Incredible aerial pictures show US and European tectonic plates pulling apart leaving 200ft water-filled crevices divers can explore

Aerial pictures show US and European tectonic plates in Iceland pulling apart

The dramatic terrain in Iceland - the join between two tectonic plates - is popular with tourists who can explore the natural wonder on land and underwater. The splits in the land, which has many faults, valleys, volcanoes and hot springs, are caused by the Eurasian and North American plates in Iceland pulling apart.

Terrifying headcam footage shows climbers risking their lives jumping the 'Leap Of Faith' gap on 14,000ft Colorado mountain

Headcam footage shows climbers jumping the 'Leap Of Faith' on 14,000ft Colorado mountain

The Leap Of Faith separates Maroon Peak from North Maroon Peak in the US state and requires nerves of steel as the rocks on either side are loose. The video begins with one climber gearing himself up to jump (left) before leaping safely across (right) and turning around to encourage his friend to do the same. However, tensions are high because the first climber sends several rocks tumbling down the mountainside.

Clean, punctual and a top speed of 160mph... we're not in Britain any more! Why the brand new Shinkansen train is the only way to see Japan

The new Shinkansen train service links Tokyo with the ancient city of Kanazawa. Operating at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour, it reduces the old travel time to the city by an hour.

Miracle crash landing of small plane on a Florida beach packed with tourists that left pilot, passenger and bystanders uninjured

Plane on Florida beach that was brought safely down among beachgoers

A dramatic picture shows the plane (main) on the beach at Singer Island on Saturday evening after engine problems forced the pilot, Jamie Barker, to bring the plane down. He had just flown passenger Gina Mason (inset with Barker) past landmark Jupiter Lighthouse and was on his way back to Lantana airport when the engine reportedly stalled.

Ten years after Hurricane Katrina changed New Orleans forever: Six things you must do in the Big Easy

Since the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city has been rebuilding and has experienced 'the greatest turnaround,' with lots on offer for visiting tourists to explore.

Five hundred miles of coast and more sheep than people: A revealing look at Sweden's largest island (where there are just two hours of darkness in summer)

Gotland is Sweden's largest island with over 50,000 residents. It can be reached by a car ferry from the Oskarshamn port. Do not miss the unusual sea stacks that look like giant pillars.

Exploring churches, castles and a jamon-curing house on a foodie adventure through the heart of Spain

The old town of Caceres in Spain is listed as a Unesco site. Located three hours from Madrid the city boasts 17 churches. The food-filled trip included a visit to scenic pastures and sampling local ingredients.

Rich history meets the 21st Century in one of Britain's classic seaside towns: Lapping up ice cream and nostalgia at Blackpool

While some may look upon the era of a seaside holiday to Blackpool as outdated, there is still plenty to enjoy around the beach, from Madame Tussauds to an old fashioned stick of rock.

Suds in the city! From London's Tower Bridge to Hong Kong's dazzling skyscrapers... the world's most amazing skylines from hotel bath tubs

The world's most amazing skylines from hotel bath tubs

While stunning sights during private moments are usually reserved for resorts in the wild, with jungle ferns or an open expanse of beach out the window, these deluxe bath time retreats are a pane of double-glazed glass from a memorable view. The perfectly appointed baths take in some of the most iconic city sights there are, including a tub overlooking the Taj Mahal (top right), a jacuzzi above the bright lights of Hong Kong (main) and London's Tower Bridge from the privileged position of The Shard (bottom right).

British Airways Dreamliner forced to land at Siberian airport after smoke from passenger's overheated smartphone caused alarm on board

The unusual incident sparked a scare as smoke was detected inside the cabin as the Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner flew from Incheon airport in Seoul to London Heathrow Airport.

Put your neck pillow under your chin, skip the booze and try the headbanger: The ultimate guide to falling asleep on a plane 

Travellers who struggle to sleep on a plane - no matter how exhausted they are or how long the flight is - can follow these 10 simple tips to help them to relax and doze off.

