Holiday & Travel

Christmas in Iceland has always been an important occasion, bringing everyone together with food, drink and lots of celebrations. The festivities begin on the first day of advent and continue to Epiphany on 6th January. As Christmas coincides with the darkest months of the year, Icelanders put extra emphasis on bringing light to the streets by elaborately decorating their houses and traditional Christmas trees.

One of the world's great cities, Mumbai, has grown from a small group of islands to India's economic powerhouse and gateway to the world. Still growing fast – Mumbai's population now tops 20 million – it the hypnotic combination of old and new, the chaotic and the peaceful, which draws visitors back time again to this vibrant, bustling and most human of cities.

The brand new 16-day Signature Peru, Bolivia, Chile: Explorations and adventures trip is a highlights holiday with a difference: the emphasis is on unique explorations and adventures which take you deep into the varied landscapes and cultures of the Andes. The recently opened explora hotel in the Sacred Valley offers understated first class accommodation and makes for a perfect base from which to venture out and discover the region.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, one of California's finest resorts, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2016. Built by visionary developers Richard Loughead and Spalding Wathen, Jr. on a 40-foot-high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa opened in 2006 as Pismo Beach's only luxury resort. The Dolphin Bay experience comprises the luxury hotel, its signature restaurant, Lido, and the newly remodelled Spa at Dolphin Bay, surrounded by expansive lawns and the breath-taking beauty of California's Central Coast.

Those in search of a unique way to experience the beauty of autumn in the UK have inspiration at hand thanks to tailor-made walking break specialists Celtic Trails Walks are self-guided, with overnight accommodation stops expertly planned and pre-booked, plus luggage seamlessly transferred between stops- avoiding the hassle of carrying heavy packs en route.

Sheltered in the depths of Uganda's Impenetrable forest, Bwindi Lodge's newly refurbished Bandas are Uganda's hippest hidden hideaways. Offering visitors breath taking views of the remote Buhoma landscape and unrivalled access to some of the world's rarest primates, Bwindi's re-imagined bandas also offer another level of comfort and style for discerning adventurers.

Although winter has just begun, it’s the best time to start making travel plans for this year’s winter season. Most travel-enthusiasts enjoy vacationing during the spring and summer seasons, but a trip during the winter season can be one of the best experiences. Whether you’re planning for a family or a couple there are lots of information on the best places to visit during the winter.

Iceland has the best seasons but winter is special with Northern Lights, fewer tourists, lower rates and more cultural life and arctic chill. Since September – through to mid-April - you may experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) along with the twilight. Many cultural and culinary festivals are hosted in autumn, winter and spring and it becomes the perfect opporunity to meet locals.

Coming off a record-setting winter travel season, Colorado, home of America's Best Skiing, promises to once again offer visitors to the state with an unmatched winter vacation. Both on- and off-the-slopes at Colorado's 25 ski areas ad resorts, and in destinations across the state, travelers can expect new and unique experiences including the chance to ski with professional athlete Chris Davenport at The Little Nell in Aspen, seeing the spectacular costumes from the Star Wars movies at the Denver Art Museum and creating custom skis with the legendary Pete Wagner in Telluride.

The Indian summer might be on its way out, but don't let that deter you from unleashing your independent spirit and having some fun this autumn. From grisly tales on the coast to stargazing in the darkest spot in England, we've picked out some of our favourite activities and accommodation to get you started.

Cycling is booming in Britain, with more than two million people now cycling at least once a week. This trend isn't confined to the work commute, but is extending to people's leisure time and, according to ABTA (the leading association of travel agents and tour operators), older holidaymakers are seeking more active or adventurous holidays.

Just minutes away from the golden sands of Surin Beach on Phuket's magnificent west coast is an exquisite sea-view villa, Baan Surin Sawan. Sawan is Thai for 'Heaven'; and with this stunning blend of tropical setting, modern Thai design and spellbinding sunset views, it's easy to see why Baan Surin Sawan is so aptly named. Set in a tranquil hillside estate, the four-bedroom Baan Surin Sawan at Phuket sets an example of an easy, yet luxurious, tropical living.

Imagine the wild growths of an untamed semi-arid jungle – red dust, thick scrub and lakes as still as glass. Imagine also, the life this wilderness holds – from the graceful wings of endemic and migrant birds to the quiet footfalls of the elusive leopard. Now imagine waking up with all this wonder outside your window. 

Legendary course designer, Tom Doak, opens North America's first reversible golf course in Michigan.  Tom Doak found the perfect spot in northern Michigan, to create his reversible course (the first of its kind), which can be played in one direction one day, and the other direction the next, using the same 18 greens and fairways. The result is The Loop at Forest Dunes in Roscommon, Michigan which is due to open fully for the 2017 golf season but has been open to those staying overnight at Forest Dunes Resort during the summer of 2016.

Crystal's CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez, has unveiled the latest designs for the first aircraft, a Boeing 777-200LR, as part of the company's Crystal AirCruises experience. In autumn 2017, Crystal's acclaimed luxury and exclusivity will elevate to new heights with Crystal AirCruises transporting just 84 guests to some of the world's most exotic and remote destinations in decidedly first class accommodations on 14-, 21- and 28-day itineraries.

Dense forest, sunny mountain tops, spectacular views, serene lakes, romantic valleys: that's the Black Forest. This region of SouthWest Germany has long been one of Europe´s most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. But the unspoiled scenery provides much more than just a backdrop for holiday selfies. The Great Outdoors is the main event. With some 5,000 miles of marked trails, cyclists, mountain bikers, e-bikers, scooters and Scroosers (the hottest innovation) have perfect conditions for fun-filled days.