From patriotic sunbathers to colourful VW Beetles: Incredible photos capture everyday life in Brazil ahead of the World Cup

Soul of Brazil

Italian photographers Edoardo Delille and Gabriele Galimberti travelled to Brazil to follow in the footsteps of Rio de Janeiro's residents, capturing their exuberance, vibrancy and uniqueness. Each series of photos produces a pattern, of bodies, products, personalities and all-things Brazilian. The photos are tiled together with the best picture on the right.

From scaling Mount Everest to visiting Captain Scott's hut in Antarctica - the INCREDIBLE tours you can take for FREE (and you don't even have to leave your sofa)

Google street view

I've you've ever wanted to spot wild and wonderful creatures on the Galapagos islands, scale Mount Everest or visit Captain Scott's hunt in Antarctica, but don't have the budget, all you need to do is log on.

Wish you were here? From rolling golden sand dunes, to celebrity-packed hangouts, the world's 10 sexiest beaches revealed ... and Rio takes the top spot

Mexican dream: Tulum beach is a favourite for models like Cara Delevingne

The beaches in Brazil are an added bonus to the 1.9 million or so football fans traveling to South America for the World Cup.

The World Cup effect! England football fans flocking to Brazil to watch the beautiful game boosts country's tourism by 240%

Brazil's tourism boost

Belo Horizonte is the city in Brazil which stands to gain the biggest tourism boost, according to traveller interest measured on TripAdvisor.

Pampered generation! Infographic reveals how Millennial travellers are more interested in high-end holiday services than Boomers

infographic.jpg

A survey of 1,000 people aged 18-67 reveals that Millennials are more likely than older travellers to seek out luxury hotels.

Name and shame! Photos of holidaymakers carrying too much luggage on board flights shared on social media in new campaign

Social media campaign: Spud Hilton tweets a photo of a woman carrying excess luggage

Travellers are urged to publish photos of flyers carrying large amounts of holdall luggage, using the hashtag #CarryonShame.

'Sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea': £50,000 payout for couple whose dream Caribbean beach wedding turned into a nightmare after bug wipes out seven family members

Terry and Keeley Ford travelled to the luxury Melia Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana for what they planned would be a romantic, luxury two-week break

Terry and Keeley Ford, from Birmingham, travelled to the luxury Melia Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana for what they planned would be a romantic, luxury two-week break.

From Times Square to the Empire State Building, New York's most popular tourist attractions captured in stunning time-lapse video

New York in slow-mo

It is well known as the City That Never Sleeps. And now the hustle and bustle of New York City has been captured in a time-lapse video.

That's a lot of keepy-uppys! Freestyler films himself playing football in spectacular destinations around the world for TWO YEARS in run up to World Cup

Keepy uppy around the world

With the World Cup kicking off, the global spotlight is shining on football. However, for Guillaume Blanchet, he's had his eye on the ball for the past two years - all in the name of art. The self-taught filmmaker shot this four-minute movie of himself playing football around the world. Bounce, which won an award at the Cannes Short Film Corner 2014, shows Blanchet's journey in various places around the globe, giving David Beckham a run for his money.

Come on boys! Stuntman shows his support for England at the World Cup by leaping out of a plane in St George's Cross wingsuit

Stuntman jumps from plane in St George's outfit

Ahead of England's first World Cup game with Italy tomorrow, a wingsuit pilot has flown across a beach in Rio de Janeiro dressed in a specially designed St George's Cross wingsuit, to cheer on the Three Lions. EpicTV's Jhonathan Florez, an esteemed air athlete, was the lucky man to take on the threads and show his support for England. After excitedly describing Brazil as a 'pretty awesome place,' the pilot jumps out of a plane 4,000ft above sea level before landing on the Barra di Tijuca beach.

Perfect sunsets, samba beats and celebrity hotspots: Six things everyone should do in Rio de Janeiro (and not a football in sight)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rihanna loves partying in Rio and David Beckham loves nothing more than a game of futvolley. Here's how you can discover the best parts of the Marvellous City.

'Bring back stolen items, no questions asked': Hotels launch amnesty as luggage trolley, patio furniture and cigarette machine among items taken by light-fingered guests

Amnesty: Rosslea Hall in Helensburgh is one of two hotels taking part in the initiative

The Holiday Inn Express in Greenock is one of two Scottish hotels which will allow people who have pilfered items.

Capital city! Stunning new video reveals London's top 10 most-visited attractions - and the British Museum scoops the top spot

London

To celebrate record-breaking visitor numbers, tourism board VisitLondon has launched a new video, showcasing the capital's top 10 most-visited attractions.

Up for the cup: Huge Olympic Park sculpture to be turned gold if England triumph in Brazil

ArcelorMittal Orbit

The team behind the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture in London's Olympic Park have promised to turn the striking red artwork gold if England win the World Cup.

London, Paris and New York top the list of the 10 most expensive city breaks in the world ... while Hanoi is crowned cheapest

Most expensive cities in the world revealed

Tourists fork out about £312 for a one-night stay in the UK's capital, more than three times the price of a break in best-value destination, Hanoi, Vietnam - which comes in at an average of £92.

A third of Britain's 'passive passengers' would turn a blind eye to drivers drinking alcohol at the wheel ... and 93% are too scared to criticise a partner's road skills

Bad drivers

Overall one in ten UK adults (10 per cent) would not challenge dangerous driving habits when they are a passenger in a car, even if they felt that their personal safety was at risk.

'Oh, you should go to... Costa Rica'. Latin state is shock winner in list of countries people would recommend to other travellers

Top of the world: Costa Rica has two coastlines - and proffers beauties such as Drake Bay, on its Pacific side

A new survey has revealed the destinations that tourists would most recommend to other travellers - and Costa Rica has emerged as the surprising winner.