Wish 'roo were here! Australia's incredible Kangaroo Island is home to more than 60,000 marsupials (but only 4,500 humans)

Wildlife is teeming on the island dubbed the 'Australian Galapagos' because of the way creatures evolved into distinct species after rising sea levels left it adrift from the mainland.

Dublin named Europe's cheapest capital for a culture break (and bottom-ranked London is four times more expensive)

New research suggests the cost of visiting six cultural attractions in the Irish capital is £76 per person. London is Europe's most expensive city for culture, with entry to six sites costing £287.50.

Where to REALLY get away from it all: The world's most secluded hotels... from luxury yurts in Mongolia's Gobi Desert to aluminum igloos in Greenland 

The world's most secluded hotels from Mongolia to Greenland 

Whether you're in the market for an adventurous exploration in Patagonia or prefer a romantic retreat to a southern atoll in the Maldives, there's an off-the-beaten path destination for everyone. And while it may require a bit of commitment to reach these isolated destinations, guests will be rewarded ten-fold. Pictured: Hotel Arctic Ilulissat, Greenland (bottom right), Jade Screen Hotel in Huangshan, China (bottom left), Explora Patagonia in Chile (top right), Mongolia's Three Camel Lodge (top left) and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives (inset).

Horror of tourists who went on a whale watching trip... but only saw dead endangered whales being dragged to shore 

As the Hvalur 8 ship brought the slaughtered endangered fin whales to port in Iceland, American tourist Timothy Baker and his group were sickened by the sight unfolding before them.

Now YOU can visit the infamous Big Brother house: The Elstree Studios residence will open its doors to the public this autumn

The space, which appears on Channel 5's hit reality TV show, will open its doors to the public beginning on October 1. It will be available for team-building days, parties and meetings.

The 'dark side' of frequent flying: Academics warn that the consequences include serious physiological and emotional damage

UK and Swedish experts have warned that a jet-setting lifestyle can lead to sleep and gastro-intestinal patterns being disrupted, disorientation and loneliness.

Uber launches take-away delivery service... and in New York drivers will pick up your dry cleaning, too

Beginning this week, UberEATS is available in Chicago, Austin, Toronto, San Francisco and New York, after a successful trial period in LA and Barcelona.

Electrifying footage captures the incredible moment that a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 was struck by LIGHTNING

YouTube user Jack Perkins unknowingly captured footage of lightning striking a nearby Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 plane on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Dodgy food in Lagos, a week of rain in Llandudno and a return to Lebanon after being held hostage: Author Terry Waite reveals his most memorable travels

English author Terry Waite has experienced a fair bit of travelling with the then Archbishop of Canterbury. Here he shares some of his experiences around the globe.

Helipads, a rooftop hot tub and an incredible view of the setting sun: Inside the Victorian fort that looks like the perfect lair for a Bond villain

No Man's Fort looks like the perfect lair for a Bond villain

Where soldiers once held gun practices, there are now 22 luxury bedrooms for an unusual overnight stay at No Man's Fort in the Solentm which is accessible by helicopter and boat. Don't worry about drifting away in the night, walls 60ft thick anchor the fort firmly to the seabed.

More than 2million passengers could claim compensation over delayed flights after Ryanair loses legal battle 

Ryanair was accused of using the small print to get around rules that give passengers six years to make a claim if their flight is delayed - effectively reducing that limit to two years by stealth.

No escape from the daily grind: One in three admit to checking their work emails EVERY DAY while on holiday

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The research suggests we're still thinking about the office even while trying to enjoy a break as 34 per cent confess to checking their inbox at least once daily.

Man born on board a Turkish Airlines plane grows up to be a flight attendant... with Turkish Airlines (well, he was bound to feel at home)

Erkan Geldi was born on a Turkish Airlines flight from Izmir, Turkey, to Frankfurt, Germany, in 1990, when his mother went into labour during the descent. Today, he works as a flight attendant for the carrier.

