Village life in Los Angeles: Cycle rides, the Dodgers and star-spotting in Venice

Luca enjoys the spectacle of a Dodgers game

Happy Thanksgiving! A hire-car is a tourist's best friend in LA, right? Not at all, says non-driver Gary Edwards after a holiday in Venice which takes in many of the city's best sights without his foot ever having to touch the gas.

Queensland hotel capitalises on Justin Bieber graffiti with wall art competition

Graffiti on a wall inside the complex of the exclusive QT Hotel at Surfers Paradise

Claiming that management gave permission for the star to spray paint its walls, the hotel has now launched a competition to generate further publicity.

Beyonce denies being 'banned' from Pyramids after her 'rude' behaviour

Beyonce 'banned' from Pyramids by Egypt's Indiana Jones after her 'stupid and rude' behaviour

Beyonce failed to impress controversial archaeologist Zahi Hawess when she visited the country in 2009 but is the Egyptian hamming up the story?

There's an elephant in the garden, Mum! A family holiday to the Serengeti

Cheetahs feast on a gazelle after their kill on the Serengeti

Philippa Forrester and family (plus Benny the toy giraffe) savour the Serengeti - in all its untamed glory before turtle-spotting at a beach retreat.

Spring in Sicily... and an epic encounter with Etna, the lava lout

Lava spews from the top of Etna

A winter-weary Alistair Horne is mesmerised by fiery Mount Etna and tales of its irascible cyclops. He retreats to the luxurious Timeo hotel to warms his bones.

Finding a subtropical swimming paradise in the wilds of Woburn Forest

Woburn Forest

Center Parcs' fifth UK resort opens at Woburn next year and it's packed with improvements and innovations, says Cat Massey.

Take to the water! From Marne to Mekong, there's a river cruise for you

Woman rowing boat in the Mekong river delta & selling bananas

If you love new experiences but also like time to absorb your surroundings, a river cruise holiday could be perfect. Here's what's new in the water world.

Cocktails, personal shopping and the races: Chester's a winner for weekenders

Chester Rows, the city's historic covered walkways

Max Wooldridge whisks his partner north west for a weekend of romance Chester-style. On the menu is a cocktail making class, personal shopping and a trip to the races...swoon.

Tourists warned as protests in Thailand spread to holiday resorts

Anti-government protesters blow whistles as they gather outside the Defense Ministry in central Bangkok

The FCO has warned holidaymakers to avoid all demonstrations - peaceful so far - as protestors target government buildings.

Beckham adds deal with luxury Far East holiday hotels to growing empire

Main event: All eyes will be on Pacquiao in Macau on Sunday

China calling: The retired footballing superstar has dipped a toe into the waters of tourism by signing a deal with two luxury hotels in the Far East.

Great courses, fine food and a fast ferry make it a perfect day for golf

Hotel du Golf Barriere

For self-drive British golfers, Normandy offers the ideal combination of convenience and quality. Minty Clinch finds the area suits her to a tee.

Let's race! The lowdown on ski cross with Emily Sarsfield, the British No.1

Ski crosser Emily Sarsfield

Think downhill assault course on skis: Emily Sarsfield lifts the lid on the thrilling winter sport of ski cross, including the places where you can try it for yourself.

Snow every 20 minutes! The Xmas Disney magic is on overdrive in Paris

Anna and Claudie meet Minnie Mouse at Disneyland Paris

Few places do festive cheer like Disney. Anna Melville-James and daughter Claudie head for Disneyland Paris and find it festooned in yuletide magic.

Ocean's Seven: Look beyond winter's dark days at cruises on offer for 2014

Montego Bay

Whether you fancy sunning yourself in the Caribbean, crossing the Indian Ocean or sailing round the UK, here's the pick of the cruises next year.

A breath of fresh air: Empty slopes and glorious cross-country in Sweden

Cross country skier

Not many people have heard of Are, even fewer know how to pronounce it, but if you're looking for Scandinavian skiing, it's the best, says Belinda Archer.

The excess express! Taking the luxury train through Japan's volcanic landscapes

Spring Flower Plant Kyushu

Murder and fun on the Orient Express: Playing Poirot on a nostalgic Kent trip

Period drama: Lucy in her 1920s outfit boards the British Pullman

Lucy Verasamy gets her glad rags on and turns detective for the day on a 1920s 'murder mystery' trip on board the elegantly stylish British Pullman.

