With winter on the horizon now is the time to start thinking about heading to the slopes but why opt for a traditional skiing experience? From Iran to Austria here are MailOnline Travel's picks for the top futuristic ski lodges across the globe. Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Switzerland (middle, bottom left) offers a colourful and unique stay while Norway's Split View Mountain Lodge (top left) is a wintry haven. Kemarské Hut (top right, bottom right), in northern Slovakia, looks like a child's toy that has been thrown into the snow.
Brutal beauty of the outback: Stunning pictures capture day-to-life of Australia's cowboys
Photographer Hakan Ludwigson spent three months among the men - who are bound to saddles twelve hours a day mustering herds of cattle and branding and castrating young bulls - to photograph them in their day-to-day environment. After his time with the cattlemen, who live in a land covered in red dust, Ludwigson returned to his native Sweden with the images that in time became book Balls And Bulldust - published by Steidl .
The real-life Flintstones house: Holiday home is carved between four granite boulders and comes with a swimming pool and bulletproof windows (but there's no electricity)
Known as Casa do Penedo, or House of Stone, this bizarre dwelling in northern Portugal's Fafe Mountains has become a growing tourist attraction. Once used as a holiday home by a family, it has been transformed into a museum with local relics and photos on display. The 16.5-ft tall house is nestled within four granite boulders, and a swimming pool carved into one of the large rocks.
This is your captain... dancing! Leaked footage shows pilots busting a move to Bollywood pop song in cockpit
Leaked footage that has gone viral on the internet shows Pakistan International Airlines pilots dancing in the cockpit to the hit song Afghan Jalebi, from the action film Phantom. One pilot happily dances for the camera (left) while another grooves in his seat and raises his arms in the air (right). The plane was on the ground at the time and it's not known if any passengers were on board.
Oasis in the desert: Inside Bahrain's award-winning luxury resort ART Rotana
While some consider Dubai to be the new Ibiza for Essex girls seeking sun, Bahrain maintains a rich heritage. ART Rotana was named Bahrain's Leading Hotel and was awarded Seal of Excellence at the World Travel Awards. The suites at Rotana have their own nod to luxury (bottom left and right) and the resort has its own secluded beach (top right).
A 'floating' home over a picturesque beach and a retreat fit for a Bond villain: The most stunning cliff houses available for rent
For Instagram-obsessed tourists, nothing beats a holiday home with unrivalled views of a sweeping valley or crystal clear sea from what may seem like the edge of the world. The most amazing cliff houses in the world include Australia's Pole House (top left), which plays tricks on visitors' eyes, and Scotland's Eagle Bay Cottages (bottom right), which looks like a den for a Bond baddie. Other stunning holiday spots include Alinghi Beach House (top right) in Australia, Villa Barcelona (bottom left) in Spain, and Villa Aretusa (inset) on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast.
Don't leave me! Camera-shy baby pygmy hippo makes its debut at Bristol Zoo Gardens (and it follows its mum everywhere she goes)
Zoo staff have announced the birth of a three-week-old calf (left), which has not been named or sexed, and is spending its days sleeping, eating and swimming around a pool (top right) at the pygmy hippo house. The baby doesn't stray very far from its mother, Sirana, who has been seen nudging her baby back into shallow water in the pool (bottom right). The hippo house has been closed to allow the calf's mother and father settle into parenting, but will reopen to visitors soon.
Floating villas with underwater bedrooms and streets covered with fake snow: Dubai reveals plans for man-made island inspired by European living
With £1million floating homes and stunning views of Dubai's glittering skyline (bottom right), man-made St Petersburg Island is set to become the next major tourist magnet in the desert oasis. The heart-shaped island (top right) will boast a 109-room hotel and amazing villas known as 'floating seahorses' (left). The submerged level in each villa will boast a master bedroom and bathroom, with incredible views of a coral garden and marine life.
