Light fantastic! Stunning timelapse video captures Milky Way, Northern Lights and stormy night skies over America's Midwest

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The captivating, ever-changing landscape was captured by photographer and videographer Randy Halverson in some of the most isolated regions of the States including South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah, between spring and autumn 2013.

Celestial camping! Amazing hanging tents that look like the moon when lit up at night go on sale (but they cost the earth at £3,500)

The Roomoon is the brainchild of teenage designer Rufus Martin, who sites the tear-drop shape of an onion, as his main inspiration. The tents are designed to hang at three metres above the ground and operate a hoist and pulley system, so campers can raise themselves up into the canopy. 

What a steel! Sheffield is crowned best bargain break while Edinburgh trumps London as the most expensive city in UK

Sheffield

TripAdvisor compared the cost of two people booking a one-night stay in a four-star hotel in August, with the overall cost of the trip including a pre-meal cocktail, a meal out and a short taxi ride.

Warning to holidaymakers as teenage girl is rescued after being dragged out to sea by strong undercurrent off popular Cornwall beach

Nicole Lonsdale, of Uxbridge, London, was on a summer break with her family in Cornwall when she was dragged towards rocks by a strong underwater current at Porth Beach, Newquay.

How to conquer your fear of flying! Pilot launches Boeing replica so passengers with phobias can learn to LAND a plane

Emma Kaye, 38, left, piloting the Boeing 737-800 simulator as it is on final approach

Former airline pilot Andy Wilkins is offering a new course to help people conquer aviophobia, using a jet simulator, which recreates the experience of flying an aeroplane.

The cost of an extra day off work: Britons set to blow £1.86 billion this Bank Holiday... and Brummies will splash out the most

C0BX6C Good looking family going for a walk at the beach at sunset

As Brits across the UK look forward to the last Bank Holiday of the summer, research reveals the average person will spend an extra £113 over the three-day weekend.

'Keep quiet or you'll be kicked out of the country!': Ferry terminal's visitors could be DEPORTED if they even whisper while in immigration queues

The order at the Batam Center ferry terminal in Indonesia went into effect this month when workers put up signs showing an image of a raised finger over a pair of lips.

No-fly zone: All US airlines banned from airspace over Syria after anti-aircraft weapons warning but UK guidance leaves decision to carriers

D6T4KT USA California Los Angeles Westchester LAX Air Tahiti Nui operated Airbus A340-313X widebody jet waits cross tarmac American

The FAA issued the order on the same day an international research group said armed groups have several hundred anti-aircraft missiles.

'It was a more expensive trip than I planned!': Holidaymaker spends £1,000 and two months rescuing kitten she found on Greek island

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Ali Gill, from Penzance, fell in love with the stray kitten on the Greek island of Tilos, and named him Squeak.

A FIFTH of English travellers would avoid Scotland if it gained independence (but Scots say a Yes vote won't affect tourism)

E62TBH Evening below Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland. Image shot 2014. Exact date unknown.

The result of next month's independence referendum will not affect most tourists when considering whether to visit Scotland, a survey has suggested. But travellers from England will be less likely to visit.

'They were coughing and had stomach aches': Three children hospitalised after chemical leak in swimming pool at popular UK holiday park

Emergency services were called to Woodland Holiday Park in Trimingham, Norfolk, just after 11am as the crowded pool was evacuated. The youngsters are aged two, five and nine.

A FIFTH of border officials struggle to match travellers to passport pictures ... and 15% don't notice when passengers carry a travel document belonging to someone else

Is it you? Identifying a stranger is much harder than recognising a member of family or a friend

The study suggests that a single passport photo may not be enough for security systems to be accurate, with border control scoring the same as a group of students.

Absolutely quackers! Travellers take daring duck on 1,000-mile epic adventure in Vietnam ... on the back of a motorbike

Rab went on the trip with Dan McAllen, 21, and his friends, all from Northern Ireland, as they completed the Top Gear route through the South East Asian country. They bought him at the same time as they bought their motorbikes for the journey - from a fellow Northern Irishman.

'I don't mean in a sordid way!': Mariella Frostrup reveals the future of holidays is 'husband sharing' as she takes her best friend's partner on a canal barge trip

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Young/REX (2219124bx).. Mariella Frostrup and Penny Smith.. Empire Film Awards, London, Britain - 24 Mar 2013.. ..

The TV presenter said it was a great success as it saved her holiday from being a disaster after her lawyer husband Jason was forced to pull out of the trip because of work commitments. ‘I don't mean in some sordid Seventies throw-your-keys-in-a-bowl sort of way but a modern, squeaky clean, no-sex-please-we're British manifestation.'

Three quarters of British holidaymakers believe airport security is 'unnecessary and ineffective' ... and 25% resent taking off shoes, belts and jewellery

Almost a quarter of travellers believe rules that require them to remove their shoes, belts and jewellery while passing through security are an unnecessary hassle, the study found.

Paradise found? Aircraft hangar is home to Europe's biggest water park complete with beaches, lagoons and even a tropical rainforest

Tropical Islands resort is housed within the largest free-standing hall in the world, which is the size of eight football pitches and is so tall the Statue of Liberty could fit inside it.

'I'm ready for my close up!': Incredible moment a friendly tiger shark stops to have his photo taken by a diver in the Bahamas

A shocked underwater photographer got the shot of a lifetime when the shark swam right up to her and pressed its nose against her camera lens during a dive off the coast of Tiger Bay.

'We were told it is forbidden': Passengers sue China airline after they were barred from boarding flight 'because they have HIV'

The two men and a friend are demanding £5,000 and an apology from Chinese Spring Airline after they refused entry to a flight from Shenyang to Shijiazhuang.

Four-star New Forest hotel dating back to 15th century hit with £20,000 fine after inspectors find rat droppings in KITCHEN

Fined: The kitchen of the Crown Manor House in Lyndhurst was infested by rats

The Crown Manor House hotel in Lyndhurst pleaded guilty to five offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

Brawl forces plane evacuation at Cairo airport as PILOT and cabin crew member involved in violent fist fight

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The pilot suffered an injury to the eye, while the steward was treated for a hand injury after an argument turned violent aboard a plane heading to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Health and safety lawyer calls for limit on the number of holidaymakers in the sea at any one time at popular Cornwall beach 'before something bad happens'

Radd Seiger, from Banbury, Oxon, said it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured due to overcrowding at Cornish beaches.

Out of this world! Stunning photos capture passenger planes looking as though they are flying to the moon and circling the sun

moon sun

The shots of a Boeing Dreamliner were captured by Sebastien Lebrigand, 39, from the back garden in his home in Crepy-en-Valois, near Paris. The images give the illusion that the planes are flying around the sun or about to land on the moon’s surface. Lebrigand, who has been an amateur astronomer for more than a decade, uses a Canon EOS 60D, and a telescope to take the pictures.

One woman, four camels and a dog: Amazing vintage images from 1970s of woman who walked 1,700 miles across Australia

Robyn Davidson wrote a book about her epic journey on foot from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, which has now been made into the film Tracks, starring Mia Wasikowska. Robyn was joined on her trip by National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan, whose amazing images captured her unusual way of life.

'He is an example of great determination': 'World's greatest living explorer' Ranulph Fiennes praises British adventurer who walked 1,500 miles across Mongolia ALONE

Ash Dykes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, dubbed by the Guinness Book of Records the ‘world’s greatest living explorer’, said Ash Dykes was one of the last 'adventuring firsts'.

Touching photo shows the heartwarming moment a humble airport mechanic helps a quadruple amputee war vet fix his broken leg

Quadruple amputee Taylor Morris faced a long and difficult day of travel after his artificial knee was twisted out of place, but a humble mechanic answered the call to give him some comfort.

'Super slick, sexy and with top-of-the-range features': Vancouver Airport reveals hilarious advert for... new baggage trolley

new baggage trolly

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Vancouver Airport's new ad was for an expensive car or blockbuster film but watch through and you'll see it's baggage trolleys they're making a fuss about.

It makes scents: Half of air travellers want free deodorant on flights to mask passengers' foul body odour

A poll of 1,100 adult travellers found deodorant - an item that is rarely included in business or first class welcome packs - is the most wanted freebie.

Missing: Globetrotting Travel Bunny that visited 20 countries to pose for 'selfies' is snatched from car in Italy

The bunny accompanied Australian Peter Franc on his journey around the world, visiting countries from Cambodia (top left) Dubai to Malaysia and Cambodia to Norway, but was stolen in Italy. Now Peter is looking to replace the travelling rabbit in a bid to complete his snaps.

An island full of cats, pigs in The Bahamas and a colony of Japanese rabbits: Discover the places that animal lovers will adore

From Africa to Australia, Asia to America, and even here in the UK, discover some of the most incredible places around the world where you can see all creatures great and small. Swim with jellyfish that have lost their stings, go to an island where cats outnumber humans, witness millions of bats descend upon a forest in an instant or share a beach in The Bahamas with a family of pigs.