Enjoying it while it lasts! V Festival revellers soak up the sun - before torrential rain and TORNADOES sweep in this weekend

Revellers attending V Festival soaked up the sun as they arrived at the site today - but the end of the festival could bring torrential rain and even tornadoes.

Stunning Italian beach seen in Il Postino now closed to swimmers after human excrement in the water sends bacteria levels THREE TIMES over the acceptable limit

According to samples taken by an environmental agency on August 12, high levels of E.Coli and faecal bacteria have now rendered swimming in the water at Cimetero di Procida unsafe.

Novel idea: The quaint Scottish bookshop holidaymakers PAY to run while staying in the flat above

The quaint Scottish AirBnB bookshop holidaymakers PAY to run

Guests pay £150 to work a 40-hour week at The Open Book store, while staying in the flat above the shop in Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway. The unusual holiday retreat has just been listed on lodging website AirBnB. Holidaymakers will be given training in bookselling from local book experts. They will also have the opportunity to put their 'own stamp' on the store while they're there.

Passenger who arrived late for flight to high school reunion 'chased down plane as it pulled away from gate and tried to stop it from leaving without him'

An affidavit filed by police claims Marc Rehmar, 58, went through an emergency exit and ran up to a tug driver who was 'pushing back a plane filled with passengers' at Denver's airport.

Guns, saws and camping stoves (but not snow globes): Infographic reveals the surprising items you can take on an airplane

Some of the permitted items may come as a shock to passengers, as they could be perceived as potential weapons or a danger to other holidaymakers.

Pensioner forced to miss flight after artificial hip set off metal detector and all-female security team refused to frisk him

The female security officers refused to search Robert Hart, citing a same-sex pat-down policy, and he was forced to take a later flight when a male officer was on duty at the airport in Terrace, Canada.

Jedi training with Star Wars characters, giant water slides and circus workshops: The BEST adventure family cruises

The BEST adventure family cruises from Star Wars to giant water slides revealed

From October, the liner Disney Dream (top right) will bring Star Wars to life, with themed areas and Jedi training. Here are some other family cruises that are sure to entertain youngsters at sea. Kids will love the 455ft-long raft ride, Kaleid- o-Slide on Carnival Vista (top left and bottom right) and circus workshops on Norwegian Cruise Lines (bottom left).

Women suffer more from post-holiday blues than men (with many buying themselves expensive presents to boost their mood)

A new survey by Auto Europe has found that 53 per cent of women suffer after all of the holiday hype comes to an end, with 29 per cent even revealing that they feel 'deflated' and 'demotivated.'

Magaluf crime gang arrested for 'swindling drunk tourists out of £320k by cloning their bank cards'

British police have flown out  two British police officers to Magaluf to help the local Police force deal with UK nationals involved in crime.Two officers from the West Midlands force will patrol alongside the Guardia Civil in Magaluf, on the island of Mallorca to assist in investigations where British holidaymakers are offenders or victims.The British ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said: ìThe presence of UK police officers will help to remind British holidaymakers of the importance of respecting local laws and customs, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, free from trouble and crime.îThe  British uniformed Officers are  spending the first week in Magaluf before heading to San Antonio for another week in what is being described as a trial operation. 
This pic:British Police alongside the Spanish Civil Guard in Magaluf today.

The ring would steal the codes of the credit cards of customers of bars on the beach resort in Majorca, which is known for its excesses of alcohol and sex, and sometimes clone the cards, it's claimed.

Hue goes there! Villagers in Bali paint their bodies VERY bright green to ward off bad luck and evil spirits

Bali villagers paint their bodies VERY bright green to ward off bad luck

The Grebeg ritual, which is aimed at neutralising all of the 288 evil spirits that are believed to inhabit the rivers nearby, is staged every six months in Tegallang village, Gianyar, Bali, in Indonesia. During the parade, which requires that villagers dress up as demons, community members walk through the village carrying bamboos sticks or palm branches (left) to symbolise a weapon. As part of the ceremony, villagers also offer prayers with their painted bodies (bottom right).

