The Eggs Factor: Fabergé, fine food and grand style in Austria's exquisite capital city

The stairway of the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna, Austria

Vienna has long been known as a place of regal style. But a new exhibition of the Fabergé eggs that once enthralled the Russian Tsars brings antique glamour to the Austrian capital, says an enthralled Anthea Gerrie.

As David Beckham lands in Rio for Carnival, we take a sneak peek inside his stylish hotel

David Beckham in Rio

The Fasano hotel is the most stylish address in fashionable Ipanema Beach and it's where Beckham is said to be staying while he's in town to take part in the final weekend of Carnival. We take a look inside...

'Irreversible damage' to Great Barrier Reef by 2013 unless action is taken

At risk: Scientists are warning that the Great Barrier Reef will be 'irreversibly damaged' by 2030

Australia's iconic heritage site is at a turning point, and coral will be destroyed 'for hundreds if not thousands of years' by hikes in carbon dioxide, say experts.

Extreme Makeover! Thailand offers tourists the chance to win a facelift

'Ultimate beauty': The Tourism Authority of Thailand is behind the competition

Three winners will each receive free facial surgery as well as a luxury holiday in one of the country's top resorts - with first prize worth a total of £5,000.

British Museum's Viking exhibition capitalises on our love of Nordic Noir

Step back in time: A woman looks at a Viking helmet and jawbone found near Weymouth and displayed at the British Museum

Some have said the new exhibition, which opens today, is not bloodthirsty enough, but the displays certainly have a lot in common with a Scandi drama.

Japanese bullet trains introduce foot baths to help relax passengers

Travelling in style: The Japanese bullet train will add a carriage devoted to footbaths to help relax passengers

The carriages will have seats facing the window and warm water baths to soothe passengers' feet as they enjoy the view.

Glasgow blasted for 'rip off' hotel prices - by its own tourist board!

'Golden opportunity': The Commonwealth Games is a great opportunity for tourists to visit Scotland and Glasgow, but the price of hotel rooms is outrageous, tourism chiefs have said

'Budget' hotels were charging more for stays during the Commonwealth Games than their London counterparts did during the 2012 Olympics.

Up up and away...for a day! BA launches 'day trip' flights to Europe

Up up and away...for a day? British Airways intend to roll out the flights to more European destinations

The company's new 'day tripper' tickets, will fly to six destinations: Dublin; Edinburgh; Geneva; Vienna; Munich and Rome, for a special day away.

Eurostar surpasses 10m mark as it celebrates its 20 year anniversary

Winning figures: Eurostar, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year carried 10.1 million passengers in 2013

Eurostar which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, carried 10.1 million passengers in 2013, the first time since its launch in 1994.

Singapore named most expensive city in the world, London takes 15th place

Big spender: Singapore, famous for its financial industry and quantity of ex-pats, has been named the most expensive city in the world

The Southeast Asian island state topped the poll, followed by Paris, Oslo, Zurich and Sydney, completing the five most expensive cities in the world.

Disabled passenger 'humiliated' by Thomas Cook is denied compensation

Humiliated: Christopher Stott was thrown from his wheelchair on a Thomas Cook flight in 2008

Despite the Supreme Court agreeing that Christopher Stott suffered 'inhuman and degrading treatment' it could not approve damages.

Warning to sports fans as holiday scams cost travellers £7m a year

Travel scams: Holidaymakers are being urged to research a company's credentials before booking

Fake airline tickets, bogus accommodation and scam package holidays left a dent in the wallets of UK travellers - with more than 4,500 frauds reported.

Rugby World Cup 2015: Tickets go on sale for the sporting extravaganza

Martin Johnson 2003

It may be 18 months away, but tickets are already on sale for
the 2015 Rugby World Cup - including for the key showdown between old rivals England
and Wales.

After the pancakes... The bad habits travellers should give up for Lent

Snap happy: One of the habits to give up for Lent is photographing everything in sight

Whether it's eating in chain restaurants or failing to try the local lingo, here are the top 15 bad habits we should ditch for 40 days and 40 nights...

Guatemala's famous Pacaya volcano closed to tourists after huge eruption

Closed to tourists: This is Pacaya's second strong eruption so far this year and locals are on standby for an evacuation

The picturesque volcano, which is just 24 miles from the popular colonial town of Antigua, where most tourists base themselves, spewed ash 2.3miles into the air.