A house full of Swallows & Amazons: A stay in Arthur Ransome's home

Swallows And Amazons still

It is one of the most iconic children's text in English Literature but how can you find out more about the man who wrote it, asks Frank Barrett.

Vietnam's hot ticket! An epic journey by boat, train and tuk tuk

Train on the Vietnam coast

From mopeds to 'soft sleeper' carriages on long-distance trains, there are plenty of unusual ways to travel around Vietnam says Christine Healy

Swapping Austria for Kazakhstan? Where we might be skiing in ten years

Chinese family on a ski resort

A recent summit in Kazakhstan has shone a spotlight on winter sports destinations that many have never thought of. Robert Stewart takes a different angle..

A grand tour! Escorted trips from China to Brazil and WW1 cemeteries

Tang Dynasty Warriors

If you have a special interest, then escorted tours can offer tailored experiences just for you, from amazing train journeys to photography tours.

Stars in their eyries: Jay-Z's favourite Paris hotel is a snip at £16,000 a night

Dining in style: The Belle Etoile suite's roof terrace has views stretching from Sacré Coeur to the Eiffel Tower

Continuing our series on the world's hippest hotels and the celebrities who frequent them, Sarah Turner visits the rap world's favourite, Le Meurice.

Wok stars and bear necessities: Spicy food and the cutest pandas in exotic Chengdu

Chengdu

Art museums, boat trips and Sunday brunch: Six things to do in Zurich

Seren: Lake Zurich boasts luxurious waterside homes and beaches

According to a poll last month, Zurich is the best city in the world in which to live. And it's the perfect choice for a low-stress weekend getaway too.

A Moroccan maelstrom: Dark clouds and regal riads in North Africa

Lightning

When Richard Hartley-Parkinson planned a late-summer break to Morocco, he envisaged hot days of relaxation. Cue a series of biblical thunderstorms...

On your bike in Belgium: The best way to see Ghent? On two wheels...

On your bike: Helen stops to admire the view from one of the many bridges that criss-cross the river Leie

The Flemish city has eco-friendly credentials galore...including a cycle culture to rival Amsterdam's. Helen Nicholson gets in the saddle to explore.

Robinson Crusoe villas and spas on a girls' holiday in the magical Maldives

Girls' getaway: Abigail and her firend Vic enjoy cocktails on the beach at the One and Only Reethi Rah

The Maldives may be the ultimate honeymoon destination, but with stylish spas, sunset cocktails and funky nightclubs on offer, it's also the perfect girls' getaway, as Abigail Butcher discovers.

Get on track! The best websites for... rediscovering rail travel in Europe

Jungfrau railway

Frontier finesse: Tall castles and 'the last house in England' in the Borders

Abbotsford House

Upper Northumberland, where the Tweed nuzzles the lower flank of Scotland, is a fine place for a break, says Clive Aslet, as he stays at Chain Bridge House.

Forget Paddington! Visiting darkest Peru on the tail of the giant river otter

Giant Otters, Sandoval lake reserve

Bridget McGrouther packs her camera and hopes for a sighting of the under threat giant river otter, which can be spotted on Peru's beautiful Sandoval Lake.

An Inspector Calls: Taste of the good life at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel

When The Inspector checks in to this former working farm he discovers all is calm, ordered and tasteful. But he's in no mood to linger indoors.

Making cruises cool: A trip on L'Austral is a hip way to see the Med

Elegant addition: L'Austral's spectacular water feature

Can a cruise ship ever be hip? Compagnie du Ponant puts up a remarkably good effort of making the experience trendy with its boutique ships.

How Albuquerque is capitalising on TV hit Breaking Bad

Roaring trade: Frank Barrett with a box of blue rock candy

Until now, Albuquerque's main claim to tourist fame was its annual balloon festival. But the TV drama about drugs has been tourist catnip and entrepreneurs have been quick to cash in.

Rome is where the heart is: Weary feet and seeing the Pope on a family break

St Peter's Basilica

Many people go to Rome for the classical sites. But for devoted Catholic Helen Carroll, the big draw on her trip was the arrival of a new Pope in the Vatican.

