Spectacular hotels of the future: Amazing designs feature floating rooms, buildings that defy gravity and an Alpine skyscraper

The hotels of the future that'll make holidays more amazing and weird

Holidays are set to become a great deal more memorable if these incredible hotel designs become a reality. From the off-centre Unbalance hotel in Peru (bottom right) to the magnificent Hotel Crescent, Azerbaijan (centre), architects are seeking to push the boundaries of building designs. Many take to the water to provide an unusual stay, like the floating Krystall hotel, Norway (top right), Amphibious 1000 in Qatar (top left) and the Water Discus hotel, Dubai (bottom left).

Inside the world's most luxurious suites: From a first class plane cabin to a New York penthouse, take a 360-degree tour of the places most of us can only dream of staying

Take a 360-degree tour of inside the world's most luxurious suites

In a stunning 360-degree sphere,  this is a a virtual reality tour of some of the world's most extravagant accommodations. Suites on a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 (bottom right), Cunard's duplex stateroom aboard the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner (top right), and the Ty Warner Penthouse suite at the Four Seasons hotel (left) in New York will give you a real taste of the high life.

Extraordinary moment a barefoot driver and bikini-clad woman stopped FOUR lanes of traffic on the M4 - because of a puncture 

The man is understood to have been towing a small boat when one of the trailer's tyres burst, forcing him to come to a standstill on the outside lane of a busy interchange on the M4, near Bristol.

Restaurant tipping row spreads: Now staff accuse bosses of up-and-coming chain Bill's of keeping the 12.5% service charge and even CASH left by diners for the waiters 

According to one former employee of Bill's, which has 67 restaurants across the UK, he was even instructed to order staff to tell customers that tips were equally shared among restaurant workers.

Surf's up for Sam and David Cameron as they take to the waves with bodyboards and wetsuits during annual Cornish holiday

Prime Minister David Cameron, 48, was spotted in a shortie wetsuit and carrying a blue bodyboard as he took to the waves at Polzeath yesterday with his wife Samantha, 44.

Would YOU dare to walk on this? Gigantic glass viewing platform to open 820 feet above China's Wulong National Geological Park

Glass viewing platform to open 820 feet above China's Wulong National Geological Park

If heights give you the heebie-jeebies, look away now. A vertigo-inducing glass floor, set to be Asia's largest viewing platform is due to open in above Karst Valley in Wulong National Geological Park, in south-west China on October 1st, the day the country celebrates National Day.

Police to patrol beaches in Dubai after complaints about men taking photos of women sunbathing

D64MR4.jpg

Dubai Police have confirmed the growing rise in unsolicited photo-taking, believing that often men will pretend they are taking shots of buildings or the beach itself.

British holidaymakers have £663MILLION in leftover foreign currency after holidays abroad... with few converting it back

The average traveller pockets £55.25 in foreign notes. One in six UK travellers admit to having at least £75 of leftover currency, which would amount to £370 million across the country.

Pictured: The moment drunk British tourist went to sleep on top of an arch in Malaga city centre

A British tourist picked the most uncomfortable bed in Malaga after a few too many drinks at the city's summer festival. The 40-year-old was reported for disorderly conduct.

Hawaii's Waikiki beach hit by 500,000-gallon sewage spill

Heavy rains triggered a half-million gallon sewage spill near Hawaii's world-famous tourist district, prompting city officials on Monday to close most of the beach fronting Waikiki.

Getting away from it all... in 1948: The fascinating photographs that reveal what life on a dude ranch in Wyoming used to look like

Getting away from it all... in 1948: The fascinating photographs that reveal what life on

Escaping the stresses of early 20th century city life, 'dudes' would head to Western retreats to experience the cowboy lifestyle. Dude ranches such as Jackson Hole (right) thrived on the tourism. As the lure of fresh air, cowboy bars (centre) and fishing (left) pulled in vast numbers, many ranchers gave up their cattle livelihood completely to focus on offering ranch activities and businesses.