Too revealing! 98% of women hate partners wearing Speedos on the beach ... while 2% of men say girls should cover up in kaftans

Cringeworthy: They might help you get a good tan, but that's where the positives end with Speedos

Swim shorts were the preferred option for 70 per cent of women polled, with 13 per cent saying opting for a more tight-fitting pair of brief shorts, according to a survey.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? AirAsia sparks collision fears after it hits a 'nok' (Thai for 'bird' - and the name of a budget airline)

FILE - In this July 29, 2006 file photo, ground staffs check for the readiness of passenger planes of Nok Air, front, and Air Asia, rear, during a commercial...

The Airbus from Bangkok to southern Nakhon Si Thammarat, hit the bird - the Thai word for which is 'nok', sparking fears there had been an incident with budget Nok Air.

Wifi more important than clean hotel and good mattress for Brits on holiday (but a good view ranks top ... so we can tweet it)

Keeping in touch: Many British holidaymakers are almost surgically attached to their phones

According to a survey, Britons cannot disconnect when they go on holiday. One in three of us now puts access to wi-fi as the most desired comfort while on a break.

Off-the-pitch luxury! From beachfront resorts, to mountain retreats, the five-star Brazil hotels where the football teams will be staying for the World Cup revealed

Brazil hotels

There will be plenty of coverage of the sporting action during the World Cup - but what about matters away from the football pitch? Which palaces of luxury will be hosting the best teams? Our revealing top ten tells all...

The beautiful game: Stunning images reveal amazing street art on walls of Rio and Sao Paulo as Brazil prepares for World Cup

Brazil banner

The World Cup is not just about football. The planet's biggest sporting event is inspiring plenty of Brazil's fabled street artists to daub striking new images onto buildings and walls. And not all are in favour of the tournament. Perhaps unsurprisingly, much of this impromptu culture focuses on the sport itself, with famous footballers of the moment - Brazil's current poster boy Neymar, plus superstars like Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi - captured in caricature.

Blurry family holiday photo beats man obscured by leaf and nan doing tequila shot to be crowned world's worst travel snap

Worst photographer winner

Judges from CheapHolidayLand.com were overwhelmed by the number of incredibly bad photos they received - from a blurry penguin, to pictures of backs of heads. However, it was Jayne Boorman, from Pembury, Kent, who picked up the dubious honour after her daughter-in-law Sally Boorman entered the shot on her behalf.

Sailing the dream: Emerald sea, pastel villages nestled amid sheer cliffs, a coastline to die for... it can only be Amalfi

Happy sailing: Catherine takes a break from tacking to watch the rugged coastline go by

Carefree days sailing from one stunning island to the next through the glistening Mediterranean. Catherine Eade soaks up the rays on a 50 foot yacht as she dips in and out of the beautiful Amalfi coastline.

The world's tallest rollercoaster! 55-storey Skyscraper that drops riders to the ground at 65mph, and boasts stunning views of Orlando (if you're not too busy screaming)

Don't look down! The ride is a huge 570ft tall, making it the tallest structure in Orlando

The so-called 'polercoaster' will weave around the tallest structure in Orlando with loops, dives, spirals and inversions - but it won't open until 2016.

Come on in, the water's lovely! The 10 best infinity pools in the world revealed, from clifftop retreats to slick city terraces

Perfect pools

From perfect views across the Indian Ocean in Bali to the dramatic Pitons in St Lucia and the Barcelona skyline, these pools are utter perfection.

Have phone, will travel: Luxury Turkish resort advertises for Chief Instagram Officer (whose only job is to snap pictures as they relax in five-star comfort)

Say cheese: The social media-savvy Instagrammers will be asked to post photos of their trip

The Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye wants tech-savvy travellers to document their experience lounging by the pool, on the beaches and at the spa.

Will Rooney wear the Englandkini? Borat-style kit on sale to keep football fans cool during Brazil World Cup (and they're being sent to the England team too)

World cup mankini goes on sale

If the England players struggle with the scorching heat during the World Cup, here’s a kit that will keep them cool in Brazil.

No more sand in your smartphone! Beach locker that clips on to sunlounger promises to keep holidaymakers' valuables safe

Safe keeping: The AquaVault can be clipped to 95% of beach furniture to keep devices safe

At just 6.5ins high and 9ins long, the AquaVault is made from white durable plastic - 'to withstand even the most aggressive attempts on your valuables'.

Antiquity, poppies and wine: Cycling around the glorious heartland of Umbria makes for a heady mix (just watch out for the hills!)

Flat, with hills: A view of the central Umbrian valley over the rooftops of Perugia.

Rolling between medieval towns, through fields and olive groves, towards the indulgent rewards of fine local wine and cuisine at the end of each day.

Screwdrivers, tweezers and a tube of spot cream: The 11 strangest items requested by air passengers, as revealed by a stewardess

Squeezing a spot

Air passengers can be weird - if a list of items requested on flights is to be believed. A stewardess has listed the oddest things she has been asked to source on board.

Taj Mahal to undergo mud pack beauty treatment favoured by Indian women to counter effects of pollution (and restore a youthful sheen)

Marble masterpiece: The Taj Mahal is set to undergo a mud pack treatment to counter discolouration caused by pollution

The unusual treatment, based on a traditional recipe used by Indian women to attain a natural glow, will help restore the white marble.

Section of Paris bridge begins to collapse under weight of thousands of 'love locks' left by tourists (including Kourtney Kardashian)

Popular practice: Tourists fix padlocks to the Ponts des Arts to seal their love before throwing keys in the river

A chunk of the bridge fell away under the weight of padlocks left by holidaymakers including Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.

From a microscopic New York to a desert that looks like Mars .... incredible aerial photos show Earth as you've NEVER seen it before

Betsiboka, Madagascar: These terraced rice fields are the work of the Betsileo people, noted to be savvy farmers - their name means 'The many invincibles'

The most vivid imaginations would do well to dream up the stunning, and at times perplexing, patterns and colours found when we take a bird's eye view of these cities and remote landscapes.

