The 2024 travel bucket list

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A Cornish pilgrimage

Among England's loveliest pilgrims' paths is St Michael's Way in Cornwall, said Phoebe Smith in The Guardian. At only 14 miles long, it can be walked in a day – but, approached in the right spirit, such short pilgrimages can yield as deep a sense of meaning as much longer routes. Crossing the county near its western tip – from Lelant, on the north coast, to St Michael's Mount, on the south – it forms part of the Camino de Santiago, and was used in the Middle Ages by Welsh and Irish pilgrims keen to avoid the perilous seas around Land's End. There's much to see along the way, including the medieval church of St Uny and the pirate's grave ("with skull and crossbones") at Gulval – and St Michael's Mount, a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and chapel, makes for a spectacular finale.

Canoeing in the wilds of Ontario

Stretching across 600 square miles on the northeast shore of Lake Superior, Ontario's Lake Superior Provincial Park is "Canada at its most Canadian", said Sarah Baxter in The Telegraph. It's worth simply driving through it, along the Trans-Canada Highway from the nearby city of Sault Ste Marie – the views of boreal forest, lakes and ancient rock formations are "spectacular". And it's a great place for a camping and canoeing trip with a local tour operator such as Forest the Canoe. On one of its adventures, you might pitch your tent by the shores of Mijinemungshing Lake, where there's a fire pit, a picnic table and even a thunderbox (bush loo). The lake swimming is "verging-ontranscendent", even in the rain. The trip costs from £393pp (forestthecanoe.ca).

A charming Dutch city

With its handsome medieval centre, gabled merchants' houses and tree-lined canals, Utrecht is a beautiful and lively place to while away a long weekend, said Mike MacEacheran in The Sunday Times. For a fabulous overview, climb the 465 steps of the 14th century Dom Tower – the city's pride and joy, and the tallest bell tower in the Netherlands. Visit the Rietveld Schröder House, Gerrit Rietveld's pioneering modernist masterpiece, designed according to the principles of De Stijl, the Dutch artistic movement of which Piet Mondrian was another leading member. And, if visiting with children, don't miss the colourful Nijntje Museum, which celebrates the work of the author and artist Dick Bruna, creator of the "cutesy" rabbit Miffy ("a local treasure"). Utrecht is one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities – "the best way to get around the stag-do-free streets" – and is also great for kayaking, with vessels to hire for £7 an hour from Kayak Utrecht.

A peaceful wine valley in South Africa

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is one of South Africa's most beautiful wine regions, said Sidonie Wilson in The Times; and being less well known than Stellenbosch and so on, it's blissfully quiet, too. A 90-minute drive from Cape Town, it is surrounded by mountains, close to the pretty seaside town of Hermanus (great for whale-watching). It has some lovely "farm getaways", such as the Hemel 'N Aarde Stud Farm, where the "eco-cabins" have wood-fired hot tubs and fine views. And its dozen-or-so wine estates are "laid-back", easy to reach and pretty, with their Cape Dutch buildings and "bougainvillea-draped stoops". Most have tasting rooms, and some also have restaurants and accommodation (the Creation estate, for instance, has a "slick" modern holiday villa).

Gelato heaven in Bologna

Made with less fat and sugar than most ice cream, gelato is often more strongly flavoured too. For fans looking to learn more about gelato (or simply to eat it), a trip to Bologna is in order, said Xanthe Clay in The Telegraph. Nicknamed La Grassa (The Fat One) for its fabulous food, this ancient university city has some excellent gelaterias, such as Sablé Gelato, where flavours vary from week to week and are generally "exquisite", and all ingredients are comprehensively listed (the Bolognese saffron and rose water was among my favourites). It's also worth making an excursion to the city's suburbs, where the "revered" gelato machine-maker Carpigiani runs a variety of intensive courses at the world's only university of gelato. Visitors can take part in a gelato-making class as part of a tour of the Carpigiani Gelato Museum, which is "packed with fascinating antique equipment, interactive exhibits and displays".

An ancient burial site on the Gower

Perched halfway up a sea cliff on the Gower Peninsula, in southwest Wales, Paviland Cave is the site of the oldest known ceremonial burial in western Europe, said Oliver Smith in the FT. It was here that, in 1823, the geologist Reverend William Buckland unearthed the Red Lady of Paviland – a fossilised skeleton he took to have belonged to a Celtic prostitute from the time of Christ. Modern science has since shown that the Lady was, in fact, a young man who lived during the last ice age, some 34,000 years ago. The skeleton is now held at the University of Oxford, but for those with a feeling for these things, the cave is well worth a visit even so. Chapel-sized, it echoes with "the mesmeric music of the sea". Given its awkward location, it is best reached with the help of an outdoorsy local guide, such as bushcraft instructor Andrew Price (dryadbushcraft.co.uk).

