Strictly come to the Caribbean: Dancing star Sophie Ellis-Bextor cools off in Antigua

A well-deserved break: Sophie, with husband Richard, slips off her dancing shoes at St James's Club, Antigua

Needing to rest her feet after her adventure on the Strictly dancefloor, pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor took her children and husband away to the sands of the Caribbean for a spot of January sunshine in ever-idyllic Antigua.

Limited-edition BULLET-PROOF luggage goes on sale the UK - at a cost of £4,195

Safety first: The new TecknoMonster's Kasor range can be fitted with bullet-proof panels

The range, which will be exclusively available in Harrods in London from April, comprises a set of three, four-wheel trolley cases, with luxury quilted leather interior linings in black and orange, and a cabin case.

Ferrari Land zooms into Spain: New park will feature Europe's highest vertical ride, driving simulators and a five star hotel

Ferrari-land

Luxury car firm Ferrari has announced plans to open its first European theme park at the PortAventura resort near Barcelona. The 100million-euro (£83million) adventure park is due to open in 2016 and will include Europe's fastest and highest 'vertical accelerator' as well as a driving simulators, shops and restaurants and a 250-room five star hotel created in the shape of an F1 front wing.

On a tour of Germany: Doughnuts and cider in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich

Over the rooftops: The Hotel de Rome offers a splendid view of Berlin in all its glory

Germany has so many great cities, says Frank Barrett, that you may want to see them all. He takes to the road for a tour of Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.

Ups and downs: Taking on the rollercoasters at Spain's PortAventura

No, this picture IS the right way up: Visitors brave the wrath of Furious Baco at PortAventura

After ten minutes, Max Wooldridge was really not sure what he had let himself in for - signing up for a day of rollercoaster thrills at giant theme park PortAventura.

Ultimate travel accessory! Map charts 365 days of weather in 35 cities

weatherradials-city-newyorkcity.png

The beautiful new Weather Radical poster illustrates the temperature and conditions in 35 cities around the world for every day in 2013.

Tourists in Turkey warned over violent protests in crisis-hit Istanbul

In mourning: Protester gesture to a bus carrying the body of Berkin Elvan during his funeral ceremony in Istanbul

Holidaymakers were warned over violence in Istanbul after the funeral of a 15-year-old descended into clashes in the popular city break destination.

St Tropez with an African accent: Sun and culture on a winter break to Tunisia

A seafront wonder: The artists' village of Sidi Bou Said has long lured visitors to Tunisia

Tunisia was the start-point for the Arab Spring three years ago - but there is no sign of anything but calm days as Nina Myskow visits Hammamet for some winter sun.

All aboard for choices: Find your perfect voyage at the London Cruise Show

Bird's eye view: A cruise to Antarctica - complete with its Gentoo penguins - could be just your thing

Coming to the capital next weekend, the London Cruise Show 2014 is a grand showcase for the wonders of a seaborne holiday, says Caroline Hendrie.

Holidays on the moon: Ex-astronaut Jon McBride makes his predictions

From above: When you get the opportunity to look back at Earth from space, it's difficult to describe, says Jon McBride

US astronaut Jon McBride went into orbit on the Space Shuttle. He talks to Chris Leadbeater about how he would go back if he could - and the rise of space tourism.

London beats Paris! Karl Lagerfeld hails capital as world's most alive city

Lagerfeld

The designer was speaking at a party celebrating the launch of Chanel's new flagship store on London's Regent Street when he heaped praise on the capital.

The most expensive hotel room in the world – that MELTS: Ice Hotel allows guests to design their own suite… for £140,000

Frozty Flower by Shingo Saito, Natsuki Saito - Photo Christopher Hauser.jpg

It takes two weeks to create, costs £140,000 and lasts for only a few months – but guests who can afford it now have the chance to design their very own suite in Sweden’s Ice Hotel.

Wing attack! Devon spends £15,000
on 'super falcons' to frighten gulls

Wing attack

Councils in Exmouth, Sidmouth and Seaton in Devon are splashing out to stop 'nuisance' gulls from nesting and disturbing people enjoying the seafront over summer.

Heathrow passengers told 'expect teething problems' at Terminal 2

New look: Inside Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2 which is due to open to passengers in June

Speaking about the opening of T2, Heathrow warned: 'The chance of a completely smooth opening for any airport terminal in the world is low.'