The royal seal of approval: A relaxing stay at the quiet and exquisite Caribbean island paradise that was loved by Princess Diana (and it is easy to see why)
Princess Diana (top right) stayed on Nevis (main) in the Caribbean 20 years ago with the young Princes William and Harry. From champagne breakfasts, horse-riding at sunset (top left) and catamaran cruises, the island offers a blissful getaway. No cruise ships nor long-haul flights stop at the island, which has helped the area retain its peaceful charm.
The terrifying moment passenger plane was blown SIDEWAYS by fierce crosswinds in Storm Barney and forced to abort landing
The Avro RJ85, which has a capacity of 95 passengers, approached Cork Airport's runway at a sharp angle and briefly touched down before lifting off and soaring back into the air. An aviation enthusiast who recorded the nerve-wracking footage said the plane landed safely minutes later. The aborted landing occurred as Ireland was battered by extreme winds and rain during Storm Barney.
Caught on camera: The moment an earthquake DESTROYS one of the world's most beautiful beaches
An earthquake, which was marked as 6.1 'strong' on the Richter Scale, brought surrounding cliffs down (bottom right) onto the Egremni Beach in Lefkada (pictured before top right) - which is rated the island's number one attraction. Australian tourist Thomas Verykios captured the moment that the once white sanded, pristine beach turned to dust (left).
How the magic began: Rare photographs reveal the excitement and the chaos of Disneyland's opening day in 1955
The opening of Disneyland in California with a gigantic castle (left) and the promise of 160-acres of rides and entertainment, understandably caused quite a stir in 1955. Taking just two years to create, the magical amusement park opened to 100 degree temperatures and traffic stretching for miles around. Although 6,000 tickets were initially sold for the anticipated launch day on July 17, a whopping 28,000 hopefuls showed up, most clutching forged tickets. Even Walt Disney (top left) himself made an appearance, to ensure that the rides (bottom right) and parades (top right) ran perfectly.
What it's REALLY like to fly a jet liner: MailOnline Travel takes the controls of a Boeing 737 at Virgin Atlantic's cadet training school
Virgin are on the lookout for prospective pilots for their 2016 Future Flyers programme. MailOnline's John Hutchinson travels to the learning base in Southampton for some hands-on training. This includes taking the controls in a Boeing 737 simulator, which shows off incredible visuals and the ability to replicate any flying scenario or weather condition.
First look at the UK's Crossrail trains which will be air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled and have room for 1,500 passengers
Concept pictures of the Crossrail trains were unveiled today by London mayor, Boris Johnson. Trains will have space for 1,500 customers in nine 650 foot walk-through carriages - more than one and a half times longer than the average tube train. The £14.8 billion project running from Reading in Berkshire in the west to Shenfield in Essex in the east, is due to be fully open in 2019 and will carry an estimated 200million customers each year.
So THIS is why they've got so many followers: Four of Britain's most popular Instagram users went on a road trip around Ireland... and these are the mesmerising photographs they took
In a quest to capture the perfect picture, the intrepid social media giants were sent to explore and snap the length and breadth of the country, and post their findings with the hashtag #TalesofIreland. Their breathtaking photographs of Games of Thrones backdrops and dramatic coastlines have been showcased to over 3.5 million users on Instagram worldwide, with the team demonstrating that Ireland is one of the most perfect road trip destinations. Photographers included Conor MacNeil, along with Ruairidh McGlynn, James Wright, Allan Hinton, who combined have over 520,000 followers on Instagram. Fans of the popular TV show will recognise the striking Dark Hedges in the project (centre), which is featured as The Kingsroad. Along with this Kylemore Abbey (top right), the Giant's Causeway, Dún Briste, Dunseverick Castle, (bottom right), Achill Island, Donegal Bay and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge were also captured in the photographic project that took place in September.
Are these the most awkward holiday photos ever? Competition to find the most cringe-worthy travel shots has yielded hilarious results
A competition is running to find some of Australia's most awkward holiday snaps, and they have so far received a hilarious selection, with submissions involving unfortunate beach and theme park antics. Witness the moment one little girl questioned her life decisions on a ride (bottom right), a cheeky seal leaned in for a surprise kiss (top right), two mischievous babies made a Christmas shoot tricky (centre), one photobomber spluttered into the front of a watersports picture (top left) and one backflipper spectacularly fails in Bali (bottom left).