A long walk in Sri Lanka's tea country

A walk along the Pekoe Trail, winding for 186 miles through the forests and tea plantations of Sri Lanka's central highlands, is a great way to discover this beautiful region, said Erin Vivid Riley in Travel + Leisure. Created last year, it ties together older paths between the ancient city of Kandy, with its stupas and temples, and the "picturesque" old hill station of Nuwara Eliya, and offers the chance to visit many villages along the way. Among the highlights of the route are the "dramatic" Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct, and Lipton's Seat, a panoramic overlook apparently beloved by the Scottish tea merchant Sir Thomas Lipton. The whole journey should take a "laid-back" 22 days, but operators such as Mountain Kingdoms and Wild Frontiers offer shorter trips with transfers by car between sections of the trail.

The magic of French night trains

Many of France's overnight rail services were axed a decade ago, but now – as part of President Macron's push to "rejuvenate the economy of deep provincial France" – these "lost lines" are being revived, said Sally Howard in The Sunday Telegraph. Rebranded as Intercités de Nuit, they are slower than most daytime services, and they have couchette compartments with bunks, rather than sleeper berths with beds and washbasins. But they are "full of character" (I liked the "funny little two-tone sleeping bags") and can easily induce a childlike sense of adventure, as they whisk you through the glittering lights of Paris and out into the silence and darkness of la France profonde. Among the loveliest destinations are Aurillac, Cerbère, Hendaye and Briançon. For good advice on booking, go to seat61.com.

The Flow Country's beautiful boglands

Stretching across Caithness and Sutherland in the far north of Scotland is the Flow Country, the largest area of blanket bog on Earth.. It is a moody patchwork of "glistening" pools, mosses and "golden" grasses, said Chris Moss in The Telegraph – and it's currently under consideration by Unesco for World Heritage status. A decision will be made this year. Like the world's other great peatlands, it's a major carbon store, which is considered crucial in the fight against climate change, and is also an important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Visitors might stay in Wick or Thurso (Britain's northernmost town), and explore the RSPB reserve of Forsinard Flows, with its observation tower and boardwalks. Among the species to look out for are golden plover, skylarks and meadow pipits, and the insect-eating plants sundew and butterwort.

A "princess-worthy" hike in Australia

Like many middle-aged walking enthusiasts, I crave the "raw thrill of nature" – but want also to enjoy "princess-worthy comfort", says Fiona McIntosh in The Times. Fortunately, operators are increasingly catering to this seemingly contradictory ambition, and perhaps nowhere more so "than in the wild reaches of Australia". With Walk into Luxury, I hiked the Cape to Cape trail in Western Australia – a spectacular 76-mile route that meanders along the coast (pictured). Over four days, our small group was guided through a landscape of "dazzling beauty": we explored limestone caves, walked through "ghostly petrified forests" and spotted dolphins. And each night, we returned to the fabulous Injidup Spa Retreat, and feasted on "extraordinary food"; walkintoluxury.com.

Galicia's lovely thermal baths

There are many reasons to visit the town of Ourense in Galicia, northwest Spain – from the "twisting cobbled streets" to the many delicious tapas bars. But Ourense's "main draw", says Adam Turner in The Guardian, is undoubtedly its thermal springs, which have been popular since at least Roman times. There are several hot spring complexes dotted in the countryside around the town, most with spectacular views. Many are council-run, and so are free to use; others are private, but still pretty cheap. If you go, make sure to visit Termas de Outariz, a private spa overlooking the "thundering" Minho river, and which – unlike the public facilities – stays open till 11pm. With its "curved, wooden Japanese-style construction", it's a magical spot for "moonlit bathing".

The darkest village in England

For those fond of stargazing, there's no better place in England to visit than Hawnby, on the North York Moors, says Helen Pickles in The Daily Telegraph. The moors were declared an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020 – since when they have even had their own "dark skies officer". And the village of Hawnby (population 193) has fully "embraced the project": lighting has been altered throughout the village – including in people's homes – to minimise light pollution. As you walk around the village, you notice that light shines only where it's needed – and never into the sky. Curiously, the absence of visual distraction makes the countryside seem much noisier than normal; and wandering about in the darkness can be a bit unnerving – but the flipside is that the skies are "gloriously uncontaminated": on a clear night, you can see Jupiter, and the "hazy glow" of Andromeda, our nearest big galaxy. The Owl at Hawnby has b&b doubles from £130.

