Amazing Azerbaijan: Baku to the future in the capital city at the very edge of Europe

Baku, Azerbaijan

'Petite' woman thrown off plane to make way for obese teenager

'Awkward' situation: The airline ordered a slim passenger off a plane so that an overweight teen could have two seats

The eight stone woman said she was ‘stunned’ when told to leave the Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas because the obese teen needed two seats.

Michelle Obama heads for Costa del Sol with daughter Sasha

The Obamas tour Ghana in 2009

The First Lady is thought to have booked out 30 rooms at the prestigious Villa Padierna, a golf and spa resort located along the coast from Marbella.

Soaking in the Sea of Galilee and other pleasures in fascinating Israel

Sea Of Galilee

The recipe for a perfect holiday? Leave your partner at home!

Vacation: The Appleyards decided to holiday separately

Holidays are supposed to be about relaxing with loved ones but what if your nearest and dearest has polemic views on what constitutes a good time while away?

Daring Denmark: Fjords and firewater - six things you must do in Aalborg

 Lindholm Hoje, Aalborg, Denmark

There is more to Denmark than Copenhagen. Gareth Huw Davies visits Aalborg, the most northerly Danish city, and finds snappy schnapps and bags of Nordic style.

An Inspector Calls at... Brocket Hall, stately pad of reality star 'Lord Charlie'

Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire

The owner is famous for being a contestant on I'm A Celebrity, and an ex-jailbird. But how does Brocket Hall, home of Lord Brocket, fare as a hotel? Our inspector decides...

Malaysia: Peace, quiet and chilled flannels at Langkawi's lovely retreat

Helen Atkinson Wood

If you are going to fly to the Far East, you want to stay somewhere special. And Helen Atkinson Wood had no concerns about the Datai Langkawi, a Malaysian hideaway of real appeal.

Luxembourg: Fine wine and good food in one of Europe's unknown corners

Schengen, Luxembourg

Did you know that Luxembourg - one of the world's smallest countries - is laced with vineyards that produce fine wines? Rob Crossan certainly didn't before he took a tour of the tiny duchy.

Crazy about Corsica: Falling for the island of Napoleon, mad cows included

Corsica

Michael Hanlon had never been sure about villa holidays. But then he found a luxury pad in Corsica - and his 18-month son seemed happy. But what of the cows on the beach?

Hotel review: A stay at the Travelodge, Burton-on-Trent - my idea of heaven

Travelodge

When it comes to hotels, many people dream of luxury and comfort. But poet Ian McMillan has more simple tastes. For him, you can't beat a night in a sturdy Travelodge...

Cruises: How to bag the suite of your dreams - and what your cash buys you

Norwegian Star suite

Once, suites on cruise ships were strictly for the famous. But now, many liners offer uber-accommodation - and at better prices than you think. Simon Hepinstall explains.

Electric car odyssey: Around Europe by battery in the transport of the future

Peter Curran, Electric car

They are supposed to be the cars of tomorrow. But are they as convenient as they are eco-friendly? Peter Curran embarks on a four-week road trip around Europe in an electric car...

Turkey's Xanadu Island is the latest 5-star all-inclusive luxury resort

Xanadu Island

From Turkish baths to amphitheatre concerts, Xanadu Island offers pleasure on a huge scale. Frank Barrett hums Olivia Newton-John all the way to the beach and back.

The Crafty Traveller: Where to find that cheap British summer holiday

Barton Hall holiday centre

Holidays in Britain have become more popular in the last two years. But that doesn't mean that the country has sold out for this summer. Fred Mawer explains how to bag a deal.

Hotel review: Back to pre-Revolution Paris and the luxury of Hotel Le Bristol

Le Bristol hotel, Paris

France has just celebrated Bastille Day - but the Revolution might never have happened at Hotel Le Bristol, a five-star retreat in the heart of Paris. Chris Leadbeater pays a visit.

Forget vineyards, tour the world's most beautiful wine cellars

Glass of White Wine on Cask at Vineyard

Instead of heading for a vineyard this summer, why not go below and visit some of the architecturally-astounding wine cellars in the world, from Shanghai to Stansted Airport...

Best of Bruges: See Michelangelo and van Eyck without the crowds

Tourist boat in canal

An off-peak break in Bruges offers friendly service and time to linger over sumptious treasures and grand architecture. Annie Caulfield enjoys a crowd-free Venice of the North.

USA: Charleston and Savannah are the Atlantic coast's untapped gems

Magnolia Plantation in Charleston

Nestling on America's Atlantic coast are sweet Savannah and charming Charleston - two Southern American beauties who swept Anthony McGowan off his feet.

Regal Russia: Palaces and paintings in St Petersburg, the city of the Tsars

Church Of The Saviour On Spilled Blood

For 67 years, it hid under the name Leningrad. But St Petersburg has always been Russia's royal city - the home of the Tsars and glamour. Chris Leadbeater sees the sights.

Sri Lanka: After tsunamis and civil wars, Haputale is a tea terrace haven

Women picking tea leaves

The island of Sri Lanka is enjoying a new tourist boom after decades of trouble. Fiona Barton marvels at the valleys, lakes and jungle surrounding Haputale - while sipping a local brew.

