Holiday & Travel

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.

Imagine all the things you love most about autumn - is it the bright foliage or apple picking? Perhaps it's going to your favorite fall festival or exploring a new hiking trail. Each fall, Maine's forests turn into a brilliant quilt of crimson, gold and orange, and the pine trees' green provides a lovely balance of cool color. This is the backdrop for some of the best things about Maine.

Set on a pristine beach close to the quiet fishing village of Kamala guests staying at Paresa Resort Phuket can experience the chic simplicity of this contemporary new beach lounge enjoying a choice of butler served light beach snacks, exotic cocktails and an international menu of old world wines, set off by a backdrop of soothing soul music. Paresa Resort Phuket is a luxurious, boutique 'hideaway' resort surrounded by lush tropical virgin forest.

Surrounded by dramatic natural terrain and scenery and bustling with vineyards, world class restaurants, rich Cape heritage, architecture, art and plenty of family-friendly activities; Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town, truly is a destination for all seasons and ages. Located only 30 minutes inland from the Cape's best beaches, a mere 40km from Cape Town International Airport and 50km from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the perfect hub from where to explore the city, coastal regions and the rest of the Cape Winelands.

From scuba diving off the coast of Castries to enjoying a relaxing spa treatment overlooking the Pitons, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board invites travelers to discover the island’s mix of adventure and relaxation.  This November, hotels and resorts offer value-added packages and discounted rates of up to 55 percent off standard prices in celebration of Adventure & Wellness Month.

Regional tourism development agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and regional hospitality agency, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) today signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) to join other regional agencies and institutions representing climate sensitive sectors as joint Tourism Partners on the Consortium of Regional Sectoral Early Warning Information Systems Across Climate Timescales (EWISACTs) Coordination Partners currently being spearheaded by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).

Hands up how many people have been to Adelboden? If it is bragging rights you're after from a holiday, then Adelboden should be on your “to go” list. This pretty as a picture hidden gem, tucked away at the end of a valley in the Bernese Oberland, but less than an hour's drive from the capital of Berne, is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. And while summer may be over, there's still plenty to do in Adelboden through Autumn.

Borana, at the forefront of the modern conservation movement in Kenya, offers a number of ways for guests to encounter Kenya's wildlife and wilderness from traditional 4x4 safaris and horse-back and mountain bike riding, to joining specific conservation activities aimed to give a behind-the-scenes experience and in-depth understanding of modern day conservation and the ongoing battle to protect endangered species such as the black rhino. This extra element adds a new dimension to a safari holiday and adds immeasurably to the overall experience.

Forty days before Easter, there is an explosion of colour, dance, music and parties in Rio de Janeiro. Renowned the world over, Rio Carnival is a five-day extravaganza which epitomises Brazil's vibrant, fun-loving culture and makes for a truly unforgettable experience. The main event sees 12 samba schools parade through the Sambodromo in dazzling outfits alongside lavishly decorated floats in a bid to be crowned champions of Carnival.

Autumn is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, as the English poet John Keats reminds us. And what could be nicer than a long walk around the grounds of an elegant stately home, followed by afternoon tea in front of a roaring fire or dinner in a unique award-winning setting? Set in 20 acres of gardens, Francis Place's bird's-eye view of Middlethorpe shows Thomas Barlow's garden shortly after he had completed work on the house.