Three holidaymakers arrested for trespass after breaking into brothel ruins for late night sex romp in ancient city of Pompeii

BFP870 Tepidarium (warm room), suburban baths (Flavian era), Roman, Herculaneum, Italy

A Frenchman and two Italian women, all aged 23 to 27, allegedly broke into the Suburban Baths to fulfil their fantasies inside a former brothel that is decorated with paintings depicting sex scenes.

Missing trains, forgetting luggage and leaving tickets at home: Why MEN are worse travellers than women (despite finding the best holiday deals)

New research reveals that the fairer sex is far less likely to experience major travel blunders. Nevertheless, men are best at sniffing out a holiday bargain.

From a medieval village in Italy to an ancient underwater city in China: Beautiful places that have been deserted and forgotten

Buildings in the western side of the city of Chinguetti in Mauritania, pictured top left, were abandoned due to temperamental weather and ever encroaching desert; while the desolate medieval village of Craco, in southern Italy, pictured top right, has been used as the setting for many films. In abandoned Mandu, India (bottom right) visitors to the can see the ancient royal palace along with ruins including temples, tombs, mosques and monuments, and the only way to get to China's Lion City (bottom left) is by scuba diving 130ft underwater.

Hang ten! Netherlands canal will soon be Europe's hottest new urban surfing destination

Rotterdam has just announced plans to break ground on a water-purifying wave pool in the middle of the city - meaning it will soon be possible to surf on a canal in the Netherlands. In June 2015, Rotterdam is set to open RiF010, a barrelling 5ft, 14-second wave, situated on the city's famed Steigersgracht Canal, very near to the retail centre.

'I thought it was a wind-up': Mother misses flight to New York after police haul her off plane over 'stolen passport' ... reported missing by someone with the same name THREE years ago

Karen Price, 50, from North Wales, was horrified when officers escorted her through tunnels at Birmingham airport to a nearby police station to question her about the document.

North Korea launches surfing tours as secretive country tries to lure foreign tourists to 1,550-mile coastline

North Korea

The Korea International Travel Company will be booking tourists in the resorts of Songdowon, Lake Sijung and Majon for the five-day, four-night breaks.

Ferocious festivities: Mexico's annual Tigrada parade sees hundreds of people dressed as tigers storming the streets of Chilapa, praying for rain and plenty of crops

People dressed up as tigers take part in a traditional parade to ask for rain and plenty of crops, in Chilapa, Guerrero

Every year on August 15, the streets of Chilapa, a town in the south westerly state of Guerrero, are flooded with hundreds of men, women and children dressed tigers as part of the Tigrada parade which celebrates age old traditions.

Plane carrying 300 people plunges 5,000ft while pilot took a nap and co-pilot was 'working' on her tablet

Jetairways

The pilot and co-pilot were unaware of the situation until they received an emergency call from an air traffic controller in Ankara.

David Cameron voted party leader Britons would most like to spend time on holiday with (but Ed Miliband can stay at home)

File photo dated 26/05/13 of Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha by a beach during their holiday on the Spanish Island of Ibiza.

The Prime Minister, who has just returned from a 10-day holiday in Portugal, has been voted as the party leader most Britons would choose to spend time on holiday with.

Full-steam ahead! For the first time in fifty years two steam locomotives travel side-by-side to the seaside town of Whitby to celebrate the opening of a new platform

Steam train fans and visitors stood in awe as two majestic steam trains left the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby in unison, today, to celebrate the opening of a second passenger platform.

Generous Geordies splash the most cash on holidays ... spending £1,150 per trip (but Yorkshire forks out just £310 on breaks)

10 Sep 2013, Mission Beach, San Diego, California, USA --- Friends photogrpahing themselves, Mission Beach, San Diego, California, USA --- Image by   Corey Jenkins/Corbis

Holidaymakers from the North East spend 7 per cent of their annual income on trips, followed closely by Wales, while the West Midlands and Yorkshire spend the least.

90 miles long and 60 miles wide: A huge, harmful red tide is threatening Florida's beaches... and scientists haven't seen one this big in almost a decade

BNGGK3 Red tide bloom, Hood Canal, Puget Sounds, Washington State, USA

Florida is on alert as a toxic red tide, the biggest since 2005, is threatening holidaymakers and wildlife as it moves down the coast.

Have an ICE stay! Luxury igloo hotel offers stunning views of the Northern Lights ... complete with saunas and snow restaurant

The Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village, in Saariselkä, can enjoy the display surrounded by all the creature comforts of home in one of their specially-designed snow or glass igloos. Each igloo, which can cost up to £240 a night, is fitted with beds for two people, a bathroom, and - best of all - a personal sauna.

'It's like shooting stars breaking into the atmosphere': Mesmerising time-lapse video combines 7,000 photos of planes taking off and landing at hyper speed

Young filmmaker Milton Tan created the three-and-a-half minute video after he was granted exclusive access to the runway area at Singapore Changi Airport. The 22-year-old was so close to the planes that his cameras were shaken by the rumbling jet engines.

Paris mourns beloved founder of ice cream shop famed for its foie gras and lavender flavours and queues that stretch around the block

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Sipa Press/REX (1339877g)
 Raymond Berthillon, flanked by granddaughter Muriel (R), daughter Marie Josee and son -in-law Bernard (L).
 Berthillon ice cream on the Ile Saint Louis, Paris, France - 13 May 2011
 Berthillon, located on the Ile Saint Louis, is a world-known manufacturer of luxury ice cream and sorbet.  The company is owned and operated by the Chauvin family, descendants of the eponymous Monsieur Berthillon who opened the store in 1954. Some 1000 liters of the homemade ice cream, made from all natural ingredients, is producted daily. Berthillon features 36 flavors of ice cream and 32 of sorbets.

The founder of the Paris ice cream brand beloved of the city's international tourists, Raymond Berthillon, has died at the age of 90.

Long live the Venice Film Festival! Hanging out with George, Sandra, Denzel and Jack at the best-kept secret in the cinema calendar

Venice Film Festival

You have heard of the Venice Film Festival. But did you know that this great arts celebration - which begins on 27 August - gives fans a close-up glimpse of major stars.

Basking in the beauty of Buenos Aires: High art, fine food and almost losing my husband to a tango temptress in Argentina's capital

City of lights: Buenos Aires - which translates loosely as 'Fair Winds' - is an attractive, arty city

There are many things to enjoy in Buenos Airea - it's brilliant art galleries, it's fine (yet often remarkably cheap) restaurants. Just watch out for the Latino lovely who whisks your husband away, says Deirdre Fernand.

That's one way to see New York! Daredevil Red Bull wingsuit flyers fall 120mph to landing pad on a barge after jumping from plane 7,500ft above Hudson River

Now that's a view: Five members of the Red Bull Air Force did their best impersonation of Superman, wearing wingsuits and buzzing the skyline at 120 mph

That's one way to see New York! Daredevil Red Bull wingsuit flyers fall 120mph to landing pad on a barge after jumping from plane 7,500ft above Hudson River

Hotel and sports super-centre plans proposed by Judy Murray face delays after fierce opposition from locals

The proposed Park of Keir development promises to create jobs and includes a hotel, a tennis and golf super-centre, and 100 homes near Stirling in Central Scotland.

A third of Brits regret spending too much time on their smartphone while on holiday (and 31% of us fib about our adventures)

A7GACM A young woman laying on a beach

A global survey of almost 2,500 people from 28 countries revealed 36 per cent of Brits are reluctant to travel without their mobile device, putting the UK in 15th place.

Airport blow out! Almost half of Britons make rash purchases in duty-free, with one in four of us spending at least £100 (in just five minutes)

Tourists in the holiday spirit are splashing the cash at airports - with one in four spending at least £100 on themselves, according to a new study.

Gap year warning: Safety plea to youngsters heading abroad following the murder of two British medical students in Malaysia

BDATTD Indonesia Sulawesi Buton Labundo Bundo Operation Wallacea volunteers relaxing playing cards with village doctors

Gap year students must take all possible steps to ensure their safety following the murder of two UK medical students on a work placement in Malaysia earlier this month, Abta has said.

British Airways forced to make emergency landing at Heathrow after smoke reported in cockpit on flight to Canada

The captain of the airline's Boeing 767, which departed Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, requested a priority landing following the emergency situation.

That's one way to relieve airport boredom! Video captures incredibly talented pianist entertaining passengers with his spin on Beethoven classic and even Titanic theme

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Maan Hamadeh performed Beethoven’s Für Elise in several different styles before transitioning into My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion’s theme from the film Titanic.

It's a sight to sea! Third largest cruise ship in the world has a jewel-shaped observation pod, sky-diving simulator and bumper cars

Mammoth Quantum of the Seas has emerged from a dry dock at a shipyard in Germany, less than three months before its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The cruise liner is set to dazzle passengers with an observation capsule that lifts them over the sea, larger rooms and activities to keep children and adults entertained.