London tests pedestrian crossings that will protect dawdling tourists

pedestrian

London is road testing 'intelligent' pedestrian crossings designed to read the requirements of the crossing throngs.

Bangkok to end state of emergency in bid to restore tourist confidence

Specific protests: Farmers rearrange a pile of rice after dumping it on the ground during a rally demanding the Yingluck administration resolve delays in payment from the rice pledging scheme

With diminishing numbers of protesters and Bangkok's roads open once again, the city is now moving to end the state of emergency.

From mud racing to the Bird Men of Bognor: 11 of the UK's quirkiest events this summer

Julian_and_the_Dinosaur[1].jpg

From dining on stinging nettles and racing across the muddy beds of the River Blackwater, to watching Bognor's Bird Men soar through the sky, there are plenty of unusual attractions to choose from.

Ski company offers to pay fines up to £700 to parents taking term time trip

Ski trip: Families face fines of up to £2,500 for taking children on holiday during term time

MountainBase is advertising its skiing breaks in Morzine, in the French Alps, along with the slogan: 'Are schools in the UK taking the PISTE?'

Adorable baby elephant makes her first appearance at Twycross Zoo

twycross

The calf, who is still unnamed, arrived at the Midlands zoo after a 22 month pregnancy for mother Noorjahan. Today she stepped out to meet her public.

The best of Western Australia in pictures... taken by former Neighbours star Dan Paris

Western Australia

He is best known for playing Drew Kirk in the Australian soap in the late Nineties, but now Dan Paris is helping to promote the best of WA with his spectacular landscape shots.

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.

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 talks to TravelMail about the delights of his native Australia and his culinary journey Down Under for his latest television show.

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.

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.

Planning a voyage on the high seas? Here's your guide to finding the perfect cruise!

Set sail: Whether you are travelling with family, or alone, want an adventure, or just pure luxury, there is a cruise to suit you

Whether you're taking your family, are looking for an active break or are a solo traveller, there is a cruise to suite your tastes...

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.

Cycling the 280-mile Tour de Manche from Dorset to Brittany

Stunning bay: The cycling route passes Mont St-Michel in Normandy, France

I was pedalling towards Cancale, the oyster capital of north Brittany on a 280-mile cycle ridefrom the Jurassic Coast of Dorset...

Hot beards, hip hotels and irrepressible hygge in Copenhagen

Detectives Martin Rohde and Saga Noren are the stars of Danish drama The Bridge

Escaping to the pretty Danish city was one enormous film set for The Bridge box set fan Jane Fryer.

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.

Sound of Stone Town: Different sort of spice girl on Freddie Mercury's island

Music royalty: Freddie Mercury left Zanzibar when he was just nine years old

Big-bottomed dancers are a must at the island's music festival. But Chris Jagger wonders how accepted Freddie would have been here...

All aboard: Taking the family on the train to Spain for a beach break

Sun-trap: The attractive bay and beach at Tamariu on the Costa Brava

With a high-speed train that connects Kent to the Spanish border town of Figueres, it is the best way for Tom Rawstorne to take his brood away.

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.

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.

Tom Parker Bowles visits a dreaded all-inclusive resort - and he loves it!

Having a blast: Tom and his wife Sara at the resort

Tom Parker Bowles hated the thought of a 'prison' holiday - until his children found the kids' club and he discovered the buffet at the Forte Village Resort...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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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 and personal with our nearest primate cousins for a fraction of the cost...

Captivating Croatia: How Hvar won the heart of rugby star Jamie Roberts

Fruits of his labour: Jamie soaks up the sun on the waterfront

With its elegant hotels, historic city centre, luxurious beach clubs and glorious views, Roberts thinks the island is Croatia's answer to Monaco.

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, as Sandy Gall explains.

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.

Britain's worst holiday photographs revealed!

Bad holiday snaps

They are supposed to be the magical images that preserve our favourite travel moments for all time. But sometimes, holiday photos can go horribly wrong.

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!

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.

Ask Frank: How can I take the train in the Rockies and how can I get my wife to camp?

Cross-border quality: The Rocky Mountaineer will be venturing south to Seattle this year

This week, the Mail On Sunday's Travel Editor comes to the assistance of a reader who wants to hit the heights on a spectacular rail journey in Canada and the USA.