Live and let buy like Blofeld: Spectre Bond villain's futuristic Moroccan lair is now up for sale for $4million
If you ever wanted to live like one of the Bond villains - there is now the opportunity to step right into the shoes (or the house, at least) of the baddie from the latest movie, Spectre. Superimposed into the middle of the Moroccan desert for several scenes in the film, the contemporary villa of baddie Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz (centre), is now up for sale. On the market for a whopping €4,000,000 (£2.8million), the impressive pad boasts three bedrooms, a large pool (top left), a fitness centre, large reception rooms (top right) and a separate guest house with a further three bedrooms available.
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TOP STORIES IN TRAVEL
- The real-life Flintstones house: Holiday home is carved between granite boulders and comes with a pool and bulletproof windows (but there's no electricity)
- No cramped wooden chalets and shared dorms here: The most futuristic and bizarre ski lodges that will make you want to head to the slopes
- This is your captain... dancing! Leaked footage shows pilots busting a move to Bollywood pop song in cockpit
- Holidaymakers' fury after Monarch Airlines flight from Tenerife to Birmingham was delayed for 38 HOURS over hydraulic leak
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- The brutal beauty of the life of cattlemen in Australia's Northern Territory captured in a series of stunning images
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- Northern enlightenment: Norway's spectacular fjords and Sweden's azure-blue lakes should put Scandinavia on every traveller's bucket list
- Floating villas with underwater bedrooms and streets covered with fake snow: Dubai reveals plans for man-made island inspired by European living
- Don't leave me! Camera-shy baby pygmy hippo makes its debut at Bristol Zoo Gardens (and it follows its mum everywhere she goes)
- A 'floating' home over a picturesque beach and a retreat fit for a Bond villain: The most stunning cliff houses available for rent
- The royal seal of approval: A relaxing stay at the quiet and exquisite Caribbean island paradise that was loved by Princess Diana (and it is easy to see why)
- One for the culture buffs! How a week in Jerusalem soaking up the thousands of years of history will leave you wanting to come back for more
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- Absolute beginners: The perfect powder and blue skies of Austria are a winning combination for a mother and daughter's first skiing holiday
- Canal-side cottages, serene countryside and elegant waterways: A bargain break for families in 'Venice of the North'
- Wish YOU were here? Royal Caribbean live streams video from world's third largest cruise ship to billboards around New York
- The terrifying moment passenger plane was blown SIDEWAYS by fierce crosswinds in Storm Barney and forced to abort landing
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- First look at the UK's Crossrail trains which will be air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled and have room for 1,500 passengers
- One fifth of Britons say they would prefer to stay at a hotel run entirely by ROBOTS
- EasyJet plane evacuated and passengers' luggage searched after traveller told cabin crew he had a bomb in his bag
- Pilot banned from flying after 'offering divorced AIR HOSTESS as compensation for a delay on a flight to Bali'
- Is India the most colourful place on Earth? Spectacular images show the Asian country at its most vibrant
- How the magic began: Rare photographs reveal the excitement and the chaos of Disneyland's opening day in 1955
- So THIS is why they've got so many followers: Four of Britain's most popular Instagram users went on a road trip around Ireland... and these are the mesmerising photographs they took
- Are these the most overrated places in the world? How Dubai, Venice and Los Angeles have left some tourists sorely disappointed
- Now THAT'S a pizza party! Airline orders takeaway for five planes full of stranded passengers who were diverted to Columbia due to bad weather
- Dublin Airport accused of spying on its passengers by monitoring their mobile data
- Incredible 360 degree interactive video offers a bird's eye view of Dubai's top attractions including Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab
- How everyday items can make packing a breeze: The ultimate travel hacks revealed
