Steel and Stone: Yorkshire’s Great Railway Journey

John Newton returned to his roots in northern England to board the Settle to Carlisle railway, a journey that traverses a spectacular viaduct and takes in the unforgettable landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and neighbouring Cumbria.

From the soaring arches of Ribblehead to the windswept heights of Dent, the Settle–Carlisle line remains one of Britain’s most compelling rail journeys—saved from closure and now firmly back on track.

Grand Hotel and Casino in Port Vila: A Warm Island Welcome

A landmark return to Port Vila’s waterfront, the Grand Hotel and Casino reopens after extensive restoration, pairing sweeping Pacific views with refreshed interiors, renewed dining and a steady sense of local continuity. Sandip Hor investigates.

“Wow” is exactly the word that sprinted out of my mouth the moment I entered my room at the recently reopened Grand Hotel and Casino in Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu. The 270-degree scenic views of the Pacific Ocean through the floor-to-ceiling high glass windows surrounding the round-shaped floor space, simply mesmerised me.

Libya Uncovered: Ruins, Realities and a Return to the Map

After decades of isolation, Libya is cautiously reopening to travellers and revealing extraordinary Roman ruins, layered history and a complex modern identity. World traveller, Ros Freeman, fulfils a promise to herself.

There can be no better place in Libya than sitting atop a Roman amphitheatre, gazing out over the clear blue Mediterranean. In the distance, ancient galleons once traversed these waters, sails billowing. In the foreground, orchestras played as masked mime artists danced across the stage before enthralled audiences.

Jericoacoara: Pleased to meet you - finally

Drawn by the laid-back beach vibe, Robyn Smith fulfilled a long-held dream of visiting this seaside paradise in Brazil

Many, many years ago, I saw postcards of Jericoacoara, and its unique colourful hand-crafted fishing boats called jagandas on the beautiful sandy beaches. I thought – I have to go there one day! It took me about forty years, but I finally did get there last October.

Salzburg: The Music is still playing

Few jaw-dropping travel destinations in Europe can boast little or no change to their beauty spots over more than two decades. The Austrian city of Salzburg is one of them, as John Newton was relieved to find on a recent visit to Mozart’s city after a 25- year gap.

There are cities that never sleep but, more importantly, Salzburg is one that never loses its rich historical and picture postcard lure.

Vanuatu's Land Divers

There’s something almost suicidal about Vanuatu’s famous land divers. Bungy jumpers have the benefit of an elastic cord to cushion their fall, but not so the legendary N’Gol (land-diving) natives of Pentecost Island.

The origin of this dangerous ritual is clouded in tantalising mystery. One of the more romantic tales tells the story of the abusive husband Tamalie who, in pursuit of his recalcitrant wife, followed her up a tall tree as she fled from him. She, whose name seems to have been mislaid in the passage of time, refused to come down knowing that another beating was in store. Driven by pride and rage, Tamalie lunged at her, but she jumped. Tamalie, intoxicated by fury, lunged after her not knowing she had tied vines to her legs and he plunged to his death while she survived.

Iceland: Trolling About

Be sure to pay your respects to little invisible Icelanders or your journey may end abruptly. Roderick Eime treads carefully.

“If you go walking, be careful not to kick around rocks and things. You could disturb a troll or an elf,” my guide tells me, and I turn to share in the joke. But he’s not laughing.

Liberia, Land of Freedom

'Unique' is an overused term to describe almost anything, but world traveller, Ros Freeman, found it perfectly appropriate to describe this African republic.

In 1821, the American Colonisation Society established the West African country of Liberia. The name means ‘Freedom’. An idealistic notion became a reality, returning African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans to Africa. 18,000 previously enslaved people elected to return to Africa, developing an Americo-Liberian identity. They brought their culture and traditions, and, along with the indigenous people, they founded Liberia. It became the first African republic to gain independence and is Africa's oldest continuously independent country.