Branching out! Incredible bird's nest hotel 40ft up in the trees and only accessible by ladder (but it still costs £380 a NIGHT)

Bird's nest hotel

From the outside the hotel looks like a giant bird's nest, perched high in a tree in a Swedish forest, but inside it is a luxury guest room with enough space for four to stay comfortably. Built by architect Bertil Harström, is part of an outdoor sleeping experience called the Treehotel. Owners, husband and wife team Kent and Britta Lindvall, offer unique guestrooms built in trees and the Bird's Nest is one of the most popular guest rooms.

'I was mistaken for Coldplay's Chris Martin at Heathrow!': F1 star Jenson Button reveals his most embarrassing holiday memory (and says Audrey Hepburn is dream companion)

Formula 1 driver talks to MailOnline about his travel experiences from his most memorable holiday to his most embarrassing moment when he was confused for British singer.

Bring baby along! Toddler-proof rooms, fine kids' menus and armies of babysitters at the world's greatest child-friendly luxury hotels

Can we check in too, please? Luxury hotels do not have to be child-free zones

It is a question that often troubles parents - can you still go to a luxury hotel when you have a little one in tow? The answer is yes, says Tracey Davies of Family Traveller.

'I want a family life': Father fined for taking daughter on holiday in term time QUITS his job so he can go away with his children

**Must include credit**
16/07/2014 Pic by: Penny Cross\n\nSchool holiday fine\n\nCar salesman Jason Short has been given a fine for taking his daughter out of school during term time for a family holiday.\nHe says this was the only time he could get off work and he is not happy.\n\nContact  :    Jason Short   07429  001 580\nReporter  :  Sam \n\n \n   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Plymouth dad who was fined £120 after taking his daughter out of school for a family holiday, has quit his job to avoid it happening again.

Hotel and sports super-centre plans proposed by Judy Murray face delays after fierce opposition from locals

The proposed Park of Keir development promises to create jobs and includes a hotel, a tennis and golf super-centre, and 100 homes near Stirling in Central Scotland.

'I am genuinely, deeply sorry': Boozy louts forced to write grovelling apology letters after being caught throwing empty bottles into the sea in Newquay

'Inconsiderate behaviour': One letter writer claimed to be dearly sorry for disturbing the peace

Residents in the Cornwall resort watched from their windows as a gang of youths lurched drunkenly and hurled bottles from the cliff top at the Lusty Glaze beauty spot.

'High tides, strong winds and a large swell': Lifeguards rescue 32 people in ONE HOUR after they get stuck in dangerous rip current

Sea rescue: One of the RNLI rescues at Polzeath after 32 people got caught in rip tides

Thirty-two people fell from a bank of sand on Polzeath Beach in Cornwall - and ended up in the path of a dangerous rip current.

'He became an overnight star': National Portrait Gallery pays touching tribute to Robin Williams with Mork & Mindy Time magazine cover

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The portrait shows the comedian, then a fresh-faced 27-year-old, during his meteoric rise to fame as Mork from the television comedy series Mork & Mindy.

A haven for the Brave and the weary: A slice of Provencal perfection at Crillon le Brave

Provence at its finest: Crillon le Brave sits amid pristine Provencal countryside, in the shadow of Mont Ventoux

You can see cyclists whizzing past the front door of Crillon le Brave, heading for the Provence monster Mont Ventoux. Jenny Coad raises a glass and wishes them well.

'No ordinary diver should ever try this': Incredible images show shark whisperer taming 8ft predator ... by rubbing its snout

An underwater animal whisperer tames this silky shark, photographed by French marine biologist Mathieu Foulquie

The amazing moment was witnessed by French marine biologist Mathieu Foulquie, 39, just five metres underwater on a dive in the Gardens of the Queen National Marine Park in Cuba. Having calmed the shark, the stunning images show Jorge gently grasp its body and turn the predator so it is upright.

Would you fly on a windowless plane? Futuristic private jet captures panoramic view from outside and beams stunning scenes onto walls and ceiling of cabin

Every seat on this futuristic private jet is the ultimate window seat - with just one catch. There are no windows. External cameras capture a real-time, 360-degree panoramic view of the space around the plane, and the images are beamed onto screens on the walls and ceiling of the cabin. The futuristic IXION windowless jet was developed by Technicon Design's team in France for a National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) show.

'If you're worried, call 911': New York police reassure tourists that tipping costumed characters in Times Square is optional after reports of threats and violent attacks

NYPD Ad

Police have been handing out fliers to tourists in five languages advising them that photos with the costumed characters are free - and to call the 911 emergency number if they have any problems.

The Made In Chelsea effect! 127% surge in New York holiday searches after cast visit the Big Apple for reality show

After the airing of the first episode of the E4 spin-off show last weekend, holidaymakers have gone online in their droves to search for their own getaway to the Big Apple.

'Everyone was hysterical': Teacher on board London-bound flight forced to make U-turn after 'out of control' passenger became 'aggressive' reveals terror at 35,000ft

Virgin Atlantic

Vicky Keen, from Bristol, who was flying to London Heathrow from Hong Kong, described a man 'shouting, ranting and being very aggressive towards the crew'.

Cheeky airline passengers avoid $130 charge for having excess luggage… by WEARING all their clothes

Travellers pile on clothes to void overweight baggage fee

Two passengers travelling from Singapore to Sydney opted to wear their clothes rather than pay a penalty for a flight from Singapore to Sydney.

Pedal power! Cycling across Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean (if only I'd done some training beforehand!)

Taking a well-deserved breather: Matt rests after another marathon leg of his journey

Costa Rica boasts coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. And if you are fit, you can cycle between them. Unfortunately, Matt Risley is not fit...

An Inspector Calls: Drinks all round (and a solid slumber) at the Gunton Arms, Norfolk

Gunton Arms

There is something about the Gunton Arms - which sits neatly within Norfolk countryside - our hotel Inspector decides? Is it the lovely bar? Is it the fine pork crackling?

Don't do a Kourtney ... take a leaf out of Kim Kardashian's book! Tourists urged to take selfies on Paris bridges instead of leaving 'love locks'

Kourtney

Officials in the French capital are cracking down on the gesture, which sees tourists - including Kourtney Kardashian - leave a 'love lock' on the Pont des Arts.

Who needs clubs? In Ibiza this year it's all about the restaurants and boats (well, if you're over 30, that is...)

Smug, us? Drinking the Atzaro boat dry of its pink Veuve Clicquot, moored up by Es Vedra

Ibiza is known for its super-clubs and its party scene. But for anyone past the age of 30, the best way to enjoy this grand little island is by boat, says Olivia Walmsley.

That's one way to see New York! Daredevil Red Bull wingsuit flyers fall 120mph to landing pad on a barge after jumping from plane 7,500ft above Hudson River

Red Bull Preview

The incredible footage shows the daredevils skydiving above Manhattan after taking the plunge from an plane 7,500ft above the Hudson River. But, like real pros, the team don't even pause to give it a second thought as they leap from the plane and hurtle at 120mph towards a barge with a landing pad which is waiting for them on the river.

'I could feel something great was going to happen': Photographer captures AMAZING aurora borealis display in Northern Canada

Ethereal: O Chul said he felt something great was about to happen just before he captured this moment

Korean astrophotgrapher, O Chul Kwon, captured the stunning images near the town of Yellowknife, in Northern Canada, said to be one of the world's best aurora watching destinations. He said that the display was so magical, tourists cheered as they watched the swooping green lights.

Howzat for a classic cruise? Cricket legend David Gower travels to the Caribbean for fun, games and a bit of bowling on the beach

David Gower

In his time, former England cricket captain David Gower was a player of elegance and style. The same could be said of the cruise that took him around the Caribbean.

An Italian odyssey in very grand style: How the ruins of Pompeii, aristocratic pizza and a naked Prince Harry made for a very fine tour

Much maligned: Naples has a reputation for grime and crime - but few cities have a more picturesque setting

The Neapolitan riviera is a well-known corner of Italy. But Kate Johnson finds endless discoveries at Pompeii, and in less-seen Naples, where Prince Harry was waiting.

Anything for a better view! Daredevil roof-topper photographer captures stunning images of cities ... 600 FEET off the ground

No fear: Meet the daredevil 'rooftopper' Andrew Tso

Andrew Tso, 26, from Hong Kong, has captured dizzying views of city life in London, Paris and Hong Kong from 600ft up. The daredevil, who has had a passion for climbing since childhood, can be seen dangling from a lightening rod in Kowloon, China, and sitting atop a gasometer in London.

