Gambling in Las Vegas and Route 66: Travel bucket list of 25 things to do AFTER retiring

D91RDX Route 66 pavement sign sunrise in California's Mojave desert.

Rather than staying at home in front of the fire, the majority of us want to travel when we leave work, with Route 66 in America, safaris and visiting the Great Wall of China all making the grade.

Thomas Cook holidaymaker who got food poisoning wins £10,000 pay out

Stacey Grenfell contracted food poisoning during a stay at tourist resort Sharm-el-Sheik

Stacey Grenfell sought medical help after eating food at her hotel in the tourist resort Sharm-el-Sheik, where she was on a two week break with her fiance.

SS United States, that carried four presidents, is in danger of rusting away

Piece of history: The SS United States transported immigrants and even four American presidents in its heyday

The passenger liner transported immigrants across the Atlantic, but now sits rusting in Philadelphia. There are calls to make it into a New York museum.

One in four parents 'too scared' of criticism to take children on a plane

Too loud: 56 per cent of parents said they found other people's children annoying on board a flight

Forty-five per cent of mums and dads who refuse to book a trip abroad are worried their under-fives would disrupt others by crying or being noisy.

BA plane makes emergency landing
at Heathrow after 'engine surge'

Grounded: BA was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine surge on an Airbus A319

A witness said flames could be seen 'spitting out' of an engine and that the Airbus A319 was making spluttering noises as it was taking off.

The James Bond Lair: Step inside the super luxury 007 suite, complete with mirrored ceiling, Turkish bath and golden gun lamp

James Bong suite

The extraordinary 007 suite - where Bond fans can watch the entire catalogue of films on a giant screen from bed - is a purple lair complete with golden gun lamps other famous props.

'Irreversible damage' to Great Barrier Reef by 2030 unless action 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.

British Museum's Viking exhibition to explores obsession with Nordic Noir

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

The new exhibition is said to be not bloodthirsty enough, but the displays certainly have a lot in common with a dark Scandinavian drama.

Figures reveal holiday and airline 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 made up more than 4,500 holiday booking frauds reports to police last year.

Airline passenger leaves sexist note saying 'cockpit is no place for woman'

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

The letter was found addressed to the WestJet captain Carey Smith Steacy after she completed her flight from Calgary to Victoria in Canada.

Back to budget! Ryanair and easyJet report rise in passenger numbers

Growth: Ryanair¿s passenger numbers for last month grew 7 per cent to 4.5million

The figures - comparing Feb 2013 to Feb 2014 - show a 7 per cent rise for Ryanair to 4.5m passengers, and a 2.9 per cent rise for easyJet to 4.23m people.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games blasted over 'rip off' prices

'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

Uproar over the extortionate cost of some accommodation followed the news 'budget' hotels were charging more than during Olympics.

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.

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.

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.

Walter White's house and (legal) highs:
The set-jetting trip inspired by Breaking Bad

Set-jetting: Drive around the New Mexico desert made famous by Breaking Bad

For TV fans missing their fix of Breaking Bad, help is at hand - in the form of a set-jetting holiday inspired by the series. Holidaymakers will be able to enjoy a seven-night desert adventure in New Mexico, following in the footsteps of Walter White - the main character in the show.

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.

Bing

Like
MailOnline

Follow
@MailOnline

   

TOP STORIES IN TRAVEL

Meet the relatives: Martin Roberts' encounter with Rwanda's gorillas

King of the jungle: One of the silverbacks in the Volcanoes National Park

The star of TV's Homes Under The Hammer was doing charity work in the country when he discovered a way to get up close to our nearest primate cousins.

Castello Collapso! Not the ritziest villa in Sardinia, but the most memorable

Sun-drenched: Sardinia is a a Mediterranean classic, combining a spotless coastline with glorious flowers

North-west Sardinia is as virginal as the Dalmatian coast, finds Quentin Letts, who grows fond of his shabby but not chic villa in the pretty port of Alghero.

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.