Around the Dales in a camper van

Few consumer items embody an ideal of "freewheeling spontaneity" as completely as the VW camper van. The desire for one struck me (along with middle age) with alarming intensity this year, said Ben Machell in The Times. Sadly, they're not cheap – but I can recommend hiring one for a short trip. From the "friendly" Liberty Campers in Ilkley, I was able to rent one for four nights for £495, and used it for a family tour of the Yorkshire Dales – a test run that fulfilled my hopes and won over all the sceptics among us. The beds were so much more comfortable than camping mattresses, and being able to drive off without having to take down a tent each morning was bliss. We used the Park4Night app, which is great for good ideas on where to stop along your way.

An enchanting town in Thailand

Some 60 miles from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Lampang is a "charming" riverside city that sees far fewer foreign tourists than its more celebrated neighbour, said Patrick Scott in The New York Times. Lampang lay at the heart of the powerful medieval Lanna kingdom, and is still home to many temples, including the 15th century Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, which is sometimes described as the country's oldest surviving wooden structure. Elsewhere, there are leafy streets lined by merchants' mansions dating from the city's second heyday, as a centre of the timber trade in the late 19th century. It's a delight to stroll around them – or to ride around in one of the horse-drawn carriages that were introduced here in 1916. And there is no shortage of good cafés and restaurants to drop into, some of them occupying the town's "well-preserved" old Chinese shophouses.

An old town in the Canary Islands

With a cosmopolitan ambience and a refreshing absence of high-rise hotels, the old fishing town of Corralejo is a Canary Islands resort for people "who don't like resorts", said Robin McKelvie in The Daily Telegraph. Perched near the northern tip of Fuerteventura, it is hemmed in by the vast dunes of the Parque Natural d Corralejo, a miniature Sahara fringed by white- sand beaches. The fishermen's cottages ofits old town now house a growing number of "esoteric eateries" and boutiques, many of them run by incomers of various nationalities. Yet the level of tourism here doesn't feel overwhelming, and the atmosphere is wonderfully "relaxed". Indeed, you could easily while away several weeks here, with just occasional drives or hikes to nearby villages such as El Cotillo (where there is excellent seafood) and Lajares, with its pleasant surfers' cafés.

Trekking across Costa Rica

A hike along the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica is a great way to see some of the wilder parts of this beautiful Central American nation, says Jen Murphy in Travel + Leisure. Created ten years ago, it connects the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and takes in 25 rural settlements, as well as habitats ranging from mangrove swamps to cloud forests. Trekkers stay at local homes and family-run lodges, making it a "culinary tour, and a cultural deep dive" as much as a "walking safari". Parts are remote and "physically challenging", so it's a good idea to hire a guide (UrriTrek is reliable), who should also be able to identify much of the flora and fauna you're likely to see, including sloths and monkeys. Visit urritrekcostarica.com and caminodecostarica.org for more information.

A paradise for parents in the Alps

Centred on an old farm in Italy's Dolomite Alps, Sonnwies (pictured) is a family-owned, family-only hotel that strikes a near-perfect balance between adults' and children's needs, says Jenny Coad in The Times. With its panoramic windows, wooden walls and floors, and excellent spa, it's as serene and stylish as a place with such a high toddler quotient could be, and its clientele tend to dress smartly. But you can be sure of "no tutting" or eye-rolls about boisterous behaviour in the fine-dining restaurant, and the facilities for younger guests include a five-pool aquapark, a petting zoo, a huge adventure playground and a dazzling kids' club with baby room. There's a ski slope for beginners, but the nearest resort, Plose, is 30 minutes away by bus – which adults may feel is too far to venture while leaving children in the care of the hotel. Rooms for two adults and two children cost from £529, half-board (sonnwies.com).

Spring blooms in Cornwall

"Spring awakens early in Cornwall," says Fiona Kerr in The Guardian – and for garden lovers, it is the county's "standout season". Stay near Falmouth at Hotel Meudon, which has "mid-century-style" rooms and a restaurant that "showcases local produce". Set in the "sheltered folds" of the Helford Valley, its nine acres of subtropical gardens bloom "in a soft blaze of colour". There's a foxglove tree whose purple flowers "smell of parma violets", and wild garlic and bluebells flank the path down to Bream Cove – perfect for a quick dip. From 23-24 March, Falmouth holds its Spring Flower Show. And there are other "glorious" gardens nearby, including Trebah and Glendurgan (just west along the South West Coast Path), Trelissick, "jungle-like" Penjerrick, and Enys, with its "spectacular" meadow of bluebells. Rooms from £129, b&b (meudon.co.uk).