'It's very steep and too high... but at least it's free': Tourist leaves hilarious one-star TripAdvisor review of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis

'GrimTraveller', from Sulgrave, explained that after visiting Mount Snowdon in Wales - which you can access on a train - he had 'forgotten' just how high some mountains can be.

Finally, wines that won't pile on the pounds! A new fizz boasts fewer calories per BOTTLE than a single glass of house red

Dieters often find their weight loss is hindered by their drinking habit, but there's no need to forgo the wine if you're trying to lose weight. You can indulge with this selection of low-calorie wines.

Indian airport becomes the first in the world to be powered ENTIRELY by solar energy using 46,000 panels - but will the idea take off?

It was announced this week that 46,000 solar panels near India's Cochin International Airport's cargo complex would make the airport 'absolutely power neutral'.

British holidaymaker arrested for 'hitting conductor in face with skateboard' after being kicked off train for not having a ticket

Police in the Swiss canton of Saint Gallen said the 58-year-old train conductor lost several teeth when he was attacked by a tourist on a platform at St Margrethen station.

An Inspector Calls: Inside Britain's most expensive hotel where the cheapest room is £720 a night, there are three staff to each guest and the fruit salad comes with strips of edible gold leaf

The Lanesborough in London is Britain's most expensive hotel

The Lanesborough (inset, bottom right) is a luxury recreation of 18th-century Regency London. The cheapest room is £720 a night (top right), while the seven-bedroom Royal Suite (bottom left) is available for a staggering £31,200. The Inspector spent the night at this iconic hotel, where a standard room with breakfast and dinner (top left) sets guests back at least £1,300.

Tourist causes outrage after having a BATH in Venice canal

Footage shows the man splashing around and using the water to clean his armpits, shoulders and back in the latest incident to cause outrage among locals who are fed up with the tourist hordes.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand? Foreign Office tells Britons to 'take extra care' when visiting, but NOT to avoid the country

Following the bomb attack on Bangkok the Foreign Office has not told Britons to avoid the country, even though there is a 'high threat from terrorism'. Instead it is telling them to take extra care.

Rolling hills, award-winning food and a luxury spa: Inside the traditional Dartmoor hotel that's been welcoming guests for 100 years (just don't expect a rainforest shower or mini bar in your room)

Inside the The Ilsington Country House Hotel in Dartmoor

MailOnline's Carol Driver spends a long weekend at the Ilsington Country House Hotel (main pic) in Dartmoor, which boasts a new spa (left inset), a 2 AA rosette restaurant serving top-quality food (right inset) and the perfect location to explore the rolling countryside. Dartmoor is a draw for walkers and hikers, with more than 450 miles of public rights of way, and routes to suit all abilities - not to mention breath-taking panorama.

Upgraded to a 'private' jet! British holidaymaker has ENTIRE Boeing 737 to himself after other passengers failed to show up

Professional chess player Nigel Short, originally from Leigh, Lancashire, had his choice of seat and was outnumbered by cabin crew when he was the only passenger on board an Air Zimbabwe flight.

'Shark alert' on Benidorm beach: Tourists flee after boy, 10, was bitten by mystery fish while swimming

The young boy was left with a large circular mark just above his waist, and the incident off Poniente Beach sparked rumours the beach had been closed due to a shark attack (file photo).

'Food porn' censored: Why it's ILLEGAL to upload pictures of meals to Instagram in Germany

A 2013 Federal Court of Justice ruling in Germany found elaborately arranged food to be the artistic property of its creator.