- Live and let buy: Spectre Bond villain's futuristic Moroccan lair is now up for sale for $4million
- Five-year-old boy is left distraught after his Buzz Lightyear toy is thrown away by airport staff who said it was a SECURITY risk
- Are these the most awkward holiday photos ever? Competition to find the most cringe-worthy travel shots has yielded hilarious results
- An enduring spirit: Fascinating post-WWI photographs of Paris street scenes show how the city has emerged shining from dark times before
- The railway children: Train in Budapest is run by 10 to 14-year-old kids who inspect tickets, conduct trains and even operate the signals
- TripAdvisor sparks outrage for refusing to run a review... because it's written in WELSH
- What it's REALLY like to fly a jet liner: MailOnline Travel takes the controls of a Boeing 737 at Virgin Atlantic's cadet training school
- You don't need to be flush to eat here: Inside Moscow's new toilet-themed cafe where diners sit on loo seats, eat from bathtubs and drink from urinal cups
- It beats taking the stairs! Residents of new block of flats will be able to SKI out... down a 1,000ft slope that runs from the roof
- Life in the fast lane: Incredible time-lapse video shows Chinese engineers rebuilding 1,300-tonne bridge in just 36 HOURS
- It beats plane food: The best 35 airport restaurants in the world revealed (and an outlet at Heathrow claims the top spot)
- Find out what it's REALLY like to live in 'seven-star' luxury: Burj Al Arab allows guests to tour its opulent rooms, helipad and spa with Google Street View (and you can even jump in the pool)
- Pig OUT: Hotel chain BANS bacon and sausages from its restaurants in favour of more fruit and vegetables
- Children of Chinatown: Rare black-and-white photographs reveal family life inside the original San Francisco district before it was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake
- From a UFO to a giant camera: China's wackiest WC's revealed to mark World Toilet Day
- British Airways named the 'dirtiest' transatlantic operator with the airline burning over 50% more fuel than the most efficient carrier .
- Bed and all aboard: Vintage bus transformed into quaint holiday home complete with cosy double bed and wood-burning stove
- Lofty ambition or pie in the sky? Architect releases plans to build giant 'Vertical City' that would dwarf the Burj Khalifa... in IRAQ
- Enchanting Vietnam: Photographer captures the timeless traditions, candid laughter of children and the striking natural beauty of the Southeast Asian gem in a series of stunning images
- 'You don't know sky from snow, it's almost vertigo and makes your head spin': British polar explorer Felicity Aston reveals the challenges and the dizzying highs of crossing Antarctica
- Are these the worst guests ever? Hotel employees reveal their most shocking and hilarious tales from finding faeces in the lobby to seeing naked guests in the hallway
- Martial arts school in Russia to offer world's first combat training lesson using SELFIE-STICKS
- Winter sun... right on your doorstep: Plans for a £700,000 indoor tropical paradise with beach huts and hot tubs in London
- Judge throws out Ryanair employee's £26,000 claim that her 'tight skirt' caused a back injury
- Inside Sir Richard Branson's new £31k-a-night Caribbean island retreat (with infinity pool, a helipad and imported iguanas)
- The good, the bad and the downright hilarious: Passengers reveal the most memorable people they have been seated next to on a plane
- Tears for Paris: Photographer captures poignant images of French landmarks in water droplets as a reminder of the quiet beauty and resilience of the city
- Now THAT'S the ultimate road trip: Adventurous family-of-four drove across 11 countries from India to France over 111 days (surviving an earthquake, passing the Himalayas and the world's largest burning crater along the way)
- Are YOU scared to travel alone? Three-quarters of Britons wait until their 40s to go on a solo adventure... and women are more likely than men to head abroad on their own
- City slickers: The ultimate urban retreats from Tokyo to Miami that cost as little as £56 a night
- Fascinating images of the Panama Canal's construction show the incredible task facing the 44,000 workers who spent 33 years hacking through mountains and redirecting rivers
- The bare truth: Debate rages online about whether it is safe and hygienic to sleep naked in a hotel room
- Are YOU brave enough to spend a night here? Creepy motel in Nevada is dedicated entirely to clowns... with life-sized models and portraits hanging above beds