We're going to the World Cup! Where is it again? A third of Britons can't find Brazil on a map (and 2% think they speak 'MEXICAN'!)

Pinpointed: Brazil is the largest country in South America, but still gets mistaken for its neighbours

We're all talking about Brazil, but it seems we can't actually find our way there, confusing it with Argentina, Peru and even CHINA.

At least he's travelling light! American student tours Europe for the summer wearing just a BATHROBE

Meet the Bathrobe Crusader

The social media traveller is currently touring Europe, posting photos of himself wearing the casual nighttime attire on Instagram. So far he has just 200 followers, but writes that it doesn't matter to him. He's also posted snaps in Versailles, in the Louvre Museum in France, and reading a paper in Amsterdam.

Selfies at 30,000ft! F-16 pilot's astonishing GoPro photos in the sky as fighter jets escort Netherlands' first Dreamliner

What a view! F-16 pilot takes amazing GoPro selfie while escorting the Netherlands' first Dreamliner

The stunning photographs show members of the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Demo Team team with the Earth and the new Boeing 787 in the background. The new Arkefly airline's plane was being welcomed by the personnel from the 323 and 322 Squadrons, which includes Captain Jeroen 'Slick' Dickens.

Germans complain British tourists are too loud and all too often drunk (but at least we're not as bad as the Russians)

Too drunk?: A survey of German tourists found they considered Brits on holiday too loud and often drunk

British tourists are second only to Russians when it comes to nationalities Germans dislike most when on holiday.

Waist-deep in the sea on a horse or bobbing on a lilo, you'll catch the chilled Caribbean vibe in no time at the new Sensatori Jamaica

No worries: If the waves don't wash the real world woes away, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville will do the job

Warm waves crash across my legs as I ride a chilled Jamaican horse barefoot and waist deep through the warm Caribbean Sea.

From Londoners praying to New Yorkers using smartphones on the loo: Ikea survey reveals morning habits of major cities

On the go: The Ikea survey revealed New Yorkers are most likely to use their smartphones when they first wake up - including on the loo

The Swedish furniture giant has published a new study called Life At Home which looks at the morning habits of residents across the world.

That’s one way to get out of paying the bill! The world’s tallest climbing wall opens in Nevada at 164FEET - on the side of a hotel

Climbing tower

Climbers can scale the 164ft structure on the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, which boasts incredible views of the city.

The birds were angry, but we were splitting our sides: Theme park inspired by mobile app Angry Birds is a success with children and adults

Delight: Alice Smellie with her children outside the auditorium where was showed the 4D Angry Birds Movie

In the area built around the hugely popular mobile phone app, you will find such delights as King Pig’s Wild Hog Dodgems and of course the 4D movie.

Tasty Terracotta Army! Food artist makes China's iconic warriors with PIZZA dough (but they won't last thousands of years)

Bread man: Food artist Annabel de Vetten recreated China's famed Terracotta Warriors to mark PizzaExpress's 500th restaurant opening in Beijing

Annabel de Vetten created the warriors to celebrate the opening of PizzaExpress' 500th restaurant... in Beijing.

The edge of reason! Adrenaline junkies take their chances on 8500ft-high 'swing at the end of the world' as volcano ERUPTS

Chris Morris takes his turn swinging whilst Mt. Tungurahua erupts before the group evacuate the area to avoid the poisonous ash cloud

A group of thrill seekers tried out a precarious contraption known as 'The Swing at the End of the World' in Ecuador as the nearby volcano erupted.

'Travel by donkey!': World Cup fans told to take alternative routes as Sao Paulo metro strike enters fifth day, threatening to disrupt opening game

Disruption: Public transportation workers line up on the subway tracks at the Corinthians Itaquera station

Transport workers in Brazil's biggest city voted to remain on strike for an indefinite period despite the fact that a court has ruled the strike illegal.

Forget the helmets - you'll only need a flat cap: Hilarious video warns Tour de France riders what to expect in Yorkshire (and says avoid bright clothing... it scares the sheep)

Too shiny!: On Yorkshire local Alistaire MacGregor's tongue-in-cheek viral video advice, Le Tour's yellow jersey and the riders' helmets could scare the sheep in the area

Ditch helmets for flat caps and switch bright jackets for grey cardigans so you don't scare the sheep - a Yorkshire man's advice ahead of the Tour de France.

Another celebrity convert: Amber Le Bon models the world's first in-flight onesie (but don't expect to look as good as her at 30,000ft)

Amber Le Bon

The model joined the ranks of celebrity onesie fans, trying on Virgin Atlantic's new sleep suit - but it's only available to first class passengers.

Endless deserts, rugged mountains and wildlife eking out a living: Namibia's savage beauty captured in stunning photographs

Above us only sky: The south African country has some of the finest desert scenery on the planet

As one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with only 2.1 million people living in its landscapes, Namibia is dominated by vast sand dunes, rugged mountains and a sweeping coastline.

Don't feed the donkeys! Holidaymakers warned to steer clear of animals in New Forest after girl bitten and nurse chased

Random attacks: Donkeys may look sweet but be warned they do have a nasty bite

Holidaymakers visiting a beauty spot in the Hampshire forest have reported being pestered by the animals looking for food.

Top 100 restaurants in Europe revealed and the UK secures seven spots (but only ONE in the top 50 thanks to Heston Blumenthal)

The top 100 restaurants in Europe

Heston Blumenthal's iconic Fat Duck in Berkshire was ranked in eighth place on the Opinionated About Dining survey, compiled from 140,000 online reviews. However, the experimental chef – famous for serving dishes such as bacon and egg ice cream – lost out on to the top spot to In de Wulf in Belgium.

Games areas, panoramic windows and seats that harvest body heat to power the cabin: Airbus reveals what flying will be like in 2050 (fingers crossed!)