Ryanair passenger forced to sit next to pool of VOMIT that was covered with tissues and left on floor from previous flight

Passenger Noel O'Hare said the plane was warm, the pool of sick smelled and it left him feeling like he had to vomit. Ryanair said it was not cleaned up due to a shortage of cleaners at Gatwick.

Shocking photos and underwater film show $6m American-owned superyacht sinking after running aground off the millionaire's favorite Greek island of Mykonos

Photographs and footage show yacht sinking off Greek island of Mykonos

Footage and photos have emerged showing a multimillion-pound superyacht sinking after hitting a reef off the idyllic island of Mykonos, with reports suggesting it was a 106ft vessel that was delivered to its owner in 2009. Local reports said four foreigners had not suffered any injuries when they were rescued from the sinking vessel between the tourist resorts of Platis Gialos and Psarrou. Port officials have launched an investigation into the incident.

Tasered for having a man bag: Passenger is dragged off London to Belfast easyJet flight by police after row over extra piece of hand luggage

The easyJet flight  was due to depart from London's Gatwick Airport this morning but the flight was reportedly delayed after the man became 'increasingly abusive'.

A hotel that really WILL be fit for a king or queen: Soon guests will be able to check into the Palace of Versailles' opulent premises and stay the night

In an attempt to raise revenue, the state-owned French palace will open its doors as a hotel. The Hotel de l'Orangerie, as its tentatively been named, will overlook the famed L'Orangerie gardens.

Film student spends loan capturing spine-tingling time-lapse of Europe's most stunning landscapes 

Battling dehydration and lack of oxygen James Hollins, 23, snapped volcanoes and mountain waterfalls in a goosebump-inducing video around Europe.

Stansted could face summer holiday chaos as luggage scanners announce a bank holiday strike amid pay rise row

Luggage scanning staff at Stansted airport are gearing up to strike over a pay dispute. They are planning to stop work two mornings in August.

Father's incredible 43,000 mile voyage around the world after stroke made him quit his high pressure job

A 68-year-old man from Glasgow criss-crossed the globe visiting New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Barbados, and Cape Town over the course of four years.

Bloomin' lovely! Photographer captures playful polar bears having the time of their lives in a field of wild flowers

Wildlife photographer Dennis Fast captures playful polar bears in a field of wild flowers

Canadian photographer Dennis Fast captured these stunning wildlife shots near Northern Canada's Hudson Bay in the province of Manitoba. Aspiring photographers and animal lovers alike can also see these white giants for themselves as part of a safari with Arctic adventure company, Churchill Wild, where Dennis serves as chief photographer.

68 passengers are removed from Flybe flight moments before take-off after 'abusive' stag party 'threatened cabin crew'

A Flybe flight from Newcastle Airport to Stansted was cancelled when the captain radioed through to Northumbria Police that there was a problem in the cabin.

Passenger jet with 150 people on board forced to dump fuel and return to Liverpool Airport after bird strike on take-off

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Blue Air flight 134 took off this morning from LIverpool Airport at 10am, yet within minutes of being airborne, the pilot was alerted that there had been a bird strike.

From ocean swells to losing the audience to 'a napkin-folding class:' How one journalist-turned-lecturer had a less-than-smooth journey on his Baltic cruise

Bill Hagerty was invited on a 16-day Saga Sapphire tour around the Baltic to speak on his experiences with the world's biggest stars. Battling bad weather and holding the attention of the crowds he sailed on.

Hidden paradise: Inside the stunning Portuguese islands with volcanoes and shining lakes that lie undiscovered to tourists 

The mesmerising Azores are part of the Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The unspoilt islands boast craggy volcanic cones and brilliant blue lakes.

Inside the former Soviet ship used to spy on the UK and US during the Cold War that now has a new mission... holiday cruises!