The best websites for booking a Caribbean break

Mullins Beach, Barbados

Winter is nearing, and with it, thoughts turn to a break on a Caribbean beach. But where to go and what to do? Fred Mawer peruses the best websites for a holiday in Antigua, Jamaica, Antigua or even sun-soaked Cuba.

Dales delights: Country highs and pork pies on a weekend in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Dales

They may not be the most low fat of foods, but there is something glorious about eating a pork pie, says Sara Lawrence, as he she enjoys a stay in Yorkshire.

Back to nature: A walk on the wild side on Kate Humble's Welsh farm

Rich pickings: Wendy (centre) with TV star Kate Humble (right)

Wendy Gomersall gets some tips from the TV presenter about how to forage. But can she make a meal from vegetation plucked from a hedgerow?

Magical Mexico, where old colonial towns hint at lost Aztec wonder

Vibrant: The Palacio del Belles Artes was one of the many sites Christine visited during her time in Mexico City

Christine Hamilton finds her expectations of Mexico City pleasingly confounded as she soaks up a blend of rich history and unique architecture...

The Crafty Traveller: What we'd change about Ryanair

Ryanair

Ryanair is currently on a publicity drive to soften its image, and is reducing some of its punitive fees. But these changes do not go far enough, says Fred Mawer, as he offers a few extra tweaks he would like to make.

Tour the world by tram: The world cities that have all added to Lisbon

Castle in the clouds: The spectacular Pena Palace

From its familiar landmarks and beaches to the resorts that stretch up the coast, the Portuguese city is a surprise, says Miranda Seymour.

From Delhi to Jaipur in a VW Polo? You'll need a blindfold!

Trunk road: Cars, coaches, rickshaws and elephants jostle for space on the road in Jaipur

India virgin Imogen Edwards-Jones braves the country's traffic chaos with her sister Leonie, taking a five-hour detour that turns out to be one of most beautiful wrong turns she has ever taken.

Take me back in time: Leaving modern life far behind in elegant Bath

Golden Bath Stone houses dominate the city, whose Grade I-listed townhouses are a pleasure to walk past while visiting the city's other attractions

A visit to Bath makes Nick Metcalfe feel as if he's stepped onto the film set of a Jane Austen adaptation...where quiet repose is the order of the day.

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Back to childhood: Mihir Bose retrace a journey to Kolkata

Mihir Bose

The rail trip from Mumbai to Kolkata was an annual pilgrimage for Mihir Bose as a child. But when he sets off on the epic journey with his English wife he decides to take a bit of a diversion.

The Norwegian Epic is a floating city...full of gauchos and Blue Men

The Blue Man Group

Size is important on the Norwegian Epic, writes Brian Claridge after sailing around the Western Mediterranean on this 'fun ship'.

Alligator wrestling and cliff camping: Charley Boorman's U.S. adventures

On the road: Charley Boorman embarked on an extraordinary six weeks - crisscrossing the United States in search of extreme challenges for his Channel 5 show

The TV presenter embarked on an extraordinary six weeks - crisscrossing the country in search of extreme challenges for his latest Channel 5 show.

A Canary of bright feathers: Escape to Lanzarote, nearest sunspot to Britain

Lanzarote

Those seeking a little sunshine and the chance to flee the British winter do not need to fly to the Caribbean. Lanzarote is near at hand, says John McEntee.

A walk on the wild side: Hippos next door and elephants at the hotel bar

Andrew and his family

When Andrew Yates was given a safety briefing at his Zambian hotel, he didn't pay much attention... until he encountered an elephant en route to the bar...

Snorkelling, trekking and cocktails on a whistlestop tour of the Whitsundays

Protected: Whitsunday Island is government-owned, which means you can't stay overnight

There is no better way to stave off the gloom of a British winter than a trip to Australia. Jenny Coad heads to the wonderful Whitsunday Islands.

An Inspector Calls: Terse talk and low expectations at Rowhill Grange, Kent

Rowhill Grange

The Inspector was not expecting much from a night at Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa in Kent. First there was the stand-off on the phone. Then the price...

The high life: Fine food and glorious Inca sites in Peru's Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Tourists going to Machu Picchu tend to dash through the Sacred Valley - but Anthea Gerrie is keen to take things more slowly on a tour of Peru's high corners.

What a little charmer! Kicking back in Bequia, the tiny island with a big heart

Admiralty Bay

It doesn't have the profile of its big brothers in the Caribbean, but that's exactly what makes Bequia such a delightful escape, discovers Mark Palmer.