- Captain Jack: Meet Skipper the globetrotting terrier who has sailed to the Caribbean, toured round Europe and was even banned from a boules competition for interfering with the balls
- Holidays behind the Iron Curtain: A collection of rare vintage posters advertising unlikely vacations in the Soviet Union have been revealed
- The dramatic moment EasyJet plane battles gale force winds and is forced to land SIDEWAYS at Inverness Airport during Storm Abigail
- Is this the world's most luxurious houseboat? Wacky yacht boasts king size beds, sprawling lounges and a jacuzzi on the top deck (for less than the price of a London flat)
- Is this the best location for a stay in Porto? The guest house that's perfect for drinking in the amazing riverside views
- London Underground experiences the busiest day in 152 YEARS as almost five million people use the Tube in 24 hours
- Pilot of passenger plane that crash-landed in Pakistan was intoxicated and over-tired, investigation reveals
- Switzerland to launch buses on public streets next year that drive themselves (but don't climb on board if you're in a hurry as they only do 12mph)
- PrayerBnB! Quaint Italian MONASTERIES and CONVENTS offer the ultimate holiday idyll (if you can put up with a booze ban, bell-ringing and a single bed)
- The Rovers? I'd rather be in my Corfu beach bar: Coronation Street's Alison King reveals why the Greek island makes THE perfect escape
- It's not just deep fried Mars bars and haggis! How Edinburgh is staking a claim to become the foodie capital of Great Britain
- A ferry good time to book a channel crossing: With an end to the industrial in sight, now is the time to take the car to the Continent
- Going beyond the bright lights: The traditional Japanese inn that gives tourists the convenience of downtown Tokyo at a fraction of the cost
- Eat, drink, and be lazy: Rugby star David Flatman heads for the Maldives - and finally learns the three rules of a beach holiday
- Adventures with Tintin: The secrets behind the man and his little white dog that stole the people of Brussels' hearts
- Empty Eurostar carriages as passengers choose not to travel to France in wake of Paris terror attacks and Foreign Office tells people heading there to 'exercise caution'
- Gatwick records biggest rise in number of flight delays as figures show UK airports are the busiest they have ever been
- The Force Awakens... in Southampton: Star Wars superfan offers £35-a-night stay at his home decked out with £150,000 worth of film memorabilia
- From an intrepid Patagonian getaway to a picturesque private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean: These are the world's most romantic honeymoon destinations
- Fancy a European Christmas market? Budapest is cheapest capital on continent for a winter weekend break as pound powers back
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- Coal-grilled octopus, wattleseed cake and vanilla-infused black garlic bread: Why Brisbane is THE new upcoming foodie hotspot
- Exploring Southern India's colourful spice markets and tamarind-infused comfort cuisine in the burgeoning foodie scene of Chennai and Bengaluru
- Desperate for some winter sun but don't want to go long-haul? Look no further than the unspoiled beauty of Northern Cyprus
- Sail in grand style visiting pristine beaches or exploring giant glaciers: Here are the world's most luxurious cruises
- Join Sardinia's premier league: Football-mad families will love this friendly resort run by ex-England international star
- An Inspector Calls: Looks spanking - but scratch the surface and it falls apart at The Laslett in Notting Hill
- Calling all Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs: The breathtaking Scottish locations where you can recreate the magic of the Harry Potter films
- Baby elephant takes a tumble while running down a hill... and trips up his brother who SQUASHES him
- Fancy some Wetwang, Fingringhoe and Intercourse on your holiday? The saucily-named towns and villages that have become unintentional tourist destinations
- Welcome to Donatella's house: Inside the ultra-luxurious Versace hotel where the ceilings are detailed in GOLD and every room was designed by the fashion queen
- Flying home for the holidays? The best and worst Americans airlines for seasonal travel revealed
- Me, myself and I: Female solo traveller reveals what it's REALLY like going around the world alone
- Professional shooter flying to Israel passed undetected through Luton Airport with a LIVE BULLET in his hand luggage