Living with cowboys in Arizona

The first dude ranches opened in the late 1800s, to lure "wealthy folks" from the eastern US out west for a taste of the cowboy life. Many of these ranches are still going strong, says Jacqui Agate in The Daily Telegraph, and in Arizona, eight of the oldest now form part of the Arizona Dude Ranch Heritage Trail. At some, such as the "upscale" Rancho de los Caballeros,  there are new activities on offer, including archery and golf. But at all, "working cattle ranch experiences" and trail rides on horseback remain central to the experience. To get a sense of the variety of the state's landscapes, it's worth visiting more than one, from White Stallion (in the Sonoran Desert, with its "skyscraping saguaro cacti") to Sprucedale, set among "skinny" pine trees by the New Mexico border.

Wild skating in Sweden

Home to hundreds of lakes that freeze over from December to March, central Sweden is one of the best places in the world for wild skating, says Elizabeth Hewitt in Travel + Leisure. It's a "thrilling" pursuit, but "serene" too, at least if you go with an experienced guide who can spot dangers lurking beneath the surface. The "conservation-minded" outfitter Green Trails is ideal, with expeditions around Stockholm for guests of all skill levels. On my trip, we skated 20 miles in a single day, on lakes Mälaren and Yngern, stopping to grill sausages on sticks over a campfire. Best of all was the late afternoon, when I found myself on thin, smooth ice, zipping along so fast that the pine trees and their long shadows became "a blur" in the "honey-coloured" winter light. A two-day trip costs from about £380; thegreentrails.com

Chagall's church in Kent

The Belarusian-born modernist artist Marc Chagall often worked in stained glass in his old age, producing windows for Reims Cathedral, the UN building in New York, and elsewhere. Closer to home for many British admirers is the work he did at All Saints' parish church in the Kentish hamlet of Tudeley, says Dixe Wills in The Guardian. Following the death of their daughter, Sarah, in a sailing accident in 1963, Sir Henry and Lady d'Avigdor-Goldsmid commissioned a single window in her memory. But when Chagall visited the church for its installation, he pronounced the building "magnificent", and proclaimed – with reference to its 11 other windows – "I will do them all!" And over the next 15 years, he did. The church, a 45-minute walk from Tonbridge Station, doesn't look exceptional from outside, but inside, Chagall's windows, with their "luscious" colours and images of "people and animals on the move", may leave you feeling "a little awestruck".

Wildlife watching on Lesvos

Biological science is often said to have its roots in the studies of plants and animals that Aristotle undertook on Lesvos (also known as Lesbos) in the fourth century BC. This large Greek island remains a paradise for wildlife watchers, says James Lowen in The Daily Telegraph, especially during the spring and autumn, when a host of migratory birds pass through it. On one of Wildlife Travel's week-long trips, guests stay at Hotel Malemi in Skala Kallonis, where Aristotle lived, and tour the island with expert guides. As well as the diverse avian life – from the rare, finch-like cinereous bunting to flamingos and black storks – there is a dazzling array of reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and dragonflies. Most impressive of all, however, are the flowering plants (pictured), of which our guide counted 20 species in a single square metre. Tours cost from £1,995pp, including flights.

A gourmet break in rural Portugal

Only 90 minutes by car from Lisbon, the hilltown of Estremoz is a great place for a "low-key" weekend break, says Paul Richardson in The Sunday Telegraph. It lacks the "high-wattage beauty" of better-known towns in the Alentejo region, such as Évora and Monsaraz, but its old centre has a "special radiance", thanks to the white marble from which it is built. It also has the best food and antiques market in the region, a "legion" of bric-à-brac shops, a "clutch of museums", and two excellent restaurants run by the same team: Mercearia Gadanha and Casa do Gadanha both serve "fresh-faced" contemporary dishes that make the most of the region's superb produce. Casa do Gadanha also has "rustic-minimalist" rooms from £120 per night, including breakfast.