Passenger's note to female pilot says 'cockpit is no place for woman'

High flyer: Captain Carey Smith Steacy on board a WestJet plane

The sexist letter, scrawled in pen on the back of a napkin, was addressed to WestJet captain Carey Smith Steacy after a domestic flight in Canada.

A new Latin affair: A week in unknown Uruguay, South America's hidden gem

A jewel of the River Plate: Uruguay has 400 miles of 'coastline' along the planet's widest estuary

It is a place that few consider for a holiday. But Uruguay is gaining a reputation for great beaches and fine food. Chris Leadbeater takes a leisurely tour.

Scenery, secluded lodges and Zulu warriors in beautiful South Africa

Out of Africa: Cleopatra Mountain Warehouse is set in stunning surroundings

A quarter of a century after the end of apartheid and Max Hastings takes a driving tour to discover one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Working up an appetite for the Azores ...and sampling volcanic hot pot

Soaring beauty: Mount Pico seen from Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel

Ben Fogle discovered Portugal because his wife's family adore travelling there...team that with own love of island breaks and the Azores are a perfect match.

Sun, sand and sharks: Into the deep and onto a lounger in the Maldives

Diving, Maldives

Carol Driver had never been interested in the Maldives. But her first encounter with the Indian Ocean archipelago was a wonder on several levels.

Road trip! Combining LA glitz with deserts, beaches and alien outposts

Making friends: Esther meets a lifeguard on Hermosa Beach

All eyes were on La La Land for the Oscars. But you don't have to base your entire trip in the city, why not try these quick escapes into the great outdoors?

Glitz, glamour and... galleries? The unexpectedly creative side of Dubai

Vaster, faster, flashier: Dubai is famed for its headline-grabbing extremes

We all know the emirate for the tallest tower in the world and the largest shopping mall, but scratch beneath the surface and it also boasts high culture.

Return to Oz: John Torode to give UK viewers a taste of his home country

Back to his roots: John Torode cooks on Sydney's harbour with the iconic opera house in the background

John Torode to give UK viewers a taste of his home country, revisiting childhood haunts, along with the people and places that influenced his cooking and inspired him to become a professional chef in his new TV series John Torode's Australia

Healing waters, rotting shark and a pickled phallus in unusual Iceland

Splashing out: Deni spent several hours floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon

With quirky culinary offerings and the world's only penis museum, Reykjavik makes for a rather surprising weekend break, says Deni Kirkova.

From Russia with love: The romance of a honeymoon cruise in Europe

Glorious: The Star Flyer was Serena and Christian's home for their 10-day tour of Northern Europe

Serena Atkins imagined cruise ships to be floating steel skyscrapers. But then she stepped on board the elegant Star Flyer clipper...

Code orange: The orangutans of the whispering rainforests of Indonesia

Pleased to meet you: The orangutans of Kalimantan are wild and yet familiar

They are creatures of familiar mannerisms - yet wild and endangered. Mark Nicholls heads to Borneo and the raw jungles of Indonesia.

Australia's hop spot: Sian Lloyd and the chicest retreat on Kangaroo Island

Jump to it: Sian meets one of the locals (sort of) at the Southern Ocean Lodge

Tucked away off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is - as its name suggests - a hive of nature. But it is also a place to escape...

Ferries, history and idling in Istanbul, the glorious city on two continents

Beautiful Bosphorus: Istanbul straddles the Asian and European continents and the best way to see both sides is by boat

Declan Warrington was lured to Istanbul by its historic wonders and famous clash of continents - but fell in love with the city for its richly sophisticated vibe.

Arizona rocks: Lloyd Wright, 'teddy bear' cacti and dawn balloon rides

Taking the scenic route: A hot air balloon drifts over the vast Sonoran desert

From hot air balloons to Tomcars, there are plenty of adventurous ways to explore Arizona's sizeable chunk of the Sonoran Desert.

Blue cheese, the open road and amazing volcanic vistas in France's sleepy Auvergne

Rising above it all: Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne is overlooked by dramatic extinct volcanoes

Not many tourists make it to the remote Auvergne, in heart of France. But with bucolic scenery, medieval villages and those soaring reminders of its volcanic past, this quiet corner makes for the perfect driving holiday, says Max Davidson.

Winter sun, free lunches and plenty of play! Little Arthur takes to Tenerife...

Water baby: Arthur splashes around in the shallows of one of the resort's many pools

Jack Doyle and his wife discover a palace of luxury that prides itself on offering child-friendly activities and plenty to keep parents entertained...