In-flight entertainment: From panoramic views to a games area, there will be plenty to keep passengers entertained in 2050, according to Airbus

The planes of the future will have 360-degree views, seats that serve drinks and the option for a gentle sea breeze to blow through the cabin, according to the plan manufacturer. Virtual shopping, pop-up privacy pods and massage seats will also make travel more comfortable.

Harbour Beach in Wales beats off competition from Portugal, Croatia and Italy as it is named best beach in Europe

best beaches in europe

Harbour Beach in the town Tenby, Pembrokeshire, has secured the top spot in Europe because of the quality of its water, the beauty of its environment and its reputation among visitors, e-tourist organisation European Best Destinations said. Tenby, which lies 90 miles west of Cardiff, is an old medieval walled town which has three sandy beaches that stretch for two and a half miles.

Awesome Iceland: Breathtaking photos reveal the dramatic landscapes that have inspired Hollywood

Awesome Iceland

Iceland has been used as a film location in Game of Thrones and Hollywood blockbusters Prometheus and James Bond, these spectacular pictures show why. Photographer Peter Rolf Hammer spent five weeks travelling 4,000 miles to capture images of the Nordic island's most dramatic landscapes.

All aboard! The floating sauna in Finland that comes complete with barbecue, hammocks and a trampoline (but costs £325 A DAY to hire)

Feeling the heat: The floating sauna in Finland

A Finnish engineer designed the unusual heated vessel for his friends and now hires out the sauna so holidaymakers can tour the lakes in North Karelia.

The zebra odyssey: Conservationists hail 'extraordinary' discovery of African herd migrating 300 miles to watering holes

Scientists have discovered a mass migration of zebras in Africa that reaches farther than any other documented on the continent

The journey made by about 2,000 zebra who travelled between Namibia and Botswana was discovered by wildlife experts using tracking devices.

Invasion of the gentle giants: Holidaymaker captures spectacular footage of manatees swimming right up to bathers in Florida

In the shallows: It is unusual for a group of manatees to be found swimming together

The video shows 16 manatees swimming sedately in the shallows off Three Rooker Island, passing right by a holidaymaker paddling in the sea.

Would YOU eat it? Seaside parlour creates battered fish and chip flavoured ice cream - complete with mushy peas

Nicole Plant, 27, samples Teare Wood Ice Cream Parlour's new flavour, Fish and Chip ice cream

Teare Wood's Ice Cream Parlour, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, has combined the traditional holiday tastes to tempt tourists.

'Dream of reliving 1966 is alive': England trumps European rivals in World Cup support as flight searches to Brazil soar 697%

Patriotic: England fans are heading out to Brazil in their droves to support their team

Travel search engine KAYAK says Brazil should not only prepare itself for the football but for the hordes of English fans descending.

What's in a name? Locals outraged after 18th-century pub puts up sign of WRONG Duke of York after refurbishment (but once it was up, it was up)

How it should look: The old sign on the Duke of York pub shows a picture of  Prince Edward who died in 1767

The 18th century pub in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was named in honour of Prince Edward, the Duke of York and Albany - the younger brother of George III - after he died in 1767.

Britons' favourite drive is the A470 through Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons (and everyone hates the M25)

Britain's best: The A470 that cuts through Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons is the best in the UK, according to the survey

Wales and Scotland topped the poll for the best UK roads, followed by the north of England, but the south has most of the worst roads in Britain.

'Everyone was crying': Touching moment airline gate attendant serenades Second World War veterans as they board flight to Paris for 70th anniversary of D-Day

Detroit Airport

As a group of World War II veterans queued at the gate at Detroit Metro Airport an airline gate attendant serenaded them with a rendition of the US National Anthem.

The perfect road trip is America's Route 66, with Queen on the radio and Holly Willoughby in the front seat (but women would prefer David Beckham)

Holly Willoughby and David Beckham

Queen's Don't Stop Me Now was voted the best road trip soundtrack of all time and TV's Katie Hopkins was named the worst driving companion.

Off the beaten track! The top 50 secret travel locations in Europe revealed in new Lonely Planet book (and UK scoops five places)

BRAK8K Aerial image of Battle Abbey built on the scene of the Battle of Hastings, Battle, East Sussex, UK

Five British locations, including a music hall in London and a pub in Wales, have made it into a list of Europe's best secret spots. Battle in East Sussex, the South Cotswolds, Wilton's Music Hall in East London, and the eastern shore of Loch Ness in Scotland, all feature in the new Lonely Planet book of Europe's top 50 secret spots.

A gold-tiled infinity pool, iPads and designer dressing gowns. Karl Lagerfeld adds his magic touches to new Singapore hotel

Singapore hotel

The Chanel maestro has created stylish touches around the high-end property, including lovely fluffy bathrobes complete with a red embroidered Lion Seal emblem. It also features on the BooKube, an exclusive art piece bookend which also includes a quote from Lagerfeld, correspondence cards and check-in folders and door knobs.

Going ape! Moment mischievous chimps tear into their birthday treats at Whipsnade

Happy chimps enjoy their birthday treats

Two mischievous chimpanzees called Phil and Grant after the Mitchell brothers in Eastenders celebrated their birthday yesterday by monkeying around with their friends at Whipsnade Zoo, where doting keepers gave them a giant cake and treats.

‘It’s 70% mental, 30% physical’: Freeclimber reveals method behind terrifying stunts as video shows him dangling one-handed from a crane 500-FEET above London

James Kingston Jumps Insane Gap

At 500ft high, the footage shows James Kingston filming from the top of the tower in London, before he hangs from the crane using one hand. Just when you thought the vertigo-inducing video couldn’t get any worse, the footage switches to the climber hanging one handed from the tower.

A jump into a fantastical past: Steampunk pub in Romania takes visitors into the world depicted in Jules Verne novels

Steampunk pub

Furnished with copper pipes, exposed mechanical gears and illuminated by a warm, diffused light, the pub looks like a space pulled straight from the pages of a Jules Verne or H.G. Wells novel. Located in in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the pub features fictional machines like those described by the authors, giving the space an industrial and retro-futuristic style distinctive of steampunk.