Inside the Soviet La Sultana ship used to spy on the UK and US in the Cold War

One of the last remaining spy ships of its kind, La Sultana has been transformed into a classic luxury superyacht with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, helipad and seven passenger cabins (bottom left). With marble baths and wood finishes throughout, the 213ft vessel (inset) is now available for charter from £160,000 ($250,000) a week. It boasts an enormous owner's cabin (top right), an elegant lounge and bar (top left) and original features, including a Russian language dial on the bridge (bottom right), and plenty of Cold War secrets.

Presidential suite? Inside the Washington DC hotel where the Obamas stayed for a fortnight before Barack's inauguration

Just a stone's throw from the White House lies historic Hay-Adams Hotel which has played host to a range of political and royal figures over the years, from Tony Blair to Charles and Camilla.

'I'm not going near a bike!' Olympic cyclist Laura Trott vowed to keep things strictly off the track on her Jamaican break with fellow gold medallist fiance Jason Kenny

The golden cycling couple went to the couples-only Ocho Rios in Jamaica for a well-earned break from their training. The pair announced their engagement over Twitter last December.

Do you want a peek inside 10 Downing Street? London architecture festival to allow guests a FREE behind-the-scenes tour of over 700 iconic city venues

Open House London is allowing guests to see inside prominent London buildings on September 19 and 20. Locations include the BT tower, Channel 4 HQs and the Royal Courts of Justice.

Yes, camping really can be romantic: How we spent our 15th wedding anniversary on a rural campsite - and didn't regret a moment 

Clare Hall is more used to spending her big romantic weekends in luxury hotels. But for their 15th wedding anniversary, she and husband John headed for a Dorset campsite. What could possibly go wrong?

Spain's very own Wild West: Tourists flock to Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood to stay at real-life set where Indiana Jones was filmed

Spain's wild west: Inside Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood studios in Almeria

Three shows are staged, including a can-can show in the saloon, an American style cowboy fight and a faux bank robbery action sequence in the middle of the dusty main street. And for those who can't get enough, there's even the option to stay overnight in one of seven different on-site bungalows. Activities also include horse riding, the chance to recreate your own vintage-style photo shoot, and a horse cart shuttle service. There's also a full-service restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Couple's horror after BOILING water crashes through ceiling of Travelodge room

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Richard Bueno, 32 was spending one night at the London Southgate Travelodge hotel with his girlfriend Anna Katz, who had just flown over from Israel, when disaster struck.

A special sort of tee time in Spain: Going for golf glory at PGA Catalunya - a course with plenty of challenges (and a splendid setting)

Purists will argue that the only place to play golf is amid the wilds of Scotland. But Henry Deedes finds much to admire when he flies to Spain - and a course which hopes to host the Ryder Cup.

From the light being clearer, the sea being bluer and the colours being brighter: How 'everything in Sicily is more'

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, just off the Italian coast and one of the highlights is the impressive Taormina theatre features the striking Mount Etna in the background.

Children in charge! The London hotel package that lets kids also check into a miniature version....at the city's KidZania theme park

The Dorsett offers a special package letting children visit the new KidZania, an educational child-sized indoor city that includes a hospital, bakery, fire station, beauty salon and a nightclub.

Our love affair with the coast remembered: 'Lost' days of the great British seaside holiday are revealed in rare vintage photographs

Author Sarah Freeman's work harks back to the heyday of seaside resorts like Blackpool, Margate, Scarborough and Morecambe, a time when summer saw a mass exodus to the beach.

Incredible pictures of the world's most breathtaking waterfalls from the stunning frozen landscapes of Iceland to the rainforests of South America

While some, like Iguazu Falls, act as a border - separating Argentina and Brazil - others waterfalls are lesser known, but equally as stunning, like the deep forest cascade in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Ben Nevis as you've never seen it before: Climber captures stunning drone footage of his solo ascent of UK's highest peak

Ben Nevis drone video shows Rob Johnson's solo climb

Photographer Rob Johnson (inset), from North Wales, captured dazzling scenes that look like they were shot by a helicopter film crew as he scaled the 4,409ft mountain in Scotland. His four-minute video offers a fascinating look at Ben Nevis' rugged north face, with shots that are the first of their kind. He filmed himself as he climbed the ledge route, which normally takes about eight hours to complete.