An Umbria undertaking: A luxury villa and a trip to Tuscany's fine neighbour

Take a seat: Villa Christina has plenty of room - it sleeps up to 18 people

It is often cast in the shadow of Tuscany, but Umbria is a grand place for a week of Italian sun - says a very contented Frank Barrett from his villa poolside.

Winning formula: Hot sun and cool surfing in the glorious Algarve

Surf's up! The type of family holiday even the kids will love

Try the family-friendly resort where even the grumpiest of teenagers will be signing up for surfing, climbing, mountain-biking and kite-surfing.

Getting a taste of life in the 19th century on TV's Victorian Farm

Oinking good fun: A litter of piglets feed from their mother

Erica Crompton learns how to trace family history in a period setting on a working farm break at Acton Scott, the setting for the BBC Two series Victorian Farm.

France for little squirts: A family break in Provence (water pistol not advised)

James Coney

When James Coney bought his son a water pistol, he should have seen the future. Thankfully, his decision to book a villa in Provence was more sound.

Family holiday crisis? A cash-saving guide to beating those half-term blues

Head for the slopes...but be flexible if you don't want to pay through the nose

A half-term break needn't cost you a fortune - follow our money-saving guide and take your pick of these budget-protecting family-friendly deals.

Piedmont by push bike: Vineyards, villages and all you can eat lunch in Italy's Alps

Vine views: Colline del Barolo, Vineyards and the village in Piedmont, Italy

An Italian holiday where you're guaranteed not to gain a pound? Peter Hardy tucks into the local delicacies guilt-free as he takes to two wheels for a cycling tour of the pretty villages of Piedmont - if only he had bought some lycra...

Just us and a sky full of eagles: Quiet bliss in a remote Scottish cottage

Lord of the Rings scenery: Sweeping views over Loch Nevis

Perched on the shore of Loch Nevis, the Old Post Office is so isolated, you even need to take your own food. But it's heaven for those looking to escape it all.

Lulled by Lake District luxury: Hiding from the world at Gilpin Lake House

Peace at last: Claire struggled to find anything to complain about during her weekend at the hotel

Tucked away amid the pools and fells of the Lake District, Gilpin Lake House is the sort of special enclave where time seems to stop, says Claire Cohen.

An Inspector Calls: Shades of history and a splendid breakfast at The Ship

An air of the past: The Ship has a pleasant presence at the heart of Chichester

The stars have stayed at The Ship in Chichester. Not a shock, as the breakfast is terrific, says our hotel inspector. Shame about the other little niggles.

The grass is greener, the skies starrier and the beaches spotless in Wales

Serenity: Talybont Reservoir is perfect for waterside walks at all times of year

With award-winning beaches, cosy winter boltholes and a world-class Dark Sky Reserve title, Wales has plenty to tempt Alexandra Campbell over the border.

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TOP STORIES IN TRAVEL

Rose of the desert: Jordan is full of wonders but nothing beats Petra

'Half as old as time': The Treasury in Petra, carved out of the rose-coloured
rock

Sarah Bradford discovers a wealth of archaeological and artistic history on her visit to Jordan but nothing surpasses the beauty and mystery of Petra.

Machu Picchu, mountains and massive snakes in picturesque Peru

Nice to meet you: Andean culture is a splendidly discernible facet of life in Peru

Peru is a country of glorious highs and lows, from the Andean citadel of Machu Picchu to the dense jungles of the Amazon - as Claire Ellicott discovers.

Busy doing nothing: No wonder Mustique is loved by celebrities

Hello sunshine! Relaxing under the rays isn't hard on chilled out Mustique

This tiny island doesn't have the hustle and bustle of some of its Caribbean counterparts but my, it's easy on the eye...and gentle on the soul, writes Sandy Gall.

Bitten by the cruise bug (and a hungry stingray): An epic Caribbean voyage

Heaven for any ship: The cruise called at Antigua - home to the glorious English Harbour

There are grand journeys. And then there is the prospect of taking in nine Caribbean islands on a two-week cruise. Christopher Leake is overjoyed.

Antigua and Peter Island make a big impression on Rory Bremner

Rory Bremner

Would the comedian prefer laid-back Antigua or Peter Island's exclusive resort? And would the local island-hopping airline get him there on time?