Couple cancel their three-week honeymoon in the Caribbean to enjoy a post-wedding holiday in Banksy's Dismaland instead

Newly-weds Simon Christie-Irwin, 34, and Rachelle, 29, snubbed a luxury holiday in Cuba in favour of the 'Bemusement Park' in rainy Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Woman who was banned from taking £125 brandy on to plane downed FULL BOTTLE - then rolled drunk around the airport floor

A bottle of "XO" (extra old) cognac is displayed at the Remy Martin distillery in Cognac, southwestern France, in this October 8, 2012 file photo. Remy Cointreau is expected to report Q1 results this week.   REUTERS/Regis Duvignau/Files
GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD PACKAGE - SEARCH "BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD JULY 20" FOR ALL IMAGES

After queuing for a flight from Beijing Airport to Wenzhou in China, the woman, surnamed Zhou, was stopped by officers from taking the Rémy Martin XO Excellence through security.

Back on track: Nitama the cat becomes the new stationmaster at remote Japanese railway after death of previous feline boss

Nitama the cat becomes the new stationmaster at remote Japanese railway

Cat lovers across Japan - and indeed the world - mourned the loss of Tama, the first and only feline stationmaster, based at the Kishi train station in the Kinokawa neighbourhood of Japan. But now, after 50 days, the much loved cat has been replaced - by his former assistant stationmaster, Nitama - or Tama II - who beat several other cat challengers to take on the much coveted role.

Whoops! Wobbly street performers attempt at creating a human tower ends in disaster  

Captured on camera in Catalonia, the performers showcase a strong base of around 30 people successfully propping up nine more at an impressive height before one slip brings it all down.

A vine mess: Hundreds of locals and tourists drench each other with red plonk in Spanish town's epic 'Battle of Wine'

Toro locals and tourists drench each other with red plonk in 'Battle of Wine'

Hundreds of locals in the town of Toro, Zamora in Spain took to the streets to act out the 'Batalla del Vino,' translated as the Battle of Wine. It follows in the footsteps of the more widely-known wine battle of Haro, La Rioja, that attracts thousands of people each year.

Officials seize 23 TONNES of potentially lethal foods in Italy including 300 bottles of counterfeit Champagne

D11M72.jpg

Italy's reputation as a gastronome's paradise was dealt a blow by the government revealing that out-of-date food and counterfeit champagne has been seized across 600 sites.

Benidorm to follow Ibiza and Magaluf and deploy British police officers on the streets to curb alcohol-fuelled trouble

D414K5 (1).jpg

British police will patrol Benidorm next year as part of a pioneering exchange agreement, authorities in the famous Costa Blanca resort have announced.

Crisis? What crisis? Soaking up the sun in the pretty Peloponnese - where, if Greece is in money-meltdown, you really won't notice

Greece has suffered a dreadful run of headlines of late. But if the country is in crisis, you certainly won't realise it in the rural backwater of the Peloponnese, says a very relaxed Jenny Coad.

Not your average Bed and Breakfast: From private islands to £1150 a night penthouses - how the super rich are taking over the world of online property rentals

How the super rich are taking over the world of online property rentals

The super rich from Santorini to Tokyo are making a mint by renting out their second and third homes - even planning their own holidays around how they can accommodate guests. According to recent reports, in June, the number of one bed listings charging more than £1,000 per night had increased threefold since the year before.

Flight attendant is grounded after airline decided she was 'too fat to fly'

A crew member from China's Qingdao Airlines has revealed that the airline stopped a flight attendant from flying for being overweight.

Surf's up... in Snowdonia: Making waves in the mountains of Wales - sampling the UK's best new adventure zone (sea not required)

There are many places where you might expect to find great conditions for a day on the board. But North Wales? Ellie Ross dons her wetsuit and waits for the waves at the new Surf Snowdonia.

A toast to the coast: A road trip along the hard edge of County Antim - where Game of Thrones plays out, and the whiskey is warm

Northern Ireland's upper edge is a rugged wonder ideal for a leisurely road trip. Mark Porter points his car along the Causway Coastal Route of Antrim for legendary encounters, and a drop of whiskey or two.