The world's longest honeymoon: This couple's epic adventure covered six continents, 33 countries and 302 places in 675 days (and yes, they are still together)

honeytrek

Americans Mike and Anne Howard decided to pool their savings, quite their jobs and blog about their travels around the world. Starting in South America, they moved through Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, sharing everything with their 7000 followers on social media as they went. Their travel philosophy has always been to go places too far to visit while they have jobs and too rugged to tackle when we're old.

Nightclubs and karaoke not your cup of tea? Then you'll revel in the quiet delights of Turkish fishing port of Kalkan

Marvel on the Med:  The town of Kalkan remains unashamedly upmarket

The Asfiya is the newest hotel in Kalkan, a historic fishing port that’s stacked up against the surrounding mountains like some Turkish version of Polperro.

'Dirtiest hotel in America' to sell for £107m, despite insect infestations, building code violations and even a MURDER (needless to say it will need a £75m revamp)

Key location: The Hotel Carter is expected to sell for £107million, despite its questionable reputation for cleanliness

The Carter Hotel in New York hotel has been branded the 'dirtiest and best-located hotel in New York City' but the estate agent.

Veteran traveller Michael Palin brands David Beckham a 'wimp' for his fear of creepy crawlies in Amazon rainforest

Expert interviewer: Michael Palin is himself famed for circumnavigating the globe for various BBC documentaries

The footballer decided to get away from it all on a motorbike tour of the Amazon with friends, but wasn't a fan of creepy crawlies.

Heathrow Terminal 2 welcomes first passengers on muted first day with just 34 flights scheduled in bid to avoid repeat of T5 chaos

Perfection? Heston Blumenthal poses in his new restaurant, which opened today in the revamped Heathrow Terminal 2

The first passengers to arrive at the terminal from Chicago praised its design and speedy immigration as T2 operates at just 10% of capacity.

It's been a long time coming! Edinburgh's controversial new tram system launches five years late and £400m over budget

The first paying passengers wait to board a tram at the Gyle shopping in Edinburgh. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 31, 2014. Edinburgh's long-awaited trams carried their first paying passengers today. The first service was ran from Gyle shopping centre at 5am, bound for the city centre. The controversial scheme to return trams to the streets of Scotland's capital has seen the construction of a line from Edinburgh Airport to York Place, costing around £776 million.
See PA Story: TRANSPORT Trams
Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The first service set off from the Gyle Shopping Centre following six years of building work and problems including a dispute between the council and contractor.

What WOULD the Mayor say? BMX pros flip and ride Boris Bikes over London landmarks to highlight lack of free urban spaces

Boris Bike stunts

A new video reveals how daredevil mountain-bike athletes carried out tricks and jumps across London – all to raise awareness of the lack of free urban spaces in the capital. Andrei Burton and Joe Seddon, both renowned in their field, teamed up with award-winning freerunners Tim Shieff and Paul Joseph to complete breathtaking stunts on famous landmarks across the city skyline.

Dylan Thomas' favourite view to be 'decimated' after council approves 147ft wind turbine opposite his Boathouse

Welsh idyll: Dylan Thomas is said to have written some of his most famous works at the Boathouse

Council planners gave the controversial proposal the green light despite opposition form locals and a recommendation to refuse permission.

Thailand lifts curfew at popular beach resorts in bid to boost tourism (but holiday searches still drop 26%)

Beach break: The three popular resorts of Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya have had their curfews lifted

The military junta has lifted its strict curfew in Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya to 'promote tourism', but Thailand holiday searches have still dropped.

£50million makeover for sleeper train service between London and Scotland (even if it's a yes to independence)

Overnight service: Serco's pledge to see out its contract has caused controversy among rail unions

Passengers traveling overnight from London to Scotland can expect to travel in style - whatever the outcome of September's referendum.

Then and now: Photos show how D-Day landing beaches have become popular holiday spots (complete with Nazi bunkers and concrete gun casements)

Now and then: Photographer captures the D-Day Landing beaches in modern times

Codenamed Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold and Sword Beaches, these stretches of the French coastline were the landing points for Allied soldiers on June 6, 1944. Now they are popular beach destinations for holidaymakers, despite still being dotted with bunkers and army look-out points.

It's not an illusion! Inside magician David Copperfield's exclusive Caribbean resort, where parrots pick up litter, an outdoor cinema appears on the beach... and guests pay £24,000 a night

Copperfield resort

In 2006, the famed magician bought the 100-acre island of Musha Cay in the Bahamas, and after five years of remodeling, says he as created 'the most magical vacation destination in the world.'

Getting the Royal seal of approval! William and Kate honour Scotland's historic Gleneagles Hotel ahead of its 90th birthday

William and Kate unveil a plaque to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the historic Gleneagles Hotel during their trip to Scotland

Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Strathearn unveiled a plaque during their stay at the famous hotel where this year's Ryder Cup will be played. The five-star hotel set within its own estate in Perthshire will celebrate its historic birthday on June 6 with a host of anniversary events.

A 365-acre forest, 6,000 tropical plants and rainforest showers: Inside the new Center Parcs - a £250m playground right on London's doorstep

Center Parcs

This is Woburn Forest, Center Parcs' latest holiday-park - just 45 minutes from St Pancras by train; the perfect playground for those living in the capital. MailOnline Travel is one of the first in the country to stay at the new complex, nestled in the heart of Bedfordshire, which opens to the public on June 6.

Plastic fantastic! Adventurous LEGO couple travel the globe taking stunning photos (complete with tiny bikes and surf boards)

Lego

A globe-trotting couple who take holiday pictures of their travels around the world have hit the internet by storm - because they're made of Lego.The tiny tourists carry a backpack, camera and map in their teeny sight-seeing snaps and have visited 11 countries.

