cumbria...

• The 50 best beaches in the worldMonday the 15th, 2016

  Whether you’re seeking solitude or a party, shallow waters or pounding surf, find the perfect beach in our pick of 50, from Greece to the Galapagos, the Highlands to HawaiiMy favourite beach in the world – chosen by readers Continue reading...

• Alt city guide to BelfastMonday the 25th, 2016

  The subculture that always existed beyond Northern Ireland’s old divisions has come to the fore in Belfast, energising the city’s music, food, drink and art scenesArt enables people to assert their individuality in the face of hostile prevailing orthodoxies. In 20th century Northern Ireland,...

• Holiday guide to Sardinia’s best beaches, plus restaurants and hotelsSaturday the 1st, 2015

  Sardinia has fantastic, gorgeous beaches. Liz Boulter loses herself among them, and picks the best, and surprisingly affordable, places to eat and stayItaly offers so much to holidaymakers: food and wine, art and architecture, high peaks and bosomy Tuscan hills, but relatively few Brits come here...

• Top 10 national parks in CaliforniaMonday the 16th, 2013

  Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Redwood … California's national and state parks are home to some of the most iconic views and landscapes on the planet. Here's how to explore themIt sounds like a place to avoid, but don't let the ominous name scare you away. Most of the year, this vast and...

• Gilles Peterson’s Rio de Janeiro playlistFriday the 29th, 2016

  We asked the Brazilian music expert and DJ to warm us up for the Games with a soundtrack to Rio. There are some real gems here Continue reading...

• Amanzo'e in Greece is Most Expensive Hotel in EuropeMonday the 4th, 2016

  The Amanzo'e, located in Southern Greece's Peloponnese region, leads the Luxury-Hotels.com rankings with a minimum rate of Euro 1779 over the summer. Second most expensive is the Le Dune hotel in the South of Sardinia (Euro 1645).

• UEFA European Football Championship - Where to Stay on Game Day? By Katharina SickoraTuesday the 7th, 2016

  TrustYou ranks the most popular hotels near all ten of the European Championship stadiums in France

• William Bailey Travel Reviews the 2016 Olympics and How to Stay Safe if Traveling in BrazilMonday the 23rd, 2015

  The 2016 Summer Olympics are almost here and for millions, plans have already been made. If you are one of the many travelers heading to Rio in 2016, there are many things you need to know before you go.

• Sunwing Now Offers Luxurious Gansevoort Dominican Republic ExclusivelyTuesday the 17th, 2015

  Officially opened just last winter, the stunning, modern boutique hotel has already earned a number of accolades. Named one of the best places to travel in 2015 by Travel + Leisure it was also singled out by Condé Nast Traveler's as their favourite new beach escape this year.

• City Accommodation in Cape Town, South Africa and Windhoek, NamibiaThursday the 15th, 2015

  Are you looking for affordable overnight accommodation, in self-catering apartments that are based in cities which never sleep? Read on for great value and even better convenience.

• AAA Travel Names Top International DestinationsWednesday the 30th, 2015

  Popular European cities and sun destinations top list

• Hotels.com Hotel Price Index Highlights Alternate Vacation Destinations Under $100 Per NightWednesday the 23rd, 2015

  According to the Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®), hotel prices paid* per night rose in the U.S. by 2% between January and June of this year, compared to the same period last year, but there is still value to be found in alternate vacation destinations around the country.

• Milan Ranks As Most Expensive European City in 2015Tuesday the 15th, 2015

  Milan is the most expensive European city this year based on the cost of its lodgings, according to a new survey by TravelMag.com, which compared hotel rates across 40 popular city destinations.

• Forbes Travel Guide Expands Further into Key Markets in EuropeThursday the 10th, 2015

  Brings its Global Star Ratings System to Eight More Major Cities and Metropolitan Areas in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Switzerland

• Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago Introduces Like A Local PackagesWednesday the 9th, 2015

  Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago is inviting guests to experience Chicago 'like a local' with its new, limited-time special booking offer.

• Cardiff Hotel Rates Skyrocket for Rugby World CupWednesday the 2nd, 2015

  If you are planning a visit to Cardiff for the Rugby World Cup this month, expect to pay significantly more than usual for your hotel room, a survey by Cheaprooms.co.uk cautions.

• Wyndham Extra Holidays Invites Travelers to Celebrate Fall with New Travel Deals to More Than 35 DestinationsTuesday the 1st, 2015

  Travelers can stay in spacious condo-style suites most complete with all the comforts of home: fully equipped kitchens, expansive private bedrooms, as well as separate dining and living areas. Take advantage of special deals of up to 30 percent off at popular fall destinations across the U.S.

• Sunwing to Offer Barcelo Maya Caribe in Riviera Maya Exclusively This SeasonTuesday the 25th, 2015

  Located in the lush, tropical Barcelo Maya Beach complex and a short stroll from the world-class shopping and dining of the Maya Mall, this stunning resort sits alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in the area and offers the perfect base for exploring all that Mexico's Riviera Maya has...

• Little-Known Chinese Customs Travelers Should KnowFriday the 14th, 2015

  To help International travelers considering a visit to this vast and diverse country, Hotels.com has compiled some cultural traditions, etiquette tips and quirky insights to keep in mind.

• Banff, Alberta Most Expensive Destination in Canada, Survey ShowsWednesday the 12th, 2015

  Banff, nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, is the most expensive summer destination in Canada. A recent survey conducted by CheapHotels.org came to this finding after comparing all main travel locales within the country.