An epic winter train journey

Canada is never more beautiful than in the depths of winter, when the land is deep in snow, and the air is "crisp, clean" and "life-affirming". For rail aficionados, the best way to take it in is on a four-day, 2,750-mile trip from Vancouver to Toronto aboard the Canadian, says Adrian Bridge in The Sunday Times. Built in the 1950s, this "gleaming stainless-steel wonder" has two observation decks – which are rarely crowded in the colder months, and which offer huge views of the ever-changing landscape, from the drama of the Rockies to the prairies of Saskatchewan and Ontario's forests and lakes. It's a great opportunity for "quiet contemplation", but there are diversions (including "lively talks") for those who want them, as well as convivial company and good food, served in a dining car with linen tablecloths and "cheery" service. Tickets cost from £670pp; viarail.ca

Revisiting the Maginot Line

They are often ridiculed as one of history's great white elephants – but it's hard not to be impressed by the forts of the Maginot Line, says Anthony Peregrine in The Sunday Times. Built in the 1930s to defend France's border with Germany, these huge concrete bunkers were the biggest European engineering project of their age, and were never actually tested (the Nazis invaded via Belgium and the Ardennes Forest, which the French high command had deemed impenetrable). If you only visit one, opt for the largest – Hackenberg, in Lorraine, an "underground town" with six miles of galleries and 19 artillery blocks.

Australia's other great reef

They're not as famous as the Great Barrier Reef, but the Rowley Shoals (pictured) – three coral reefs off Australia's northwest coast – are healthier and perhaps more beautiful, says Ruaridh Nicoll in the FT, making them "one of the finest places to scuba and snorkel anywhere". You can explore them on a five- night trip from Broome on board True North II, a 34-metre yacht skippered by Craig Howson, who has been leading tours around this wild corner of Australia since the 1980s. The trip costs from £3,400pp; truenorth.com.au

The new Colombian cuisine

Latin America has experienced a culinary revolution in recent years – and the latest city to follow where Lima and others have led is the Colombian capital Bogotá, says Nicholas Gill in National Geographic Traveller. What makes its dining scene so exciting – beyond the brilliance of individual chefs – is a new focus on Colombia's regional cuisines and on diverse native ingredients, from plump mojojoy to fruits such as the "fragrant but tart" curuba.

The Black Forest by train

Stopping at "enchanting" towns as it winds through the "sweeping" mountains of the Black Forest, the Höllentalbahn (or Hell Valley line) is one of Germany's most beautiful railways, says Mike MacEacheran in The Guardian. The journey along its entire length only takes 90 minutes, but it's worth spending a few days over it. In Donaueschingen – where the River Danube rises – you should visit Haus Fürstenberg, a bright yellow château beloved of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the palatial 18th century Fürstenberg brewery. Then there's the lake of Titisee, a popular spa destination that's wonderful for ice-skating in winter; and the pretty village of Hinterzarten (also charming in the snow). A night at the old farmstead of Ospelehof can be recommended (the food is "terrific"), before the final, spectacular leg of the journey brings you to the glorious medieval city of Freiburg.

Family fun in Herefordshire

Farm stays for families with small children don't come much more "enchanting" – or blessedly comfortable – than Drovers Rest, says Gemma Bowes in The Times. This smallholding near Hay-on-Wye has six huge safari tents with all mod cons and three stone holiday cottages, each sleeping four. There are lots of "dinky" rare-breed animals to pet and feed, including pot-bellied pygmy goats, Falabella ponies and Ouessant sheep. Other diversions include table tennis and a "wild playground". Locals "stream in" to eat at the "industrial-chic meets barn-boho" restaurant, where the South African owners cook "scrumptious" food with influences from their homeland, including the use of a braai. And there's much to do nearby – from visiting Hay's bookshops to walking the Offa's Dyke Path or canoeing on the Wye.
Tents cost from £130 per night for four (droversrest.co.uk).

A seaside rest cure in Denmark

After struggling to recover from a hip operation, I fancied an old-fashioned "rest cure" by the sea, says Kat Brown in The Sunday Times – and found the perfect place in Denmark. As far as I can tell, there's nowhere in the UK quite like the Kurhotel Skodsborg. A former royal palace set between the sea and a peaceful nature reserve, it became a sanatorium in 1898, and now has onsite medical centres specialising in physio and sleep-related treatments. I spent most of the time in the spa, however, and particularly enjoyed the saunagus, a combination of sauna, aromatherapy and cold-water dipping in an outdoor plunge pool or the sea. The plant-based food in the restaurant was "moreish", and I left after three days feeling "utterly restored". Doubles cost from £236 b&b.

Staying in a castle in Argyll

A "bijou" 16th century stronghold recently refurbished as a holiday let, Kilmartin Castle is a great base for a break in the Scottish Highlands, says Gemma Bowes in The Times. Situated near the coast of Argyll, in the village of Kilmartin – a twohour drive northwest of Glasgow – it has five "romantic" bedrooms, most of which have deep copper baths, log-burners, and "hip" art (from cinema posters to plastic Pac-Man Ghost statues). There's a swimming pond, a private chef if needed, and excellent guides on hand to lead hiking and kayaking trips (look out for sea otters). Best of all, however, are the archaeological wonders of the Kilmartin Museum and Kilmartin Glen. The Iron and Bronze Age sites here (including Dunadd hillfort, the capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata) have few equals in the UK. The castle sleeps ten, from £2,940 for three nights self-catering.