Making a splash! Giant SEA TURTLE crashes luxury beach wedding ... and she didn't even shell out on a gift

Wedding crasher: The giant sea turtle pulls itself out of the water as bride Kate watches in her wedding dress

Jason and Kate Crowe were tying the knot in Saint Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, when the unexpected visitor turned up after the ceremony.

From a happy seal in South Georgia, to a smiling llama in Peru, the top five hilarious animal selfies of all time revealed

Antarctica_South Georgia_Fortuna Bay_happy seal and penguins copy - v2.jpg

To celebrate the launch of a new book, G Adventures has released its top five most hilarious animal selfies of all time. The photos show animals in their natural environment, seemingly pulling cheeky poses for the camera. The top five also includes a Gentoo penguin in Antarctica, a cheetah in Kenya, and a llama in Peru.

Employers get £18bn of free work every year as staff fail to take all their annual leave (and HALF check emails while on holiday)

Time off: Nearly half of Brits admit to logging on to work while on holiday

Staff on average use only 77 per cent of the annual leave of between five and weeks they are entitled to, giving up more than six days away from their jobs each year.

'Tunisian love rats' website set up by broken-hearted Shirley Valentines to name and shame their exes

Happy ending?: In the film Shirley Valentine, the main character finds love with a local while on holiday in Greece

The website includes forums where the holidaymakers recount their stories and warn each other against the charms of certain locals.

Haven't we seen you somewhere before? China to demolish full-size Sphinx of Giza replica following complaints from Egypt

Modern replica: The statue in China appears to have been built using reinforced concrete

The 30-metre-high, 60-metre-long structure in northern Hebei province has provoked outrage from Egypt's ministry of antiquities, which has voiced its displeasure to Unesco.

Cigar lounges, pool tables and a nanny service for the kids while you hit the spa: The five most exclusive airport lounges in the world revealed

The bling lounge: At New York's JFK Airport the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has an unusual red sofa as well as cubby holes nestled into the walls

A private jet company has picked out the most exclusive airport lounges in the world, featuring in-house hairdressers, saunas and even a Champagne bar.

Biking with Ewan McGregor, racing in Dakar, and chilling with family, Charley Boorman shares his travel tales

Charley Boorman

The TV presenter and adventurer talks about his favourite holidays, his forthcoming travel projects, and why riding a motorbike is the best way to travel.

'So far we haven't got into too much trouble!': Travellers spark internet craze by posing topless around the world (but they are only ever snapped from the back)

***EXCLUSIVE***
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 16: (L-R) Ingvild Marstein Olsen, Lydia Buckler and Olivia Edginton pose topless in Teufelsberg on August 16, 2013 in Berlin, Germany.
THREE adventurous Londoners have sparked a new global internet craze - for TOPLESS holiday snaps. Brits Olivia Edginton, 20, and Lydia Buckler, 21, and Norwegian Ingvild Marstein Olsen, 20, have won thousands of fans across the world with 'The Topless Tour' project. And now scores of men and women around the world are following their lead by shedding their tops for the camera. The girls, who live together in Greenwich and study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, have so far posed topless in Oslo, New York, Manchester, Berlin and London.They have 4,000 followers on their Instagram account and their Facebook page has received thousands of likes and hundreds of picture submissions from 28 countries - including as far away as USA, Japan and even Pakistan and Palestine.
PHOTOGRAPH BY The Topless Tour/ Ba

Olivia Edginton, Lydia Buckler, 21, and Ingvild Marstein Olsen, 20, have won thousands of fans across the world with 'The Topless Tour' project.

Talk about great craic: Meet the three energetic Irishmen who Riverdanced around the world (and watch their hilarious video)

irish-dancing-7.jpg

Iain McNamara, Chris McGrath and Kevin Cobbe, all 26, wanted to share their passion for all things Irish, so decided what better way to do it than to Irish jig around the globe.

Dine on the top table! The 164ft-high eatery, where diners are SUSPENDED from a crane over the world's most famous sights

Golden opportunity: Its' not just cityscapes that diners can enjoy, this suspended restaurant is perfectly placed to watch the sunset over the sea

You'll need a head for heights if you want to eat at this restaurant, which straps diners in then winches them up so they can eat at altitude. From Belgium to Las Vegas, the vertigo-inducing dining table has become a hit with wealthy holidaymakers looking for more than a normal restaurant.

Spice up your life in India: On a hunt for dinner in Hyderabad and Mumbai

India, Vegetable market

India is renowned for the quality of its food. But where to start in a country of such variety? Nick Maes heads to the south for classy curries and delightful dosas.

Passengers resort to urinating in coffee cups due to a lack of bathrooms on planes and at airport

Last resort: Johanna Tuglavina was forced to urinate in a takeaway coffee cup

Passengers were forced to urinate in cups and plastic bags during recent flights on Air Labrador because there were no working bathrooms on planes.

'Worms in the pool, uncooked meals and flies on food': Newlyweds sue Thailand hotel after bride falls ill with salmonella on luxury £10,000 honeymoon

Newlyweds: Paul and Xanta Watts claim their £10,000 honeymoon ended in disaster after the bride contracted a serious infection

Paul, 36, and Xanta Watts, from Kettering, spent £10,000 on a three-week tour of Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand - where the bride became ill.

Midlands magic! Shropshire is cheapest spot for self-catering holidays, with trips costing £300 LESS than popular Cornwall

Quaint escape: If you're looking for affordable self-catering, you'd be best heading to the north and Scotland

A week in a two-bedroom holiday rental, with groceries and a meal out, comes to just £566 in Shropshire, but costs £854 in the South West.

Croatia's best-kept secret: The tiny island of Losinj is big on wellness, secluded beaches and tranquil fishing villages

Local charm: A harbour on Losinj, from which you can hire a boat to explore the surrounding islands

This gently undulating pineforested beauty, measuring 20 miles long by two wide is in the northern Adriatic, just south of the Istrian peninsular.