A golden staircase, extravagant suites and the perfect river view: Inside London's £40m superyacht hotel where guests can live like a tycoon while moored up on the Thames

The Sunborn International-owned floating hotel - which doesn't have an engine - features 136 spacious rooms, including four junior suites, spread over five decks. Guests will pay up to £850 a night for a tastefully decorated room with modern amenities, including a king-sized bed. Some suites boast private balconies, and guests in the executive suites can relax in a sauna or on the huge balcony that offers sweeping views. The superyacht is located in a prime location on the Thames for business or leisure travellers – not far from Canary Wharf, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London City Airport, Emirates Air Line and ExCeL London.

Join the mile fry club! McDonald's opens 20-seat restaurant on a vintage luxury PLANE (but cabin crew are not included)

Pic By HotSpot Media - AIR-MAZING MCDONALD?ÄôS ?Äì AEROPLANE TRANSFORMED INTO FAST FOOD RESTAURANT - IN PIC ?Äì The DC-3 plane, which has been converted into a McDonald's restaurant. -  Diners on this aeroplane are never disappointed with their meal, because the decommissioned aircraft is now home to an air-mazing McDonald?Äôs restaurant. For the last 24 years, the disused DC-3 plane has been parked beside the McDonald?Äôs restaurant in Taupo, New Zealand. The grounded passenger plane, with its refurbished red and silver interior and seating for twenty, is very much a part of the restaurant and customers can enjoy their Big Mac and fries within the comfort of the cabin. Eileen Byrne, the restaurant?Äôs 59-year-old owner, says: ?ÄúThe site was previously part of a car dealership, the Aeroplane Car Company, and the owner bought a disused DC-3 plane, which sat alongside the building.?Ä ?ÄúAnd when McDonald's purchased the site in 1990, the aeroplane came with it.?Ä?ĶSEE HOTSPOT MEDIA CO

Forget the drive-thru, now you can eat your Big Mac and fries at an air-mazing McDonald's restaurant on the decommissioned aircraft in Taupo, New Zealand.

Tick off your bucket list in one go! Holiday of a lifetime flies travellers to 35 of the world's most iconic landmarks by private jet ... but it will set you back £54,000

For the keen traveller who has always longed to visit the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal, this incredible list ticks them all off the list- but at a hefty price.

Natural saunas, 200 inhabitants and only accessible by helicopter: Welcome to the village inside the crater of a VOLCANO

Volcanic island

It would make the perfect hideaway for a Bond villain, the volcanic island of Aogashima is a lush, green hideaway, but could erupt at any moment. Currently just 205 people live inside the crater of the Class-C active volcano, with saunas, heating and hot water all powered by geothermal gas.

Mock battles, tribal clothing and a pig feast: Inside the celebrations and traditions of one of the world's most decorative Papua tribes

Wearing colourful tribal clothing and decorations, these are three Papua interior tribes - the Dani, Lani and Yali - celebrating the 25th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Indonesia. Held every August, to coincide with the celebration of independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the event takes place to educate tourists and keep the customs and traditions of the Papaunese tribes alive.

Road to nowhere! Holidaymakers travelling from Spain to London stranded at roadside for 12 HOURS after driver is arrested

MEGABUS

More than 60 passengers – including Britons - on the budget Megabus service were abandoned at a Spanish motorway service station after the company failed to send out another driver.

'Pink chicken, filthy bedsheets and dirty pool': Holidaymaker hospitalised for four days with food poisoning during stay at Mexican hotel finally gets payout

Natalie Daymond, from Ryhope, Sunderland, said her holiday was ruined after she fell ill with severe sickness and diarrhoea while at the Barceló Costa Hotel near Cancun.

Red phone box converted into Scotland's smallest 24-hour internet cafe ... complete with coffee machine and honesty box

Visitors can brew themselves a coffee and check emails while they browse a selection of leaflets and information on the local attractions in Aberdeenshire.

Looking for a summer job? 89% of cheating women admit they are attracted to bar and restaurant staff on holiday... ranking them above surf instructors and fitness trainers

A7J8MM A barman flirting with a customer

A staggering 89 per cent of women who would like to have an affair rated men in casual summer jobs as particularly attractive, with bar workers praised for being 'kind' and having 'fit bodies'.

From Rihanna's £40,000-a-night penthouse in Geneva to the billionaire's break with a recording studio: The most expensive hotel suites in the world revealed

Most expensive hotel suites in the world

With stunning decor and personal staff catering to your every whim, these are the top 10 most expensive hotel suites in the world. From Maharajah’s Pavilion at the Raj Palace Hotel, in Jaipur; The Ty Warner Penthouse Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, in New York City; The Royal Suite at Hotel Plaza Athenee costs £24,000 a night; and the £21,000-a-night Presidential Suite at the St Regis hotel in New York.

'People were screaming and trying to bust open the emergency exit': Passengers' terror after bird was sucked into plane's engine moments before take-off

New York-bound JetBlue Airways Flight 704 was about to take off from an airport in Puerto Rico when the terrifying incident occurred, leading to an emergency evacuation.

Cuddles with big cats and kisses from wolves: Meet the real life Dr Dolittle who has travelled the world to volunteer with animals

PIC SHOWS..  Meet the woman who is like a real-life Dr Dolittle whose incredible bond with animals has seen her travel the world helping them.  Polish journalist Goska Zdziechowska has fed koalas eucalyptus, been kissed by wolves and even spent the night with cheetahs.  In just three years she has volunteered at wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa twice and Australia.  The 33-year-old's journey started during a trip to Thailand with her sister Agnieszka when they met a tiger at Tiger Kingdom sanctuary.  Like many tourists she was with one of the tigers but incredibly it gave her a hug much to the surprise of their guide and Goska.  It was in that moment that she decided she wanted to help wild animals and not just as a tourist and since then has not looked back.  SEE COPY

Polish journalist Goska Zdziechowska has spent thousands of pounds to travel the world and volunteer with endangered animals and snap amazing pictures with them.

Italy finally bans large cruise ships from Venice to protect floating city from damage (but only after Michael Douglas and Cate Blanchett sign letter of protest)

Italian officials have agreed to stop the biggest liners from sailing in Venice's historic centre following protests from locals, environmentalists and Hollywood actors.

A nation of Brief Encounters! Railways revealed as the most romantic mode of transport... as one in 10 admit falling in love on the train

BX2WXB couple resignation kissing kiss train railway railroad traveling reunion railway station Geneva Switzerland

Train travel is UK's most romantic form of transport, according to new survey.

'The jobs market is still tough in the UK': Number of students booking gap year flights soars by 25% with huge boost in work visas for Australia and New Zealand

The great escape: More young travellers are heading to Borneo, the Philippines and Bali

As thousands of UK teenagers gear up for A-level results day next week, figures reveal a jump in applications for working holiday visas for Australia and New Zealand.

Doing the truffle shuffle on the regal Rhone: A voyage through south-west France on a search for tasty treats (small dog required)

A city to be savoured: Lyon is home to two major rivers (the Rhone and Saone) - and endless good restaurants

The Rhone region has long been one of the most alluring - and tasty - corners of France. Caroline Hendrie sets off south-west on a gastronomic river voyage.

'He's mastered the art of getting viewers to wince and squirm': Bear Grylls scoops the top spot of the 10 best TV adventurers of all time (beating Ben Fogle and Ray Mears)

The former SAS officer-turned-broadcaster triumphed in a poll for Radio Times, finishing ahead of runner-up Ben Fogle.

Intruder scales barbed wire fence at airport and runs onto tarmac to stop plane taking off because she thought her husband was leaving to see another woman

D2J5FK Refuelling an aircraft on the ground at Halifax Airport, Halifax, Nova Scotia

An airport employee says the woman believed her husband was leaving to see another woman, but it turns out that he wasn't on any plane at the airport in Eastern Canada.

Talk about taking the plunge! Loved up couples can tie the knot 130ft underwater in Barbados... on a luxury SUBMARINE

The one-of-a-kind wedding ceremonies in Barbados are organised by adventure firm Atlantis Submarines and can accommodate up to 48 guests, at £89 per person. The ultimate 'How Deep is Your Love' package give couples exclusive use of the vessel with champagne, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres all below the surface of the sea.

Celebrity wake-up calls, pet psychologists and fragrance butlers: The top 10 most bizarre hotel amenities revealed

Hotels are finding the strangest ways to pamper their guests - offering everything from a staged kidnapping and ring-delivering owls to a chocolate parlour and sunshine butler to keep customers happy. They may sound like fiction, but these are some of the most bizarre hotel amenities in the world.

Glamping? Try champing! Latest holiday experience will allow visitors to spend night in disused churches to try and raise funds 

Camping nights available in All Saint'sChurch Aldwincle, Northants
picture: www.canoe2.co.uk

The latest way to spend a night at home is sleeping in a church on inflatable mattresses and eating bacon and eggs from a local B&B; while a local guide tells you the history of the church.