Is this the coolest home on two wheels? Vintage Airstream trailer is transformed into the ultimate hipster caravan

1950s vintage Airstream 'Whale Tail' trailer  transformed

The 1956 Whale Tail, also known as the Orvis Airstream, has entered the modern era thanks to updated interior decor and state-of-the-art mechanics. Formerly used as a hunting and fishing lodge near Goose Lake, Oregon, the vehicle is now road-ready. Although this model was crafted for fly-fishing apparel company, Orvis, Timeless Travel Trailers estimates that an Airstream that has undergone such an extensive renovation would retail for approximately $250,000 (£159,805).

Going off the grid in Kate Humble's rustic holiday home: A weekend in the Dordogne hut where the Springwatch celebrity relaxes

You have to heat water for two hours to have a shower, and there is no mobile signal for six miles. But Kate Humble's rustic hut in Perigord-Limousin national park is haven, says Isabelle King.

The far edge of Morocco: Dazzled by the dunes in the surfing enclave of Daklha (if you can't surf, you can just lie on the beach)

The sand may look familiar - plenty of it is exported to the Canaries to soften the volcanic beaches - but for many people, Morocco's surfing outpost of Dakhla is a hidden gem. Glenys Roberts goes south.

An Iceland for all ages: Taking the kids to the land of fire and rock, where the geysers are reliable even if the local whales are not

Pinned to Europe's far edge, Iceland is something of a leap for a family holiday. Diana McCormick takes her brood to the distant north for hot springs, blue lagoons and the promise of whales.

Safari under the stars in a 'bush bedroom': The South African hotel that offers breath-taking Big 5 views from the comfort of a luxury tree house

Safari under the stars at South Africa's Lion Sands Game Reserve

This out-of-this-world property in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa, offers guests the chance to get in touch with nature in the most lavish way possible. The Lion Sands Game Reserve boasts four full-service lodges and three spectacular tree houses, illuminated by candles and lanterns (left) where guests can sleep under the stars and get up close and personal with nature.

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.

The mysterious Petrifying Well said to be cursed by the Devil that turns everyday objects to STONE

The Petrifying Well said to be cursed by the Devil that turns objects to STONE

The mystical watering hole, which is located on the banks of the River Nidd, near Knaresborough in North Yorkshire, has the power to convert objects to stone. Due to its high mineral content, the water causes a hard mineral shell coating to form on any object that touches it. It's a similar process to what happens when salactites or stalagmites form, but at a much faster pace.

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.

Incredible aerial pictures show US and European tectonic plates in Iceland pulling apart leaving dramatic 200ft water-filled crevices that 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

DT7BE8.jpg

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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).

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).

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

DJ1777.jpg

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Photographer Rob Johnson, from North Wales, captured dazzling scenes that look like they were shot by a helicopter film crew as he scaled the north face of the mountain in Scotland.

Now THIS is a tight squeeze: The tiny green island 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.

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

With plenty of little-known spots to see, Visit IOM has created a handy guide to consult before embarking on your next holiday - particularly, if you want to be guaranteed a sighting of some all-natural rarities.

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?

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.

Bing

Get the Travel RSS feed

More RSS feeds...
   

TOP TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

NO FEES ON FOREIGN PURCHASES

• Credit cards selected by This is Money
company logo
   0% CURRENCY FEES
   Post Office Platinum
company logo
   0% CURRENCY FEES
   Saga Platinum
company logo
   0% FOREIGN FEES
   Lloyds Avios Card
company logo
   0% FOREIGN FEES
   Halifax Clarity

   

TOP STORIES IN TRAVEL

From poverty-stricken children to the golden glitz of Kim Jong-un's family museum, new photographs offer a fascinating insight into everyday life in North Korea

TUMANGANG, NORTH KOREA - AUGUST 19:  Kids pass by Tumangang railway station on August 19, 2015 in Tumangang, North Korea. North and South Korea today came to an agreement to ease tensions following an exchange of artillery fire at the demilitarized border last week.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Seen in these images is the abject poverty of rural North Korea, snapped along the railway from Russia to Pyongyang, compared to the capital cityscape.