A Caribbean gem in Costa Rica

A "dusty, ramshackle" town on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a "glorious" place, says Mark Palmer in The Mail on Sunday. Its indigenous people, the Bribri tribe, are still going strong, and so is the Jamaican community that settled here around 1900, bringing "cricket, maypole dancing and an interest in Shakespeare", among many other things. More recently, an international array of artists, hippies and surfers has joined the mix. Stay at Aguas Claras, a nearby hotel with "cabanas on stilts" beside a beach so beautiful and unspoilt, it made me think of "what Barbados might once have been like". And don't miss the Cahuita National Park, a nature reserve with an "important" coral reef and a forest where visitors often see sloths, raccoons, monkeys and more.

An Anglican treasure in Malta

Chunks of masonry began falling off it eight years ago, but thanks to a major funding campaign and a restoration project, the spire of Valletta's St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral is safe once more. Its "honey-hued" spire dominates the skyline of Malta's capital, says Juliet Rix in The Daily Telegraph, and the building it crowns (a cathedral without a bishop, hence the "Pro") is well worth a visit. Commissioned in 1838 by William IV's widow, the Dowager Queen Adelaide, it was modelled on London's St Martin-inthe-Fields, and has been "an embodiment of Anglo-Maltese relations" since the 19th century. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip worshipped here when they lived in Malta (from 1949 to 1951), and inside the church there are memorials relating to the Allied effort in the Second World War, in which Malta played such a crucial role.

Wellness in the Caribbean

I used to be a spa junkie, but these days I prefer something "less demanding", says Shane Watson in The Times – "an old-fashioned holiday with wellness benefits".

This winter, I found the right balance at StolenTime (formerly the Malabar Beach Hotel), an "unpretentious", all-inclusive beach resort in St Lucia with an impressive range of activities. You might go for archery, or "sunrise meditation" – but I was drawn there by the tai chi classes. The teacher, Edwin, is a "quietly awesome" St Lucian whose lessons combine qigong ("exercises to relax the body") with meditative tai chi, "the discipline's slowed-down version". I'm "easily bored" by exercise, but I found these "flowing, balletic" movements "wholly absorbing", and noticed that my muscles were tired and my mood markedly improved after just one session. Doubles cost from £703, all-inclusive; stolentime.com

A historic train ride in Piedmont

Countless railway branch lines have been axed across Europe in recent decades. But in Italy, 19 of the most beautiful are now protected – and you can ride them on the historic trains of the Fondazione FS Italiane, says Taras Grescoe in Travel + Leisure. The carriages, with their wooden benches and wrought-iron stanchions, are familiar from countless classic Italian films, and the views are for the most part wonderfully timeless.

I chose a day-long excursion from Turin through the vineyards of Piedmont to the village of Canelli, where my fellow passengers and I toured the cathedral-like wine cellars. We also had a "leisurely" al fresco lunch, and on the journey back, lowered the windows to inhale the "woodsmoke-scented evening breeze" and wave as children ran out of trackside farmhouses to hail the train's return. Visit fondazionefs.it for more information.

Staying with the Gladstones

Hawarden Castle, an 18th century mansion in Flintshire, has long been the private residence of the Gladstone family – including William Gladstone, the 19th century PM. Now, however, his great-great grandson has opened up one of its wings as a holiday let, says Sarah Baxter in The Daily Telegraph. It’s grand, but the decor is “joyous”, with “richly painted” walls and an “eclectic” collection of art. The apartment has five double bedrooms, a private garden with a wood-fired hot tub, and access to a lake (good for a wild swim).

Guests can visit Sir William’s private library (preserved much as he left it), and participate in activities on the estate, including summer “micro-festivals”, and yoga in the ruins of a 13th century castle. From £5,600 per week, sleeping ten, or £2,240, sleeping four; hawardenestateholidays.co.uk

A surfers' idyll in the Philippines

There are plans for an international airport in Siargao, and for "blocky" hotels. But for now, this island in the southeastern Philippines is a low-key surfers' paradise, said Chris Schalkx in Condé Nast Traveller, with beautiful beaches, fabulous reef breaks and a main town of "scrappy board shops and hammock-strung hostels".