Revealed: How 'discount' travel websites end up costing you MORE than buying tickets direct from budget airlines

Paying more: Comparison websites often claim to match or beat the fares offered on budget airlines' sites, but passengers can find themselves spending more once extra fees, charges and taxes are added

Service fees, taxes and charges for extra baggage are among the extra costs that hike up the 'bargain' prices listed on popular flight comparison websites.

'They called me the Lonely Snow Leopard': British adventurer beat raging sandstorms, heat exhaustion and unrelenting solitude to walk 1,500 miles across Mongolia ALONE

A young British adventurer has become the first person to walk 1,500 miles solo across Mongolia - one of the world's most desolate countries. 
Ash Dykes, 23, walked into the record books after spending 78 days alone crossing the unforgiving land of the high Altai Mountains, scorching Gobi Desert and the seemingly endless Mongolian Steppe.
He battled raging sandstorms, heat exhaustion and the unrelenting loneliness of crossing the world's most sparsely populated country at walking pace.
© WALES NEWS SERVICE

Ash Dykes, 23, from North Wales, walked into the record books after spending 78 days crossing the high Altai Mountains, scorching Gobi Desert and sparse Mongolian Steppe.

Revealed: How you can fly by private jet for less than the cost of a budget airline

More and more people are paying for flights on private jets that are often available at competitive prices

They are regarded as toys of the wealthy elite, but if you book a trip when a plane is 'repositioning' you can snap up a one way ticket for as little as £138.

Going with the flow! Stunned tourists pictured sailing incredibly close to one of Europe's most active volcanoes as it ERUPTS

Eruption: A tourist boat watches on as lava from the Stromboli volcano flows into the Mediterranean Sea

The holidaymakers can be seen watching on with awe as fiery lava from Stromboli flows spill into the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by plumes of smoke.

Heathrow and Gatwick report record travel numbers for July amid bitter campaign to build UK's next runway 

BWTNWE Planes queuing for takeoff at Heathrow airport in Britain

The rival London airports continue to wage a war of words as they try to convince the government - and the public - to endorse their expansion plans.

British holidaymakers are the worst culprits when it comes to grabbing sunloungers early ... according to GERMANS

An investigation carried out in Spain found it was mainly people from the UK who were queuing up to reserve their spot for a day's sunbathing by the pool.

Busiest flight routes in the world revealed with number one carrying SEVEN MILLION passengers a year (and the two cities will surprise you)

C8CK26 Japan, Tokyo, Narita Airport Departure Board

It's not the short hop between the Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro or the two-hour journey between Beijing and Shanghai in China.

Hold tight! From the 93mph Millennium Force, to the 426ft Top Thrill Dragster, we test the white-knuckle rides at Cedar Point ... the 'best rollercoaster park in the world'

An entry ticket to the USA's acclaimed theme park means you can strap into the third and eighth fastest roller coasters in the world... and enjoy a smorgasbord of water and spin rides.

From mirrored trees in Scotland, to a double take of the Taj Mahal: Stunning reflection photos that'll turn your world upside down

Whether it's a double whammy of the Aiguilles de Chamonix mountains in France, or a reflection of the stunning Angkor Wat in Cambodia, these stunning images give us a fresh perspective.

Acceptable in the Eighties: Pre-selfie generation captured posing for hilarious holiday snaps next to American landmarks

Roger Minick photography

In the early 1980s, photographer Roger Minick captured the crowds at famous American landscapes such as Yosemite National park, Yellowstone National Park and the Vietnam Veterens' Memorial. His photographs showcase the bizarre, charming and sometimes comical moments now lost - thanks to the emergence of digital technology, and the ability to edit our photographs.

Big Brother IS watching! Holidaymakers travelling to Thailand warned not to bring copies of George Orwell's 1984 to 'blend in'

Twitter users have been circulating a photo of the article - apparently found aboard a Philippines Airlines flight - which advises travellers how they can 'blend in' and avoid trouble.

What would Basil say? Torquay hotel that inspired Fawlty Towers set to be turned into flats (but Manuel won't be in charge of food)

English Riviera: The Gleneagles Hotel is reportedly the inspiration behind the hit show

Proposals to create a block of 39 privately owned apartments on the site of the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay have gone out to public consultation ahead of a planning application.

'It beats all the boring tourists!': 30 police officers chase German holidaymakers after they strip naked and run around Dubrovnik

More than 30 officers at one point were running around the Croatian city as they searched for the German tourists.

'I love Florida, but you can't beat a caravan in Clacton': From the perfect post-flight concealer to her top holiday spots, Emma Bunton reveals her top travel tips

Emma Bunton

Emma Bunton saw plenty of the planet in her Spice Girls days - but her current travels tend to focus on her kids. She talks to Tamara Hinson about Florida and Clacton.

Full throttle! Airline forced to carry fewer passengers to avoid hitting Mumbai's mega-sized billboards during take-off

Air India's non-stop flights from Mumbai to Newark are operating under capacity because the aircraft is too heavy to clear the signs while flying with full passenger and fuel loads.

'Every 15 seconds one flies past': Senator joins campaign to ban Hudson River helicopter tours due to 'too much air traffic'

US Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey joined local officials from both sides of the Hudson River in Hoboken to call for a ban on tourist helicopter flights.

Pay up, or get out! Spanish stall owners set to charge tourists who visit Valencia's Central Market but don't buy anything

Marketeers fear that their custom is limited by hordes of tourists who leave without buying anthing

Food sellers at Valencia's central market say they are being overrun by holidaymakers who often leave without buying anything.

Yours for 80 PENCE! Sicilian hilltop village puts 20 holiday homes on the market for just one euro ... but you will be down the road from Mafia town Corleone

DYMC9H Hill town with backdrop of snowy volcano Mount Etna; Gangi was a common Mafia last name; Gangi, Palermo Province, Sicily, Ital

The hilltop town of Gangi, near Mount Etna, is suffering from a declining population so is selling off properties to buyers around the world at low prices.

Incredible photos show moment daredevil scuba diver handfeeds hungry sharks ... with only a thin chainmail suit for protection

Wearing just a chain link suit for protection, these stunning images capture Cristina Zenato kneeling at the bottom of an aquarium tank handfeeding sharks. at the SEA Aquarium in Singapore. The renowned conservationist is pictured dishing out fish from a bucket for lunch to some of the 100 sandbar and hammerhead sharks.

Wine with wild animals: Zoo at the heart of Sydney which offers the ultimate glamping experience (and you can even meet Kate & Will's favourite koala)

Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo

The Roar & Snore experience at Taronga Zoo promises unrivalled views of Sydney and up-close animal encounters after the park’s doors have closed to the public. As well as meeting snakes, lizards, giraffes and tigers, guests are also greeted by Pepper the koala who welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George to the zoo in April.

Laughter is the best medicine - but it won't work off any calories: Weather forecaster Lucy Verasamy locates her inner goddess on a spa detox weekend in sunny Portugal

Balancing act: Lucy steadies herself during yoga pose

How best to boost that feeling of inner goodness? Lucy Verasamy swaps the ITV weather studios for central Portugal and a few days of detoxing and relaxation.

Paradise is not lost. It's right here: Epic scenery, a pop-up Zuma, sunny sailing and seaplanes at Turkey's own answer to Eden

D-hotel

When Deborah Arthurs headed for the D-Hotel Maris in Turkey she expected to set foot in a playboy's paradise. However, what she found was a real haven of tranquility.

Dramatic moment 'thousands of tonnes' of rubble come crashing down on to popular beach in Devon ... just yards from tourists

PIC: TONY LANE/APEX 06/08/2014
THIS is the moment thousands of tonnes of rocks went crashing onto a prime holiday beach just yards from where stunned onlookers watched in shock.
The massive section of cliff came crashing down on to Sidmouth beach, Devon around 5pm on Wednesday July 30.
It was caught on camera by Tony Lane, 60, from the New Forest, Hants, who said the huge fall was just yards from the nearest person.
Mr Lane a youth activity worker said: ìThere was the sound of pebbles falling, then a few more pebbles and then a few seconds later some rocks started to come down.
ìI sensed something was about to happen and just started to snap away.
ìThen there was  loud rumbling and a huge section of the cliff just gave way and went crashing to the beach.
ìA great cloud of dust rose up ñ people were just standing there watching in shock.
     ****** see story Apex ******
.----------------------------------------------------
APEX NEWS & PICTURES
NEWS DESK: 01392 823144
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The massive section of cliff collapsed on to Sidmouth beach, in Devon, causing a huge cloud of red dust, covering daytrippers.

The pretty perfection of Palm Springs: Charlize, Sinatra and the timeless sophistication of California's desert classic

Palm Springs

It is the corner of California that has long lured the stars - from aces of the tennis court to cinematic greats. Glenys Roberts finds a car and goes east to Palm Springs.