Tall tale: A trek up Stok Kangri - one of the world's highest climbable peaks

Long walk: Beginning the 6,000m ascent up to the summit of Stok Kangri

Joining a group of experienced trekkers can be unnerving, not least when you're taking on a 6,000m peak. Simon Cable readies himself for a challenge.

Cathedrals, castles and Gerald the giraffe: Six things to do in Exeter...

Cathedral Close, Exeter

Exeter may be a gateway to the South West's glorious coastline but stay a while if you can, for there is plenty in this majestic city to enjoy.

Going it alone: Champney's Tring has tailored its services for solo travellers

Detox: Guests come to lose weight and kickstart their fitness regime, and Champney's runs boot camps throughout the year

Solo travellers can sit at a 'Champney's table' at dinner and mingle with fellow guests. Many come to lose weight and kickstart their fitness regime.

Sail away on a Christmas cruise and wave goodbye to washing the dishes

Dubai Family look at Christmas tree

Looking for a Christmas sailing with some festive spirit? Or just to forget December 25th even exists? There are plenty of sea options says Caroline Hendrie.

Walk this way: Why Northern Cyprus has become a hiking hotspot

Kantara Castle Kaplica North Cyprus

With 340 days of sunshine and stunning scenery - all located outside the Eurozone - Northern Cyprus is winning over travellers, discovers Cat Massey.

Paris for les petits: DJ lessons and pizza making in the French capital

Hayden spins some discs under the supervision of the hotel DJ

Keeping a nine-year-old entertained on a cultural city break can be tough, unless your hotel caters especially for families discovers Jill Paul.

An Inspector Calls At... Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hertfordshire

Down Hall Country House Hotel

The rooms at Down Hall are due for a revamp early next year, but they're not the only area that needs some TLC, according to The Inspector...

The Crafty Traveller: How to bag yourself the most comfortable flight

Monologue image of passengers on an airline

There has to be a way to outwit ropey seat pitches and rubbish service on airlines, right? Fred Mawer - aka Mr Crafty Traveller - offers his advice.

Karelia: A perfect Finnish in one of Europe's least known beauty spots

Winter

Hidden on the east edge of Finland, Karelia is a region of epic lakes and beauty - not least in winter, when it looks like Narnia, writes Chris Leadbeater.

Welcome to my Australia, poms! Matthew Hayden on Queensland

Pelicans being fed at Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island Moreton Bay Queensland Australia

As England prepare to head over to Australia for the Ashes, the Australian cricket legend opens up about his love for the beaches near his home.

Take me on the coolest of cruises: Five of the best Antarctic sea holidays

Giant iceberg arch

Forget pootling around the Med, use a cruise to see part of the world that will teach you things. Here, Caroline Hendrie writes on the best Antarctic cruises.

Andrea Bocelli: Making the sweetest of music in Italy's splendido Portofino

Andrea Bocelli (inset) on a Portofino image

Andrea Bocelli recalls the magic of a summer concert on the Italian Riviera and tells of his love for Tuscany - where he grew up and now bases himself.

A taste of Bavaria: Beer and bratwurst at Manchester's Christmas market

Northern lights: St Ann's Square sparkles with its German market

From mid-November, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland and the festive market is now regarded as one of the best in Europe.

Mesmerised by the magnificent Maldives: A woozy week at Velassaru

An aerial view of Velassaru, Maldives

Sometimes you travel for culture. Sometimes you do so to lie on a beach, cocooned by luxury. Maura Henry tries the latter at the Maldivian resort of Velassaru.

A touching tribute: The Second World War crash sites in the Welsh hills

Poignant: Guide Jeff Calligan at the wreckage of the crashed Canadian bomber at Carreg Goch

Many military casualties were suffered in the UK and there are no fewer than 40 crash sites in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, says Frank Barrett.

Poole your resources: A green haven (lizards included) in delightful Dorset

Rockley Park

You don't have to go to Africa for wildlife. Gareth Huw Davies sets off on a search for lizards when he tries the holiday park that is giving Dorset green appeal.

Hungary for more: Budapest tops poll of Europe's most welcoming cities

Budapest

It is perhaps one of Europe's less chosen options for a weekend. But the Hungarian capital Budapest features highly in a poll of 'welcoming' cities.