'Hold on to your pasty my love': Comedian creates world's first Cornish satnav to bring South West charm to car journeys

'At the end of this lovely road, turn right': The Cornish satnav voiceover aims to bring some South West charm to any journey

The satnav uses the voices of four members of the fictional Trebilcock family as they bicker and tell drivers: 'At the end of this lovely road, turn right'.

Auctioning off upgrades! Cathay Pacific considers eBay-style bidding for passengers who want to fly business class

The high life: The idea being considered by Cathay Pacific would allow passengers to bid for premium economy or business class seats

The airline is researching the service, which would allow passengers to bid to upgrade to premium economy and business class.

Diets, fake tans and new hairdos: How the over-fifties prepare for their holidays (but a fifth will forget to take out travel insurance)

Buff up! Almost half of women over 50 surveyed said they got a new haircut before a holiday

One in ten over fifties embark on a diet and exercise regime before a holiday, but are much slower to take out travel insurance, a survey by Saga has found.

Holidaymakers 'ripped off' by resort shops as groceries found to be 53% more expensive than in out-of-town supermarkets

Rip off: Local shops in destinations such as Mallorca are more expensive, according to the survey

New figures show travellers on self-catering trips abroad should head outside their resorts to get the lowest prices, according to Post Office.

Only for the seasoned traveller! Inside the Bolivian hotel built using one million cubes of SALT (but don't lick the walls)

Palacio de Sal

The Palacio de Sal sits atop the largest salt flat in the world and has taken the ides of using local materials to the extreme. Guests can sleep on beds made of salt, sit in sodium chloride chairs and enjoy salt water baths, but they are asked to refrain from licking the walls and furniture.

Dine with sharks, stingrays and turtles! Inside the world's first glass underwater restaurant, five metres BELOW the Indian Ocean

Restaurant with a view: Guests inside underwater restaurant Ithaa can dine on five-star cuisine while surrounded by sharks, sting rays and turtles

Boasting unrivalled views, the five-star eatery at the Conrad Maldives Hotel was built so that guests can enjoy the beauty of the ocean without getting their feet wet. Set under the crystal-clear blue water, the restaurant is so bright, diners and staff are required to wear sunglasses. The unusual building seats 14 people - and will set you back £190 per person for dinner.

'Tourism apartheid': Salzburg under fire for leaflet to Arab visitors telling them to stop haggling over prices, eating on hotel floors and wearing burkas

Popular destination: Last year there were 275,000 overnight stays by Arab guests in the Zell am See-Kaprun region

The etiquette guide, called 'Where Cultures Meet', also explains how meals should not be eaten on the floor, and advises guests not to wear burkas.

24-carat gold iPads, a personal butler and a daily visit from the sweet train: World's most luxurious hotel launches five-star CHILDREN'S package (when parents book a £1,100-a-night suite)

Burj_Al_Arab_-_Kids_Amenities.jpg

The iconic Burj Al Arab's Spoilt Rotten service, which includes round-the-clock in-suite entertainment, access to a private beach with free popcorn.

Back to reality! 65% of Brits return from a sunshine holiday to rain in the UK (but HALF still insist on wearing flip-flops on flight home)

Welcome home!

Passengers landing at Manchester and Glasgow airports are more likely that anywhere else in the UK to face stormy skies when they fly back from a warm trip overseas.

Back pain, bruises and BROKEN TOES: A third of Brits sustain injuries at airports – with 28% caused by luggage falling on them

Rushing around: Running to catch a flight is to blame for a third of airport injuries

Back pain, bruises, and broken toes top the list of baggage-related injuries, followed by cuts and grazes, pulled muscles and sprained ankles.

A View To Kill for! Inside the lavish 'floating' Indian palace where Octopussy was filmed - and guests can drink in the same bar as Roger Moore (for just £170 a night)

Pic Shows...  You'll be in DOUBLE 0 HEAVEN with a relaxing stay at this remote island resort... The iconic Taj Lake Palace was the setting for 007's 1983 adventure Octopussy, and the luxury hotel is just as breathtaking in real life.  Floating on top of the tranquil Lake Pichola, in Rajasthan, India, the impressive marble palace boasts 83 rooms, including 10 Grand Royal Suites and a Grand Presidential Suite.  As well as 33 luxury rooms, 33 palace rooms, one Royal Spa Suite and five Royal Suites.  The five star location also offers a fine dining restaurant overlooking the picturesque Lily Pond, an all day International Eatery, an open air restaurant with views of the lake.  See Copy

The luxuriously isolated Taj Lake Palace seems to float on the tranquil Lake Pichola, offering guests a secluded haven – and a licence to chill.

Nepal names peaks after Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing to woo climbers back after deadliest avalanche in Everest history

Everest and its famous climbers

The conquest of the peak by New Zealander Hillary and his Nepali guide Tenzing in 1953 popularised Nepal as a destination for mountain climbers.

Deadly germs, sweat and a tablespoon of FAECES: The truth about what really lurks in your hotel hot tub will make you NEVER want to take a dip again

And relax: But before you do, bare in mind what lurks beneath the surface of your hotel hot tub

Deadly germs, sweat and a tablespoon of FAECES: The truth about what really lurks in your hotel hot tub will make you NEVER want to take a dip again

All-glass design, concrete balconies and a menu of its famous dishes: Nobu to open its first European hotel in London

LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 01:  Chef Nobu Matsuhisa appears during a preview for the Nobu Restaurant and Lounge Caesars Palace on February 1, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

The five-storey, 156-room Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, which is still under construction, will boast an angular glass design, with concrete balconies and steel beams.

Spain's draconian new driving laws which mean you'll be fined £400 for going JUST 1km per hour above speed limit

New laws: UK motorists are warned that speeding in Spain will incur fines of up to £407

New Spanish driving laws could see British holidaymakers being fined £407 for going just 1km above the speed limit, a leading UK traffic lawyer has warned.