Simply paw-fect! Cornwall's Talland Bay Hotel is a luxurious and picturesque retreat - for adults and their beloved pet pooches

Dog on beach

Surely a pet dog and a luxury hotel are incompatible? Not so. Rebecca Shaw heads to the glorious Talland Bay Hotel in Cornwall, and takes canine friend Bess along too.

Move over London and Paris! Yorkshire named best travel destination in Europe (and easyJet voted top budget carrier)

CNWT8B aerial view of York Minster. Image shot 2002. Exact date unknown.

God's Own County offers stunning countryside and coastline, helping it to knock off 13 rivals at the World Travel Awards, including Barcelona, London, Paris and Venice.

Number of parents fined for taking children on term-time holidays soars by 70% in a year ... and Lancashire families are the worst offenders with 3,000 penalties

Having fun: But the number of fines to parents taking their children on term-time breaks has soared by 70%

Some 63,837 penalties were issued to mums and dads in the academic year to July 2014 in England, compared with 37,650 fines throughout the previous 12 months.

Delays, lost luggage and rude staff top list of holiday complaints ... and two thirds of us don't trust airlines and tour operators

Stranded: Delayed and cancelled flights are our number one holiday gripe

Consumer trust is still low within the holiday industry with only 30 per cent of people saying they trust airlines and tour operators.

Making quite a splash: The day I swam the Hellespont channel between Europe and Asia - and found myself swept out to sea

Ready for action: Swimmers line up on the Asian side of the Hellespont, as they prepare for their big swim

The Hellespont channel splits the European side of Turkey from the Asian, and is a haven for adventurers keen to swim between continents. Bill Coles takes a dip.

Plan for stunning floating champagne bar in Paris ... so French can continue to drink fizz even if city is hit by floods

Beijing-based architect Margot Krasojevic has proposed a floating champagne bar that could become the toast of Paris in the event of a major flood. The futuristic pavilion is designed to act as an integral part of the French capital's flood prevention infrastructure, featuring an open bar that hovers over a bell mouth spillway that diverts water into a series of underground canals.

Inside one of the world's most SECRETIVE tribes: The amazing Amazon tour that offers an insight into the life of the Kaxinawa

The Kaxinawa tribe

Living deep in the Amazon rainforest close to the Peruvian border in the state of Acre, western Brazil, the clan is made up of 5550 people who pride themselves on their heritage. In September, the the tribe celebrate the Xina Bena Festival, giving the western world an opportunity to gain an insight into their fascinating culture.

Dramatic moment lifeguards rescue man clinging to upturned dinghy after he capsized it 30 TIMES in high winds

The lifeguards took the man, who had capsized no less than 30 times, to safety in Ilfracombe Harbour in Devon

The man was sailing in fast moving tides and force six winds when he got into difficulty in his dinghy in the Lee Bay area, off the Bristol Channel.

A flick-knife iPhone case, a six-bladed throwing star and a grenade stuffed into a toy penguin: Airport security posts images of confiscated weapons on Instagram

TSA Instagram pics

A Samurai sword was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Boston Logan International Airport and a knife was found in a shoe insole of a shoe at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

'We've never missed a summer': Couple celebrate golden wedding anniversary in Blackpool after returning to resort every year since 1964

Raymond and Dorothy Bartley, from North Wales, fell in love with the Lancashire resort when they first visited and have been back for every anniversary for 50 years.

There's no place like home! 82% of Brits rank the UK as their favourite childhood holiday destination (and 46% return with their own families)

More than a third (36 per cent) of Brits have returned to their preferred childhood break spot in the past five years, the study of 5,000 UK travellers found.

Ibiza police catch six Swiss tourists having group sex in van and fine them £168 each... for not wearing SEATBELTS

BA7D08 Playa d en Bossa Ibiza Balearic Islands Spain

Local police admitted there is no law against people having sex in vehicles, but if that vehicle is moving, they can be fined for not wearing seatbelts under Spanish law.

Long live King Richard III! How to seek out England's most maligned monarch as his new £4m visitor centre opens in Leicester

Richard III

He is the most unlikely tourist attraction to emerge in many years - but as a new visitor centre dedicated to his tale opens in Leicester, Richard III is again back in focus.

From 'bubble' airports to Hobbit-style Caribbean hotels... the eco-designs that show how we will travel in the future

The company behind these unusual domed properties claims there is no end to the construction possibilities, with plans for a Caribbean retreat that can withstand hurricane winds, a soothing mountain wellness centre and even an airport with minimal impact on the environment.

'What could go wrong?': Meet the mother of five who is happy to let her young children travel abroad alone on planes, trains and buses (and her 11-year-old daughter who says the experience made her stronger)

Rosie Atkins is allowed to travel alone at the age of 11

Anne Atkins, who lives in Bedford, claims her five children have always been young adventurers. Here she argues there is no danger in letting a child travel solo.

Tipping map of Britain: Scots revealed as the most generous and people in the North East the tightest when it comes to gratuities

Tipping map: Waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers and others can rely on a bit extra from customers north of the border

Survey reveals generous Scots are more likely to tip for services than anyone else in Britain – with those living in the North East named the most tight-fisted.

Exchanging travel money at the airport costs holidaymakers £20MILLION a year (but the number of people leaving it to the last minute has doubled)

The Holiday Confidence Index reveals that the number of travellers who wait until they are at the airport to change their money has doubled to four per cent, despite being more costly.

Take one of me! Pouting baboon photobombs tourist trying to capture the perfect landscape shot in South Africa

Poser: The poker-faced baboon paused and apparently waited for photographer Punam Dave to take her shot of the famous Cape Point vista

Photographer Punam Dave had all the ingredients for a perfect scenic shot - until a surly baboon photobombed her picture.

Amsterdam has 1,515 cat cafes, 70% of German roads have no speed limit and Montana has more cows than people: Infographic reveals 100 incredible facts from the around the globe

Infographic.jpg

There are more than 200 volcanoes in Japan, 33 times more sheep than people in Australia and 300 types of cheese made in France.

So much for a staycation! Two thirds of MPs plan to ditch the UK for a summer holiday abroad (and the PM's heading to Portugal)

Summer holiday: David and Samantha Cameron, pictured in April, enjoying a break in Lanzarote

The report, by ABTA showed that as many 72 per cent of Conservative MPs are planning on a trip overseas over the summer compared to 63 per cent of Labour MPs.

Gold watches, vibrators, £6,000 dentures ... not to mention wives and mothers: The most surprising items left behind in hotels

Left behind: Guests leave unusual items such as glass eyes and a leg brace, according to a new survey

A businessman left behind his wife, only realising her absence when at the airport; another man forgot his mother who was waiting patiently at the hotel.

You Only Live Once! American road trip, safari in Africa and skydiving in New Zealand top students' YOLO travel wish lists

The allure of the American highway: Many young people dream of a road trip across the United States

A trail-blazing stateside adventure such as driving Route 66 is twice as popular as a safari in Africa and a skydive over New Zealand when it comes to dream holidays.

Colburn Idiots Abroad: British tourists in US become online sensation with videos showing their wild exploits on holiday

Colburn Idiots Abroad

Anthony Kirkby and Paul Tranter, from North Yorkshire, are the latest Internet sensation thanks to a series of wildly popular videos documenting their adventures in Los Angeles. Some online commenters have extended invites to parties or offered to take them on an insider's tour, and they have also been contacted by a US company that helps amateur filmmakers profit from their videos.

'Dear (CUSTOMER NAME)': United Airlines forgets to fill in the blanks in response to passenger complaint in world's least sincere apology letter

United Airlines apology letter

The sender appears to have sent a template version of a response to a customer complaint and forgot to replace the dummy copy with the customer's details.

The bill will leave you cold! Luxury hotel serves up £200 frozen frappe cocktail ... topped with gold leaf and Dom Perignon

The five-star Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo has started selling the large bowls of icy raspberry flavoured drink topped with champagne - that can be eaten with a spoon.

Love is in the RyanAIR: Smitten Irishman turns to internet to track down mystery woman he met on budget flight from Spain

Jamie Kelly Twitter
Used with permission

Jamie Kelly and Katie Moreau have reconnected thanks to a social media campaign - #loveatfirstflight - and they have discussed plans to meet again in person.

It's a dog's life: Mariah Carey splashes out £15,000 for her beloved pet pooches to say at Bristol's Paw Seasons hotel

Mariah Carey

The pooches will be sleep in their own beds and be groomed and washed and taken on day trips to the surrounding areas, such as the Victorian seaside town of Clevedon, following the coastal route around the bay, or to see the bluebell woods at Belmont Hill.

58% of men check work emails while on holiday and 70% of women have a problem with it (causing a third of couples to argue)

More than half of office staff admit to checking their their emails while on a break abroad, and 26 per cent of those said they would respond to emails.