Rare 'fire rainbow' cloud spotted above South Carolina beach (and visitors say it lasted for over an HOUR)

An unusual spectacle was spotted over the South Carolina's Isle of Palms - about 30 minutes from Charleston - on Sunday, when a beach goer spotted a strangely shaped rainbow in the sky.

Video captures terrified screams of passengers on plane forced into emergency landing after 'violent hailstorm' destroyed its nose cone and shattered cockpit window

damaged Alitalia plane that was forced into an emergency landing and flew through violent storm

The storm was so ferocious that the Milan-bound plane was forced to land at Naples 30 minutes into the journey. Some passengers were so shaken that they took a bus to their destination.

Incredible time-lapse video shows Airbus A330 being stripped bare and filled with new business and economy seats

Australian airline Qantas is in the process of refurbishing 28 of its Airbus A330 planes, which is no small feat. The overhaul will use the skills of 200 engineers working 226,000 man hours.

Inches from the largest animal on earth: Stunning drone footage captures lone kayaker's thrilling encounter with blue whales

Patrick Dykstra, 35, from Denver, recorded the amazing scenes off the coast of Sri Lanka and also managed to snap breathtaking underwater shots of the majestic creatures.

Where Skye is not the limit: A weekend on ravishing Raasay in the Inner Hebrides - arather  long journey, but absolutely worth it

The Inner Hebrides, Sophia Martelli admits, do not sound as far flung as their Outer siblings. But that does not make the island of Raasay anything less than glorious - even if it takes a while to reach.

A Yorkshireman finds a new admiration for Lancashire: Gothic glories, high art and glorious food on a weekend in Manchester 

Manchester is not a place that a confirmed Yorkshireman should wander - least of all enjoy. So Andrew Martin's admiration for the sights and sounds of Manchester is praise indeed.

An Inspector Calls: A heavy price to pay to stay at The Vine House, Burnham Market, Norfolk (can £310 a night ever be worth it?)

Once upon a time, the Hoste Arms in North Norfolk was a simple pub. Now it has The Vine House, an accommodation annexe where the prices are not cheap. The Inspector takes a look.

Now THIS is a tight squeeze: The tiny green island ruled by an army of 4m penguins

Macquarie Island is ruled by an army of four million penguins

Welcome to Macquarie Island, which lies 900 miles south of Australia. The stunning penguin haven has been made a Unesco site to protect the colonies there. It may be hard to believe now, but the population was once near extinction, following extensive hunting in the early 20th century.

A sumptuous sip of Rioja: Slipping into a lost corner of the Basque Country for fine wines, hilltop towns and the quirkiest hotel 

A southerly corner of the Basque region, Rioja Alavesa is not hugely well known to British visitors. But venture here, and you will find scenic joys, lovely hotels - and wine, says Christopher Middleton.

Is this McDonald's most attractive worker? Fans flock to fast-food chain in Taiwan just to see 'goddess' waitress with doll-like features... but some claim she isn't real 

Blogger RainDog captured photos of Hsu Wei-han serving fries and burgers in Taiwan. She is now building a fan base as customers flock to the fast-food chain in the city of Kaohsiung.

Sandwich wars! Visitors banned from eating packed lunches at Southwold Pier... and elderly couple told they had to pack their Victoria sponge cake back into their Tupperware

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The seaside resort of Southwold is at the centre of a row after people were stopped from picnicking. One family have said they were ordered to pack away their cheese and pickle sandwiches.

Make mine a double! Airport's biggest drinkers are GRANDMOTHERS who are likely to consume more than eight units of alcohol before their flight

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As airlines crack down on bad behaviour on flights, the profile of passengers who drink the most may come as a surprise, with women over 65 the biggest airport drinkers.