Would YOU want to land here? The world's scariest airport runways feature terrifying 9,200ft drops, severe turbulence and airstrips so short pilots require special training to touch down

Terrifying runways

If you suffer from a fear of flying look away now. Or perhaps that should be fear of landing? Because many passengers would probably prefer to stay in the air when they see their plane approach one of these terrifying runways.

6 things you must do in Bozburun: Hop from bay to bay and try honey from the mountains for a taste of real Turkey

Serene: The pretty waterfront at Bozburun town

Gareth Huw Davies recommends the Bozburun Peninsula, a short drive from Marmaris, if you’re looking for a taste of real Turkey.

Mild spring sparks huge rise in UK visitor numbers - and more Brits are ditching foreign holidays to enjoy the sun at home

Mild weather: 230,000 more tourists visited the UK - including London - this March compared to last year

Foreign residents made 2.41 million trips to the UK in March compared with 2.18 million in the same month last year - the coldest March in the UK for 50 years.

'Let's just say I don't wear bikinis at water parks anymore!': Stacey Solomon reveals holiday horrors (and how she'd love to travel with Sir David Attenborough)

DXJ9J5 London, UK. 26th March 2014. Stacey Solomon attends the Opening night of I  Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical by  Harry Hill and Steve Brown at The London Palladium 26-3-14.   Peter Phillips/Alamy Live News

Interview: The singer and presenter talks to MailOnline Travel about her holiday plans for this year, her favourite beach, and how to keep children happy when travelling.

The Grand Canyon tops Britain's bucket list of must-see destinations, but New Zealand is the country that inspires us most

Bucket list

British travellers would most like to visit the Grand Canyon this year, followed by Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China. But when it comes to inspiring destinations, New Zealand and the Galapagos Islands lead the way.

Too exotic for the UK! A third of Britons believe the Cairngorms, Durdle Door and the Forest of Dean are overseas

Mount Snowdon

Britons are failing to recognise our own iconic natural landscapes, often believing they are exotic destinations overseas.

Benidorm is back! Britons returning to the much-maligned Spanish resort to buy bargain basement properties

Bargain basement: Britons are making the most of the exchange rate and Spanish property market collapse to snap up cheap holiday homes

The package holiday favourite has suffered from a somewhat downmarket image in recent years, but British holidaymakers are returning.

From Sir Ranulph Fiennes' journey to Everest, to England's Rugby World Cup victory: Top 10 travel moments that changed sporting history for ever

DM8D80 Andy Murray US Open 2012 Men's Match - Andy Murray vs Ivan Dodig held at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Murray

The British explorer's flight to climb to the summit of Everest in 2009 was named the most significant journey from the UK over the past century.

Shocking video shows just how easy it is to break into your suitcase - and leave it looking like it's never been touched

Easy to open: The zips can be tampered with, then left to look like they haven't been touched

This video shows how baggage handlers can open the zip on your luggage, take what they want,, then return it to its original state so you are none the wiser.

What a grand lady! From Southampton to New York on the majestic Queen Mary 2 as she celebrates her tenth anniversary voyage

QM2

Aboard the world's longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner is the only way to arrive in New York, says Mark Palmer, as he makes a transatlantic crossing in style.

Going underground! Fire-walkers, three bars and five dancefloors … the late-night club that’s housed inside a NATURAL CAVE

PIC FROM CATERS NEWS - (PICTURED: Inside the club at night, the dance floor) - If you have ever wanted to go CLUBBING like a cave man then check out this nightclub inside a cave. Disco Ayala, in Trinidad, Cuba, is a top nightclub set inside a natural cave which holds thousands of partygoers, bright lights and a marble dance floor. In total the club, which can accommodate between 3,000 and 4,000 people, has five separate dance floors and three different bars. Though relatively unknown to anyone other than locals, the club is open seven days a week with parties lasting until 3am. SEE CATERS COPY.

Disco Ayala, in Trinidad, Cuba, is a must-visit venue, hosting thousands of partygoers every night – complete with cabaret acts, five dancefloors, and three separate bars. The club, which can accommodate between 3,000 and 4,000 people, is open seven days a week with parties lasting until 3am.

Having a whale of a time in Hawaii: On a hunt for big beasts and celebrities

The kraken rises: Jessica was lucky enough to see whales in the marine-life-rich waters off Maui

It is a long way from Britain - about 17 hours' flying time - but Hawaii is worth the journey, says Jessica Barrett, as she visits Maui for a wondrous week.

Ignore the bombs and come anyway: Egypt Tourism Ministry's message to the world

One of the Seven Wonders of the World: The pyramids at Giza, just north of Cairo are one of Egypt's biggest draws

It boasts golden sands, exotic climes and one of ancient wonders of the world. But Egypt's political unrest is enough to put people off travelling there.

Smile more and don't flash your cash! Italian holiday resort takes out advert to advise Russian tourists on etiquette

Cheer up: Russian tourists are being asked to smile more and interact with staff at hotels and restaurants at Forte dei Marmi

Every year the Tuscan resort of Forte dei Marmi is flooded with Russian visitors, now one hotelier is teaching them how to behave.

The world at your finger tips: From scaling Mount Everest to visiting Captain Scott's hut in Antarctica - The INCREDIBLE tours you can take for FREE (and you don't even have to leave your sofa)

Google street view

I've you've ever wanted to spot wild and wonderful creatures on the Galapagos islands, scale Mount Everest or visit Captain Scott's hunt in Antarctica, but don't have the budget, all you need to do is log on.

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The cheapest day for flights? Today! Passengers told to ignore their Friday the 13th superstition to get the best travel deals

Get lucky: Keep those fears at bay on Friday 13th and you'll get cheaper flights

Friday 13th is the cheapest day to fly in June, with domestic UK flights coming in at £52 less than the monthly average tomorrow.