The smartest place to stay is Nay Palad Hideaway, which offers "pure toes-in-the-sand relaxation", with its "frangipani-scented gardens", menu-less restaurant and hidden yoga pavilions. They can arrange for you to go on a boat trip to an idyllic swimming or diving spot on a neighbouring island – or you might take a tour of Siargao's interior with Lokal Lab, a Siargao-based NGO whose projects include a "bamboo-clad" Tropical Academy, and a "showcase farm". Visit naypaladhideaway.com and lokallab.org.

Winter walking in Greece

With its high mountains and beautiful old villages, the Zagori region of northwest Greece is wonderful hiking territory. Most visitors come during summer, but it is particularly “magical” in the winter, said Susan Smillie in The Guardian, when icicles overhang its deep spring pools and the roofs of its Ottoman merchants’ mansions are heavy with snow.

Everything feels “pristine and empty” – as “otherworldly” as Narnia – and yet there are still all kinds of guided activities on offer, including canyoning, skiing, rafting and horse trekking. Among the best places to stay are En Chora Vezitsa (a family-run guesthouse that hosts cookery and yoga classes, and overlooks the spectacular Vikos Gorge), and Mikro Papigo 1700, a “perfectly preserved” 18th century house in Papigo – “the most timeless of all Zagori villages” – with a hammam, sauna, Jacuzzi and spa. Alpine Zone offers year-round guided activities.

Narbonne's many charms

Under Roman rule, Narbonne was the capital of a vast southern province of France. It's not nearly so important today, said Anthony Peregrine in The Sunday Telegraph – but it remains a splendid little city. Its old food market is the "liveliest" for miles around. And though only half of it was built, its gothic cathedral was conceived on a superlatively grand scale.

The city also has a "gripping" museum of Roman history, and a museum dedicated to the chansonnier Charles Trenet, in the "neat petit-bourgeois" house where he was born. And if Narbonne's own attractions aren't enough for you, bear in mind that it lies within easy reach of many others, including Mediterranean beaches (as little as ten miles away), the fortified city of Carcassonne, the Canal du Midi, and an endless array of good wineries.

Tbilisi: Europe's 'next Berlin'

With its co-working spaces and natural wine bars, Tbilisi has "garnered a reputation as the 'next Berlin' among clued-in city trippers" in recent years, said Chris Schalkx in The Sunday Times. But the capital of Georgia is "more than a hipster honeypot: this former Silk Road-era trading hub has passed hands between Mongol khans, Persian shahs and Russian rulers", and they've all left their mark.

There is a lot to explore: medieval forts, Soviet relics, "crumbling roadside inns"; and when you've had your "urban fix", the country's "snow-capped mountain ranges and frozen-in-time villages are just a short drive or train ride away". As for places to stay, "few places better sum up modern-day Tbilisi" than Stamba, an unpretentious hotel in a former printing factory, where the rooms "meld brutalist bare concrete with glam-rock licks of brass and leather". Doubles from £135 (USD$172); stambahotel.com.

Riding the cobbles of Flanders

"The Belgians love their cycling, but the Flemish worship it," said Steve Chamberlain in The Guardian. "Bike sculptures lurk in fields"; and the countryside is criss-crossed with "carefully delineated" cycle routes and "seemingly never-ending" bike lanes. So Flanders is a great place for a cycling holiday – especially if you're not put off by the notion of rattling over the region's "notorious" cobbles, or pavés (though there are routes that don't feature them).

The town of Brakel makes for a good base. The Flandrien Hotel is a "cyclists' haven", and there are three Ronde van Vlaanderen circuits in the surrounding region. Alternatively, there is the 45km "Peace" route, which starts in Ypres and goes past battlefields and war cemeteries.

A spiritual retreat in Moray

"In the frantic modern world, the notion of a 'retreat' seems to have a currency as never before," said Christopher Akers in the FT. There are fasting retreats in Italian palazzos, Himalayan yoga camps and "gut-health resets in Swiss spas"; but at Pluscarden Abbey, a medieval Roman Catholic monastery, in the countryside 35 miles east of Inverness, it's possible to go on a retreat that is "far older than most" – and free, though donations are gratefully received.

Male visitors share simple meals with the monks, which are eaten in silence; the women's accommodation is self-catering. Retreats are not directed and, apart from helping with chores, guests spend their time as they like – immersed in the beauty of Gregorian chanting, reading, walking, praying, or helping the monks in manual labour. Visitors come from all walks of life, and camaraderie is quickly established. As the days pass, "I find myself unwinding – more than I ever have on a tropical beach."

