Phuket

The Thai island is busy carving out a glittering new reputation beyond its fly-and-flop resorts: discover blissful beachside villas, design dens and stylish camps tucked away in the emerald interior. Words: Lee Cobaj

Estonia

An impeccably preserved medieval capital, unspoilt wildernesses, cutting-edge galleries and a thriving sauna culture make the Baltic nation an alluring European escape. Words: Jamie Lafferty

Is This the Future of Uk Rail Travel?

The launch of LUMO — a new, affordable London to Edinburgh rail link — has turned heads. Could this be the way forward for long-distance train travel in the UK? Words: Simon Calder

Cold Comfort - In Conversation With: Wim ‘The Iceman' Hof

The popularity of fitness training in extreme cold conditions is fast gathering fans, largely thanks to the Wim Hof Method, pioneered by its Dutch namesake. We ask him how he does it

Berlin

Sustainability and culinary creativity are at the heart of the German capital’s most exciting restaurant experiences, from a contemporary Thai feast to herbs grown with cutting-edge technology.

QUEBEC CITY

Canada’s historic crown jewel serves up high drama with 17th-century squares, turreted hotels and electric neighbourhoods, all encircled by epic wilderness

Bargain Breaks For Beginners

You don’t need to break the bank for that fi rst foray onto the slopes. We select the best places to maximise fun at minimal cost

Big Sky Thinking

Can skiing be eco-friendly? Perhaps, say the resorts upping their sustainability game and nurturing dreams of a carbon-neutral future

Portland

Never afraid to do things differently, the Oregon city is a cradle of American counterculture. Its quirky spirit is no clearer than in its eclectic hotel offerings, from a former school to a reputedly haunted pub.

TOWER OF SALT

Using a historical technique involving a structure called a graduation tower, Gregorie Marshall has brought salt production back to Ayrshire

MY LIFE IN FOOD NISH KUMAR

The comedian discusses Indian cuisine, comfort food and learning to cook during lockdown

FIVE WAYS WITH Quince

A TOUGH-SKINNED FRUIT WITH A HEAVENLY AROMA WHEN COOKED, QUINCE IS WELL WORTH SEEKING OUT.

RASMUS MUNK - THE PIONEER

RASMUS MUNK’S OUTLANDISH, TWO -MICHELIN-STAR COPENHAGEN RESTAURANT, ALCHEMIST, IS AS MUCH ABOUT SPARKING DIFFICULT CONVERSATION S A S IT IS SERVING DELICIOUS FOOD.

Fudge shops

A TEMPTING COMBINATION OF SUGAR, BUTTER AND MILK, FUDGE HAS LONG BEEN THE SOUVENIR OF CHOICE FOR SWEET-TOOTHED TRAVELLERS AROUND THE UK. HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE PLACES TO BUY IT

Tinned fish

FROM SARDINES IN CHILLI TO COCKLES IN BRINE, CANNED SEAFOOD CAN BE A TRUE GOURMET INGREDIENT

MAKE PERFECT GUA BAO

These Taiwanese steamed buns should be smooth, fluffy and — traditionally — filled with pork.

WHERE TO EAT

Whether you’re looking for a classic take on Christmas pudding or a new twist, here’s where to find it

WHAT THEY'RE EATING IN TOKYO

From bonsai bubble tea to mango and melon sandwiches, the Japanese capital is full of surprises

Winter flavours

Warming. Hearty. Comforting. Joyful. From roast meats to sumptuous stews, the dishes of winter really make the season sing. We asked several leading chefs and food writers to share the dishes, ingredients and destinations that make the colder months worth celebrating

SEEING STARS... AND SO MUCH MORE

LOOKING TO THE SKIES FOR ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS CAN BE A LIFE-AFFIRMING EXPERIENCE. BUT IT ISN’T ALL JUST STARGAZING — SOME OF THE PLANET’S BEST DARK-SKY DESTINATIONS OFFER ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT BRING THE COSMOS TO LIFE, MAKING EVEN THE MOST DISTANT NEBULAS SEEM CLOSER TO HOME

THE LAST COWBOYS

Remote ranches, sun-bleached mission towns and prehistoric rock art amid soaring mesas: the sierras of southern Baja California are legendary for their scenery. A road trip to visit the Mexican cowboys that eke a living from this arid land reveals traditions that have changed little in centuries, and a way of life that’s hanging by a thread

TRAVEL GEEKS ASK THE EXPERTS

NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? THE TRAVEL GEEKS HAVE THE ANSWERS…

COASTING ALONG

MODERN-DAY CHEESEMAKERS, DISTILLERS AND VINTNERS MAY CALL DEVON’S SOUTHEAST COAST HOME BUT THE STORY OF THESE SHORES STRETCHES BACK MILLENNIA. RAMBLE ALONG WILDLIFE-RICH BAYS TO DISCOVER TALES OF SMUGGLERS, ROMAN RUINS AND STARTLINGLY WELL-PRESERVED FOSSILS

Maldives

Framed by palms and with sparkling turquoise sea, nowhere does beachside bliss like the Maldives. And with a string of new openings, this Indian Ocean the islands’ hotel scene has never looked better.

5 Of The Best Beaches In Likupang

Located on the island of Sulawesi, the district of Likupang is home to azure seas, pristine beaches and some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity. We round up five of the area’s most coveted coastal hotspots

THE BIG TRIP

After the privations of recent months, we’ve scouted around for some unique and spectacular ways to spend winter in the mountains. From Iran to Iceland, the Rockies to Russia, why wait to book that ski trip of a lifetime?

SANTA & SNOW

For a Christmas-themed trip that both parents and children would include on their wish list, the best advice is to book is now

NORDIC WINTER KNOW-HOW

Ready to embrace the wilderness, whatever the weather? Then you too can capture the spirit of Norwegian ‘friluftsliv’

WHAT'S BOOKING?

Skiing is back on track. After some disappointing seasons, resorts have made preparations, travel restrictions are easing and skiers, as ever, are eager for action

ONE FOR ALL!

If you’re heading to the mountains with a group of mixed-ability skiers, boarders or non-skiers, these all-rounder resorts offer fun for everyone