Silversea's luxury Silver Spirit cruise ship makes first Atlantic crossing

Quincy Market

If you don't fancy cruises, try an ocean voyage, says Brian Hoey. Stopping at Boston, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, the Silver Spirit offers a new way to travel from New York to Britain.

Beyond Barbados, superior to St Lucia: St Kitts is a Caribbean jewel

Fishing Boat on Pinney's Beach, St Kitts

Can the unspoilt delights of St Kitts match the sophistication of Barbados and Antigua? Or will the swinging bulldozers of the developers tarnish its charm? Liz Hazelton looks in.

Florida: Wands and rollercoasters at Orlando's Harry Potter theme park

Visitors are welcomed to the Hogwarts Express

Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter is now open amid much hype and wand-waving. But is it wizard or a load of Hufflepuff? Muggle Helen Nicholson apparates to find out.

Picasso connection: A new angle on the French Riviera's 'Cote de Cubism'

Chateau Grimaldi in Antibes

The French Riviera is known for its playboy lifestyle of sun, sea, sand and sophistication. But how much did Pablo Picasso's summer visits contribute to this image?

Egypt's treasures prove Sharm-el-Sheik is more than sand and glitz

The Red Sea

Egypt's popular Red Sea resort of Sharm-el-Sheik offers more than the chance to relax in the sun. Sebastian Lander heads into the desert to find the Burning Bush and tombs of Luxor.

Britain by bike: From John O'Groats to Land's End on an epic cycle challenge

Kim and Rafe reach Land's End

Battling the rain and sore calves, father and son revel in a 1,000-mile road trip from north to south across three countries. Kim Fletcher reveals the highs and lows

Brilliant Bratislava: Crazy castles and UFO bridges in Slovakia's capital

Bratislava castle, Slovakia

It is a city where the main bridge seems to be a landing pad for a UFO and the castle is a half-finished folly. Rob Crossan spends an unusual weekend in the Slovakian capital.

Shopping and sunbathing on a cookery break in Puglia, southern Italy

Trulli houses

Taking a teenager on a cookery break is not usually a mother's first choice. But Puglia was a perfect recipe for rustic charm and family relaxation, says Rebecca Tyrell

Hotel review: An Inspector Calls at the Horse and Groom, Cotswolds

The Horse and Groom inn, Wiltshire

The food is good and the rooms have a personal touch at the Horse and Groom inn nestled in the Cotswolds. So what bad news is in store for our Inspector when he checks out?

Hotel review: Back to Chatsworth at The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley

The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley has recently returned to the Chatsworth estate

Formerly a no-frills pub, The Devonshire Arms has been returned to the Chatsworth Estate and given a comprehensive makeover. But has it got the 'pub with rooms' idea right?

Marbella: Spanish resort where Cheryl Cole and Kate Moss like to party

Puerto Banus

Marbella is Spain's flashiest resort, where Spanish politicians and footballers mix. After too much bling and buy in Puerto Banus, Kate Mulvey found a quieter side of Andalucia.

Essex's new cycle routes: Take in Audley End and The Swan in Thaxted

Webb's Windmill in Thaxted

Feeling fit and road-ready, Tom Bennett sets out on a 34-mile cycle circuit of picturesque Essex towns and villages. Two pubs, one country house and numerous hills later...

Leaving The Troubles behind: Londonderry named UK City of Culture

Hands Across the Divide peace monument

Days after scenes of violence in Belfast, Northern Ireland hopes to leave The Troubles behind as the city of Londonderry is named the UK's first City of Culture for 2013.

Amazing Azerbaijan: Baku to the future in the city on the Caspian Sea

Baku, Azerbaijan

Perched on the edge of the Caspian Sea, where Europe flows into Asia, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, used to be a key stop on the Silk Road. Dom Joly is a fascinated visitor.

Six things you must do when visiting Florida's theme park attractions

Disney Kilimanjaro Safari

Orlando's theme parks are vast and numerous. So how can a family get around the newest and best things to do? Gareth Huw Davies offers six things you must do in Florida.

Britain's maddest museums: In search of the good, the bad and the collectable

beanz

There are already about 500 mad museums out there, all over the country, just waiting for you to visit, to ogle in admiration or shake your head in disbelief.

Sani Beach Resort: A luxury family break that's worth every penny

Tallulah and George

Liz Stout and family head out to the Sani Resort, the Aegean's luxury holiday hotspot which promises a week of family friendly luxury at a realistic price.

Gambia holidays: Sun, sand and ceremony in Africa's rising destination

Mother and child, The Gambia

Gambia is becoming known as a destination ideal for a week in the sun. But there is much more to this West African country than the beach - as Rosa Monckton discovers.

Stepping back into the Old Testament with Jordan's epic wonders

Dana biosphere reserve, Jordan

With sensational panoramas and fine Roman remains, Jordan is the desert destination for history-lovers and tourists alike. Gareth Huw Davies follows in Moses's footsteps.

Great bargains up for grabs in 'deliriously unspoilt' Majorca

A secluded bay coast near the town of Pollensa

It's hard not to be delighted with the island - it's breathtakingly pretty and perfectly charming. And now it's possible to have a luxury holiday at a bargain price, says Frank Barrett...