Riviera chic? Safety fears as erosion at Nice beach forces holidaymakers to CRAWL out of the sea on hands and knees

People sunbathe on the beach of Nice, southeastern France, Sunday, July 27, 2014. Temperatures in the area rose to 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit)..(AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)

The French Riviera is known as one of the most stylish destinations in Europe, but tourists say that a wall of stones at the entrance to the sea could cause injuries and even drowning.

Pride of the North West! Chester Zoo named one of the top 10 in the world ... but Nebraska steals crown as best zoo on earth

CP9Y4H Chester Zoo, Cheshire, England,

The Cheshire zoo has been voted sixth best in the world, second best in Europe and number on in the UK, according to rankings based on travellers' reviews.

'It's chocolate box pretty': Inside 17th century Welsh farmhouse transformed into a holiday cottage (complete with plenty of sheep!)

Holiday cottage

Built in 1630, Tyn Yr Wtra – which translated means ‘the house up the narrow lane' – started life as a major farmhouse – and has been transformed into a beautiful holiday home. And in keeping with its history, the characterful four-bedroom property, which is classically black and white timber-framed outside, inside boasts original exposed oak beams and doors as well as a stunning inglenook fireplace.

'It's ideal if you like peace and quiet': Holiday home with no running water, gas, electricity or toilet in 1.5-acre field on sale for £75,000

The Chalet - a secluded one-bedroom property which boasts an earth toilet in a neighbouring shed - is set in the idyllic North York Moors National Park. The property offers a back-to-basics lifestyle sitting in its own 1.5-acre field and no neighbouring houses.

A bio-dome, cascading waterfall and lush indoor garden: Singapore airport unveils plans for £800m redesign ... complete with green walls to offset plane emissions

Lush interior: The new design for the airport in Singapore features a vast garden area

Shaped like a doughnut, the five-storey glass and steel structure at Changi Airport will connect the airports existing three terminals via all-glass walkways.

Quarter of parents admit allowing their children to get sunburned while on holiday abroad ... with 8% 'not bothered' by dangers

Some 62 per cent of parents questioned in a survey confessed that allowing their children to get sunburned tended to happen 'on every holiday'.

Swimmers warned as flesh-eating bacteria kills three people in Florida

Precaution: Tourists are being advised to wash themselves after swimming and to avoid raw shellfish

Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through swallowed water or open wounds. Symptoms of infection include vomiting, pain, fever and diarrhoea.

Emirates cancels flights to Guinea over Ebola fears... but British Airways continues to operate Liberia and Sierra Leone route to London Heathrow

CC158W Emirates Airbus A330-200 (A6-EKY) lands at London Heathrow Airport, England.

Emirates is suspending its flights to Conakry until further notice following the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, following a decision by two African airlines to cancel flights to Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Star Wars in row with Unesco after film shoot takes over protected Irish island during key breeding season for rare birds

DT01CG Skellig Michael, Kerry, Ireland. Celtic Monastic settlement on right side summit. New lighthouse centre. Old lighthouse left

Environmentalists are worried the film crew's presence on Skellig Michael island will threaten rare birds in the middle of breeding season.

Americans are warned to avoid travel to West Africa over Ebola fears as infected doctor arrives in Atlanta

Dr Tom Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control, appeared on CNN today to re-assure the American public that they were not at risk from an Ebola outbreak

The advice to avoid non-essential trips to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone was a Level 3 travel warning, which is the strongest that can be issued

Raw sewage closes beach in Cornwall for FOURTH time this summer, as experts warn of 'disturbing' water contamination in holiday hotspots in Kent and Hampshire 

Anger is mounting among holidaymakers and traders about raw human sewage being pumped into the sea yards from crowded seaside beaches.

The effluent - which carries potentially lethal germs - drifts on the tide to wash up in a filthy brown 'tidal wave' where children are building sandcastles and paddling.

The protests are coming from resorts as far apart as Hampshire and Cornwall, just as millions of families head for the coast on their annual summer holidays.

Instead of enjoying the sun and relaxing by the sea, parents are anxiously checking that their youngsters are not playing in untreated sewage.

And hotels, B and B owners and beachside traders are worried that it will drive away holidaymakers who don't want to run the risk of catching an infection.

Godrevy Beach in Cornwall was closed after a pollution alert, just days after nine Kent beaches were shut to the public, prompting calls for water companies to find a long-term solution.

Wish you were here! Artist creates stunning postcards of nocturnal landscapes illuminated with their names in lights

Photo by Darren Pearson/Guzelian 
Pictured: In this series, entitled 'Postcards', Darren Pearson visited various locations including well-known and local spots in the United States and abroad. Postcard from San Francisco, California, USA.
SEE GUZELIAN COPY
A light artist has taken his work to new territories by creating stunning postcards while continuing to explore with his unique art on his travels.
Darren Pearson aka Darius Twin, became well known for his ëLight Fossilí series in 2012.
Since then, the 31-year-old has continued to experiment with long exposure photography and coloured LED lights, resulting in being commissioned by global companies such as Reebok and Honda.

Darren Pearson captured amazing nocturnal shots while travelling in the US and Europe, then decided to use LEDs to create a postcard-style picture as the perfect memento.

Tourists call police after £33 bill for ice cream at cafe near Rome's Trevi Fountain (but the owner refuses to apologise)

AN7RY5 Italy Rome The Trevi Fountain

A manager defended the cafe's prices and blamed the US visitors for any misunderstanding after they were charged £10 each for a bowl of ice cream.

Forget growing old gracefully! Helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and a Route 66 road trip top retirees' ultimate bucket list

A new study says retirees are looking to make the most of their golden years - and their savings - with plans for luxury getaways, fantastic road trips or thrilling activities in exotic locations.

Shhh... there's a De La Soul DJ at work! DJ Maseo launches the Caribbean's first-ever silent disco at Palm Island

Silent disco

The idea is to offer something new to guests staying on the private island without spoiling the perfect peace of the resort. By day Palm Island is a phone-free zone, encouraging guests to take a digital detox and unwind on one of its over-sized hammocks or at the boutique spa. By night, after being fed and fussed over by the talented local chef and his team most of the sun-kissed diners are so chilled they are ready for bed long before the bewitching hour. But sometimes even the most blissed-out holidaymakers like to make a little mischief, which is why the new silent Sundays sessions are such a genius idea.

From Kylie's favourite terrace for Tiramisu to four-poster baths with a view: How to do Florence like the flashpack

Kylie minogue

The beautiful Italian city of Florence is the ultimate in Euro luxury (there’s a reason Kim and Kanye chose to get married here) and the Small Luxury Hotels group has one of the best-dressed edits to choose from.

An awesome odyssey in the Greek islands: A glorious sailing adventure in the Cyclades

Into the blue: The Cyclades islands may be the perfect setting for a sailing voyage in European waters

There are several ways to see the Greek islands - and for many of us, it involves a sun-lounger.

Heading to Reading? Pack the Andrex! Festival warns 70,000 music fans it is not supplying toilet paper in portable toilets in bid to 'improve sustainability policy' 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by INS News Agency Ltd./REX (1830794h).. Festival goers.. Reading Festival, Berkshire, Britain - 25 Aug 2012.. ..

Festival organisers said they are 'cracking down' on the amount of toilet paper it is supplying as a huge amount of it gets wasted instead of used for its intended purpose.

Forget Airbnb, this is ARTbnb! Spanish village offers free cottage holidays - if you donate a sculpture at the end of your stay

Gaucin village and castle  The Hilltip Castle and village called Gaucin At Last I have found heaven ? and it's only 90 minutes from  Torremolinos.The path to paradise is all downhill, switching back between the stripped cork oaks and wild figs from the white village of Benarraba to the valley of the River Genal. Tiny orange groves spill on to the track, the sweet smell of swollen fruit  drifting with the wild honey fragrance of yellow jasmine. A thousand feet below me the river sparkles in the sunlight, washing over  gold-bearing rocks and rolling into the distant shade of a steepsided canyon. But for its faint, entrancing roar ? and the birdsong in the cork trees ? the afternoon is silent. Genalguacil has been this way for millennia. Perhaps this heartshaped cluster of deep, densely wooded valleys and high peaks north of Estepona on Spain's Costa del Sol is less populous now than it has ever been. The Romans hauled gold and silver from lost mines in the valley sides and  the Moors, w

If you fancy a staying in the mountains of Andalucia, head to the village of Genalguacil, which is styling itself as the ultimate artists' enclave, with works dotted around its winding streets.

Would YOU take this flight? Loop-the-loops, barrel rolls and 200mph plunges... stomach-churning video reveals what it's like to take to the skies for the Red Bull Air Race

Mike Anstead

It is the ultimate high-octane race, around a terrifying track in the skies, and one brave reporter joined a Malaysian Air Force pilot to be put through his paces.

One in 10 Brits has had items stolen at airports – with Turkey, Egypt and France the worst in the world for pickpocketing

Busy airport: Nearly half the victims (42 per cent) said they had been distracted at the time of the theft

Mobile phones, money and passports were the possessions most likely to be taken, followed by jewellery and iPads or tablets.