Charming cobblestone streets in Habana Vieja, show-stopping sand and surf in Cayo Santa Maria... and the friendliest locals around: Visit Cuba now before the tourists descend

It's true what they say: it's as if time has stood still on the quaint island nation of Cuba. Having been under Communist rule since the 1950s, Cuba has just recently re-established diplomacy with the West.

Search teams discover flight TGN267 wreckage and prepare to hunt for survivors after the Trigana Air plane crashed into the Indonesian jungle carrying 54 people 

Search teams have found the wreckage of an Indonesian passenger plane that lost contact on Sunday and disappeared with 54 people on board. It was found about 12km from Oksibil in Papua.

Volcanic lightning, 600-mile-long clouds and mesmerising ocean sinkholes: Infographic highlights the world's weirdest and most wonderful natural phenomena

Volcanic lightning, 600-mile-long clouds and mesmerising ocean sinkholes: Infographic

There are plenty of breathtaking man-made sights in the world - but this infographic is a reminder that Mother Nature has a few eye-catching delights for tourists around the world. Here's a handy guide by Visit Isle of Man to some amazing all-natural rarities. Pictured are crabs on Christmas Island (top left), lenticular clouds (top right), Belize's submarine sinkhole (bottom right), Morning Glory clouds in Northern Australia (bottom left) and an example of a 'dirty thunderstorm' (inset).

Dream job? 'Hotel tester' paid to sleep in the beds and make sure they are comfy enough (but the loo inspection isn't quite as fun)

While most of us spend our time dreaming of our next getaway some individuals get to travel the world reviewing the best hotels, beds, pools and room service for their jobs.

You'll blink in disbelief: The incredible mud volcano that has the uncanny resemblance to a gigantic human EYE

From high above, the centre of the Pugachevskiy mud volcano looks like the pupil, surrounded by a muddy brown iris. The rare phenomenon was caught on camera on the Sakhalin Island, East Russia.

Shocking moment woman is kicked-off plane screaming and swearing by police after refusing to put her dog, that was 'snapping at the crew,' in a pet carrier

After allegedly being asked by staff to put the dog into the box, the passenger refused. Police were then called to Salt Lake City Airport in the U.S. and ejected her off the plane.

Royal Caribbean to introduce a WATER PARK on world's largest cruise ship Harmony of the Seas (including 10-storey slides)

It will be the first of its fleet to feature an interactive water park for kids, called Splashaway Bay, boasting a massive waterslide complete with a 10-storey plunge.

Own a FLOATING island: World's first ultra-luxury atolls to be built in the Maldives, Dubai and Miami

Christie's International Real Estate says the world's first floating islands will be 'ultra high-end', self-sufficient and eco-friendly, and owners will be able to customise them to their liking.

Paralympian Gregory Burns shows off giant mural detailing London life as The Cumberland Hotel's first 'live artist'

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The four-star Cumberland Hotel in London has landed on the scene in spectacular style after it decided to employ its first ever 'live artist,' Paralympian-turned-painter Gregory Burns.

A look inside Richard Branson's newest but most understated South African boutique hotel, which is well-deserving of a fanfare

Mont Rochelle is a 22-bedroom hotel under an hour away from Cape Town. It boasts a vineyard, fitting for being located in a wine-growing town, Franschhoek. Branson bought the hotel in 2014.

Give yourself to the dark side! The world's top ten places to star gaze revealed (and they're all in just THREE countries)

Wanderlust reveal the world's top ten star gazing spots

The top 10 best stargazing sites around the world are all contained in just three countries; the US, Hungary and Scotland. Staunton River State Park in Virginia (top left), Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah (top right), and the Zselic National Landscape Protection Area in Hungary took the top three places. Also making the list is Galloway Forest Park in Scotland (bottom right), Flagstaff, Arizona (bottom left), and the Goldendale Observatory Park, Washington, US (inset).

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