Sun, spas and summer snowboarding in France, year-round resorts

New heights: Steve was surprised to learn that not all of Europe's ski slopes close at the end of the winter season

Steve Nimmo had declared it Mission Impossible, but was pleasantly surprised when he decided to hit the slopes of France's Les Deux Alpes.

Gambia gamble: Take a chance on the African state - and find much to love

Gloriously golden: The Gambia has a reputation as a cheap package destination, but boasts wonderful coastline

The Gambia has a reputation for being Africa's Costa del Sol, all bargain hotels and cheap packages. Yet Glenys Roberts finds a fantastic escape zone.

Girls go to....Burma? Lucy Verasamy heads off on an unusual voyage

Going with the flow: Lucy poses with an officer's hat on her river cruise

TV weather girl Lucy Verasamy ditches her phone and the net as she heads down Burma's Chindwin River to villages that have never seen a Westerner...

Warsaw rises: Poland's capital is cheap, even if it isn't always cheerful

A splash of colour: Warsaw's old town is essential viewing for tourists

Warsaw suffered a tough 20th century. But it recalls its past in a way that makes it fascinating for visitors, says John McEntee - while enjoying the exchange rate.

Sloping off from commentary duties: In Lenzerheide with BBC's Ed Leigh

Ed Leigh

BBC presenter Ed Leigh has made a name for himself with his enthusiastic Olympics commentary. He is just as excitable on the slopes...

Cruise and stay: The mix of voyage and hotel that is luring a new crowd

Visitors to Florida could try a cruise that spends time in Sarasota - home of the Ringling Museum of Art

There is a new trend when it comes to voyages - 'cruise and stay', where you book-end your on-board break with a hotel, says Caroline Hendrie.

Checking In: Author Barbara Taylor Bradford on how and where to travel

Barbara Taylor Bradford: Fond of Paris, still to get to Hong Kong

In the latest of our occasional series on the travel habits of the rich and famous, author Barbara Taylor Bradford reveals why she loves the south of France.

Fabulous food in the great outdoors: Lisa Faulkner on camping and cuisine

St Michael's Mount, Penzance

A camping trip does not have to mean boring meals from a can. Former Celebrity MasterChef winner Lisa Faulkner talks gourmet grub in the outdoors.

Sailboat in the moonlight: A glorious week touring the Greek islands

Paradise: Emerald Cove on the Greek island Antipaxos, with its calm turqoise waters and white sand beach, was a particular highlight of the family's week with Sailing Holidays

Sun, sea...and a little plate- smashing for good measure. Catherine Eade and her children charter a 40-foot yacht and explore the North Ionian Islands.

Lighting up Lapland: Glass igloos and gazing at the Aurora Borealis

Room with a view: Glass igloo and Aurora Borealis

If you've got a bucket list, head to Finland, says Catherine Eade, who adds a spot of ice-climbing, husky driving and reindeer action to her skiing holiday.

Ski therapy and the ultimate party on the mountain in France's Val D'Isere

Party on: La Folie Douce La Folie Douce is a Full Moon party meets Ministry of Sound rave

Whether it's deep advice from your ski instructor, or the chance to party away your worries at La Folie Douce, a ski trip is good for the soul, says Mark Palmer.

Come and play in Kalkan: A Turkish resort that is certainly a Klass act

Plain sailing: Kalkan offers blissful scenery - not least the sandy wonder of Kaputas Beach

Turkey's coast is often deemed to be cheap as well as cheerful - but Mark Palmer finds a slice of upmarket wonder as he heads to the resort town of Kalkan.

An Aegean adventure: Amy Shindler visits the Dodecanese islands

Stepping back in time: Amy visits classical ruins at Kameiros on Rhodes

The Archers star chose three islands to visit in eight days, which allowed time for sun, sea, sightseeing - and tearing down a snake-infested mountain!

Robber steak and the real Vlad: On the hunt for Dracula in Transylvania

Will the real Dracula please stand up? Hilary goes in search of the real story behind Bram Stoker's book...

A stay at 'Dracula Castle' can unsettle even the steeliest travellers. Hilary Macaskill travels to Transylvania to explore the lands described by Bram Stoker.

Five-star luxury without the guilt on a stress-busting break in Crete

A private paradise: There's no shortage of sunbeds on the Knossos Royal's Blue Flag beach

Jenny Cowley was greeted by big smiles, hot towels and a glass of champagne at the stylish Knossos Royal - part of a leading 'green' hotel chain that has won several eco awards.