An Inspector Calls: Clean, convenient and clinical Bloc - the bolthole at Gatwick Airport

Purple patch: Bloc is certainly convenient for passengers - but is it a comfortable place to sleep?

Aimed at travellers who have to go to Gatwick at an early hour and want to stay overnight, Bloc is a convenient bolthole. But is it cosy? Our Hotel Inspector checks in.

Gorgeous gardens and ideal Italian palaces: A grand tour of Tuscany's leafiest enclaves

A sun-dappled serenade: Tuscany, with areas such as Montepulciano to the fore, is famed for its leafy beauty

Tuscany is well known for its greenness. But to truly appreciate the joys of Italy's finest region, you need the tour that goes deep into its gardens, says Nigel Colborn.

'I was inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey': Plan to launch Spain's first bondage hotel - complete with dungeons and 'torture equipment' - blocked by angry locals

Bondage hotel

The hotel had been advertised as having dungeons and torture equipment, but the village council of Vilafranca has launched a legal bid to stop the project going ahead.

'I want cigarettes and a parachute!': Thomson flight from Tunisia diverted to Gatwick after 'drunk woman attacks cabin crew with her prosthetic leg'

Thomson flight diverted

The woman, said to be in her sixties, allegedly demanded 'cigarettes and a parachute' so she could jump from the plane, which was flying from Enfidha, Tunisia, to Edinburgh on Wednesday night.

The end of strangers' armpits in your face? New plane design gives you more personal space 'so there's less passive aggression with annoying fellow passengers'

Your very own cushion: The increased personal space for first class travellers is covered

A E2 plane design draws on the interiors of hotel rooms and luxury bathrooms, offering tablet holders on headrests, touchless taps and more space.

The end of strangers' armpits in your face? New plane design gives you more personal space 'so there's less passive aggression with annoying fellow passengers'

More legroom! The E2 design will launch in 2018

A E2 plane design draws on the interiors of hotel rooms and luxury bathrooms, offering tablet holders on headrests, touchless taps and more space. The design firm behind the rebranded interiors of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, Priestmangoode, has unveiled a new cabin design that'll hit the skies in 2018.

Top 20 most expensive seaside resorts in the UK in August revealed ... and Cornwall takes the top spot

St Ives has been named the most expensive seaside resort in Britain – with an average price tag of £123 per night – nearly double the cost of a break to Aberystwyth in Wales. Tenby in Wales (£107) and Cowes in Isle of Wight (£94) came second and third in the top 20 list, compiled using the cheapest price of a double room in accommodation near a beach rating three stars or higher in August.

Bad taste? Artists sculpt crashed Malaysia Airlines planes out of sand at popular South African beach... then charge tourists to have their photo taken with them

Fin24/Mitch Meyer used with permission
Durban's Sand Gang captures MH disasters

A total of 537 passengers and crew have been lost due to Malaysia Airlines' two disasters this year, but The Sand Gang in Durban decided to make the disasters the theme of their latest work.

A loo with a view! Guests staying at new hotel can be seen on the toilet by passers-by thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass design

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin press pictures

The design fault at the restaurant of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin means those walking past the building can see diners going about their business.

Star Wars fan misses out on holiday after passport application is refused ... because she changed her name to SKYWALKER

A Star Wars fan missed out on her summer holiday after she was refused a passport because she changed her name to SKYWALKER

Laura 'Skywalker' Matthews, from Southend, Essex, added the Jedi middle name by deed poll in 2008 ‘for a laugh’ after joking about her love of Luke Skywalker.

You'll get a chilly reception! Plans revealed for floating snowflake hotel in Norway that offers the perfect view of Northern Lights

The five-star hotel will float in the fjords near Tromso, within the Arctic Circle, so guests have the perfect opportunity to spy the Aurora Borealis through the glass roof. Construction is set to begin next year and the 86-room hotel will open in 2017, complete with a spa, wellness centre and glass roof to offer the perfect views.

Pass the tape measure! Aquarium begins annual health check of 6,600 creatures - including 15 baby seahorses and a poison dart frog weighing just 0.4 grams

Pass the tape measure! Aquarium health checks 6,600 creatures

Armed with clipboards, measuring tape, calipers and weighing scales, the aquarists will spend a week measuring the assortment of animals. Two divers have already jumped into a tank to measure a rare green turtle and penguins stood tall as their height was recorded.

'Big Brother' is watching you! Airport becomes first in the world to TRACK passengers' movements by mobile phone

B61574 Passengers in Helsinki Airport, Finland, Europe

Helsinki Airport will allow staff to monitor crowds using wifi signals from travellers' smartphones to monitor crowds and eliminate bottlenecks at security.

There must be easier ways to hit the beach! British adventurers arrive in sunny Hawaii after rowing from CALIFORNIA in 50 days

Rowing

What's the best way to get to Hawaii? By plane, right? Not if you are the brave group of British rowers who have just crossed half the Pacific using oar power alone.

Fancy seeing you here! Three-quarters of Britons bump in to someone they know on holiday (but 23% will hide and even switch beaches to avoid them)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil --- Best friends on beach shaking hands, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil --- Image by   JAG IMAGES/Corbis

Old neighbours, ex-lovers and former bosses are among the people that Britons run in to on their travels, and Spain is the most likely destination.

Caviar, bird watching tours and blueberry facials... for DOGS! Hotels reveal most outrageous requests for pampered pets

It's a dog's life

The bizarre requests by hotel guests include everything from 'unlimited play time' to lymphatic drainage - and the Chinese make the most bizarre demands, asking for caviar to be served to cats and 'sausage dog girlfriends' for their precious pooches.

Now that's a toothy grin! Fearless photographer gets dangerously close to great white sharks at feeding time - WITHOUT a safety cage

Amazing shark images

As this incredible collection of images shows, Andy Murch ventures where few others would go even with the protection of a shark cage. Andy has photographed a whole host of sharks – from great whites and hammerheads to whale sharks – and always at a time when they are at their most ferocious.

Forget the Costa del Sol, Ryanair announces plans to launch budget flights to the Middle East and Russia

New direction: Michael O'Leary has announced plans to launch flights from Cyprus

CEO Michael O’Leary has revealed the airline is looking to develop the business in Cyprus, to use it as a hub for flights to destinations including Israel and Jordan.

Warning to swimmers as boy films shark in shallow water just METRES away from him on popular Corsica beach

Dramatic footage: The young boy grabbed his dad's mobile phone to video the shark in the shallows on a Corsica beach

The dramatic footage from the young tourist comes after beaches in both France and Spain were closed following blue shark sightings in recent days.

Widow 'waiting for apology' from travel company after being told to take SOMEONE ELSE on Spanish holiday when husband was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer

A distraught wife tried to cancel a holiday when her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer

Chris Quick, 58, and her husband Keith, 61, of Southsea, who died this month, had paid for a trip to Benidorm to celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary.

A QUARTER of Britons 'get up to no good' while on holiday with friends, and 40% of those admit they cheat on their partners

Playing away: According to a new study by travel agents Thomas Cook, of those that admitted to getting up to no good abroad, 40 per cent confessed to cheating on their partners

Twenty-three per cent of Brits admit they 'get up to no good' travelling away from their partners, but a third said the break away helped SAVE their relationship.

Thousands of tourists flock to see 'mysterious' crop circles (that farmer claims were created by students on their summer holiday)

No mystery: People walk through crop circles shaped into a cornfield near Raisting, southern Germany, which are believed to have been made by students

The ornate design, which has a 246ft diameter, was discovered in a field in Wilheim, Germany, by a balloonist last week and news of the find quickly spread online.

Crumbling ancient towns, oodles of exotic charm and goats grazing in trees: The beauty of travelling from London to Morocco by rail on The Marrakech Express

Marrakech by night: Food stalls and fruit sellers in the ancient square of Jemaa El Fna

Ten years after his first visit, Adam Alexander travels from London to Marrakech by rail, via Barcelona, Cordoba, Tangiers and Fez.

The beast is risen: Mount Etna's latest eruptive episode continues to rumble threatening further travel disruption in and out of Italy

Over the last few days, the volcano, which stands tall over the city of Catania, has put on an impressive display of explosions and ash emissions, with molten lava soaring into the sky.

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'Riptides can be treacherous': Warning to holidaymakers as teenage girl is rescued after being dragged out to sea by strong undercurrent off popular Cornwall beach

Nicole Lonsdale, of Uxbridge, London, was on a summer break with her family in Cornwall when she was dragged towards rocks by a strong underwater current at Porth Beach, Newquay.

'Keep quiet or you'll be kicked out of the country!': Ferry terminal's noisy visitors could be DEPORTED if they even whisper while standing in immigration queues

The order at the Batam Center ferry terminal in Indonesia went into effect this month when workers put up signs showing an image of a raised finger over a pair of lips.