Holiday & Travel

With the warmer weather on its way, now is the time to start thinking about a weekend trip in spring. The Tarn is a relatively undiscovered department in south-west France with an average spring temperature of 16°c – a perfect temperature for exploring the countryside. The area is home to a dramatic and varied landscape including expansive vineyards, rolling sunflower fields, beautiful hilltop villages, the winding Tarn River and the Aveyron gorges.

In the wake of the Tunisia attack inquest, there are calls from within the travel industry for major changes in tourist safety information, including the introduction of a new security 'kitemark' system for hotels, airports and venues all over the world. It comes on the day a new academic report on travel safety is published by global travel deals publisher Travelzoo. The white paper called “State of Play: The Impact of Geopolitical Events on International Tourism in 2017' was written in collaboration with Yeganeh Morakabati, Associate Professor at the UK's Bournemouth University and included research in nine countries.

Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources V. Alfred Gray has said that the pigs recently found dead on the cay were found to have died from ingesting sand. Minister Gray said a report from the chief veterinary officer in his ministry concluded that some of the pigs had “a good amount of sand” in their stomachs. The Minister concluded that in conjunction with the appropriate agencies, protocols will be put in place to govern the industry and protect the animals.

Japan – one of Asia's most enthralling countries - is proving to be this year's hot destination with Joanna Lumley contributing to inspiring travellers to a country full of captivating contrasts. The Easter period is at the heart of 'sakura' or more commonly known as cherry blossom season, where locals and tourists alike gather to view and celebrate the magical scenery around them. Usually sold out a year in advance, Wendy Wu Tours added extra 2017 dates in January, which have almost sold out. Whilst there is limited availability for 2017 travel, now is the perfect time to book for 2018. 

As well as being the world's largest raised atoll, Aldabra is also one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles. After many years of being declared off limits by the FCO due to Somali pirates, Aldabra has recently been declared safe to sail to again. Yet apart from occasional brief visits by cruise liners, Aldabra can only be visited aboard the M/V Maya's Dugong.    

Amara, Oceanco’s newly designed and engineered 120-meter private yacht concept, designed in collaboration with Sam Sorgiovanni Designs was unveiled by His Excellency Saeed Harib, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Vice President and Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.

As winter comes to an end, spring beckons! It's the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to explore the great outdoors. In La Gomera, you'll find the perfect terrain to tread upon, with a pristine coastline, lush forests, colourful villages, towering peaks and spectacular sights to behold around every corner. But before you lace up your hiking boots, find out all you need to know about walking in the Canary Islands' unspoilt wonderland.

Villa Kalimaya is named after a fabled river of gems, and this collection of four stunning villas truly sparkles. The collection of four immaculately appointed villas is set within its own quiet lane a stone's throw from the beach and Bali's world-class restaurants, bars and shopping in central Seminyak.

In its 70th year of Independence and during the UK-India Year of Culture, India is enjoying a boom in appearances on the small and silver screens, introducing viewers to the country's landscapes, heritage and culture. India has some of the best trips that travellers can take to explore the destinations featured in The Real Marigold Hotel, The Viceroy's House and Lion.  

It's no secret that the long awaited live action release of Walt Disney's classic love story Beauty and The Beast will be hitting theatres on March the 17th. At Unique Home Stays it's not the talking candelabras and teacups, nor the enchanted, fading rose that captures attention, it is that wondrous castle in all its majesty that makes this particular romance an unforgettable tale, as old as time.

The combination of almost record snowfall and the new Delta Airlines non-stop flight from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City has been the catalyst to a massive increase in British skiers visiting Park City. In the last week alone another 42 inches/ 106 cm of fresh snow has fallen for skiers of all disciplines to enjoy. The Delta non-stop flight, which operates four days every week during the winter ski season, has helped see visitors from the UK more than double in number since last season.

Elite Island Resorts is  welcoming back one of the UK's top Puffin books illustrators for an adults Sketch Club on Palm Island Grenandines this September. Sketch Palm Island will take place September 5-9 inclusive and is free of charge  for guests.  One of the 15 places can be reserved when booking a Palm Island holiday with a tour operator or, if places remain, upon check in.

Guided by the Chinese 'Yin and Yang' principle that opposing forces are interconnected, complementary and inseparable in our lives, Villa Yang is the vacation retreat to rejuvenate body and soul. Hidden in Phuket's 'Millionaires' Mile', Villa Yang allures people with its splendid Thai architecture, Andaman sea views from every corner, walls of designer paintings, crystal chandeliers and cool dark granite floors. This four-bedroom pool villa is simply stunning.

VisitBritain is gearing up to host its largest ever global tourism trade event to promote destination Britain to the world. Now in its third year ‘ExploreGB’ is heading south to Brighton. More than 400 international buyers from 40 countries will do business with 430 travel industry suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the event being held from Thursday 2 March to Friday 3 March at the Brighton Centre.

Five-star Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, located in Tenerife’s upmarket resort of Costa Adeje, has again been chosen as the base for the beginning of the new series of The Only Way is Essex. Following the success of their first stay in 2015, the production team chose the Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel due to its idyllic backdrops, superb facilities and enviable location.

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, has made a proposal for Mauritius to look at the possibility of having daily flights between the two islands. This was during the courtesy call of the Mauritian Minister for Ocean Economy Marine Resources Fisheries and Shipping, Remdut Koonjoo, on Minister Loustau-Lalanne. Minister Loustau-Lalanne said air connectivity between Seychelles and Mauritius is vital, and there is a need to increase the flights between the two destinations.