A palace in the snow in Sweden

Digging a snow cave and sleeping in it was a "boyhood dream" of mine, said Kevin Rushby in The Guardian, but not one it has been easy to realise in the UK. In the icy forests of central Sweden, however, it's a realistic goal – and Do The North can help you achieve it. This adventure company runs week-long trips that feel "like going away with a gang of friends" – kayaking and camping on Sweden's islands in the summer, and exploring the wilds of Dalarna province in the winter.

The first stop in Dalarna is an "idyllic" cabin in the woods, with log burners, lanterns, antique furniture and a sauna. Activities include cross-country skiing and ice-skating, and an "extraordinary" range of kit (including beautiful old sleds) is then distributed for an expedition up to the alpine plateau of the Fulufjället National Park. There, you learn how to put up a tent in a blizzard – and, if conditions are right, those who want to can dig a snow hole. On my trip, we created a "palace", with reindeer skins and niches for candles. Wonderfully cosy within it, I enjoyed "one of the best night's sleep I've ever had".

The trip costs from £1,437pp ($1,821); dothenorth.com

Big Sky: glamour in Montana

For decades, Big Sky was off the radar of most winter sports enthusiasts: "being somewhat difficult to get to, and offering great skiing but not much else". But this resort in Montana is "in the midst of a transformation", said Gloria Liu in Travel + Leisure, with "increasingly luxe" accommodation, and ever-more "hip" bars and restaurants. And there are now more direct flights to nearby Bozeman from cities including New York.

It still can't rival the "off-mountain glitz" of Aspen or Jackson, but its "down-to-earth vibe" has an appeal of its own – as does the sheer quantity and quality of skiing to be had here. Big Sky is the third-largest ski resort in North America, after Whistler Blackcomb and Park City Resort. It has more thrilling advanced terrain than any other US resort, but also has a lot to offer beginner and intermediate skiers. Among the resort's swankiest hotels are the Montage and the Yellowstone Club, and a One&Only resort is due to open in 2025. Expert skiers might also enjoy a few nights at the Summit Hotel, which offers early morning lift access to some of the most challenging slopes.

Raiatea: a delightful island in French Polynesia

Crowned with verdant volcanic peaks and encircled by a lagoon so translucent that to float in it feels like "levitation", the island of Raiatea is a sliver of heaven in the heart of the South Pacific, said Oliver Smith in the FT. Often said to be "Hawaiki", the central homeland of Polynesian mythology, it belongs to the Society Islands, one of five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia. But while some nearby islands, such as Tahiti and Bora Bora, are quite urbanised and touristy, Raiatea is the sort of place where "people still wave to passers-by". There are a dozen villages around its coast, with "peach-coloured" Protestant churches, and bungalows with corrugated iron roofs that "chime like glockenspiels during tropical downpours".

The island offers wonderful walking, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing, and also has one of Polynesia's greatest archaeological sites, the temple of Taputapuatea, from which the priest Tupaia joined Captain Cook on his first Pacific voyage, in 1769.

See tahititourisme.uk, raiatea-lodge-hotel.com, and tahitiyachtcharter.com

The Algarve's mellow charm in winter

I used to be dismissive of the Algarve, said Audrey Gillan in The Times, imagining it as "a place for golfers and fly-and-floppers who like a drink". But then I visited this region, in the far south of Portugal, saw what lay beyond the bars and golf courses – including glorious beaches, elegant old towns, and beautiful hiking trails – and liked it so much that I moved here. My favourite time of year is the low season, when it's less busy, but the weather is often mild and sunny, and the sea, though nippy, "is still dippable".

The regional capital, Faro, is a "funky" city with a pretty, cobblestoned historic centre and lots of fine modernist architecture. From there, you might take the train east along the coast, stopping at the enchanting fishing town of Olhão (which is where I live) and "lovely" Tavira. Among the "chicest" of the region's five-star hotels is the Vila Vita Parc, which has a restaurant with two well-deserved Michelin stars, and also manages some "luxurious" holiday lets with butler service. But there's also plenty of excellent accommodation at more affordable rates (such as Casa Âmago and Morgado do Quintão), and many other wonderful restaurants (I particularly recommend Austa, in Almancil, and Alameda, in Faro).

Beautiful Grenada's dramatic past

Grenada is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands in the Lesser Antilles, said Mark Stratton in The Daily Telegraph – and that is partly because of the short-lived socialist revolution of 1983, which scared off the big hotel chains just as prime coastlines in other Caribbean nations were disappearing under concrete. Today, roughly 80% of the island's tourist accommodation sits close to the pretty capital, Saint George's, beyond which lie towering mountains, undeveloped beaches, coastal villages and "bird-rich" rainforest – all "a delight to explore".

There are spice farms too, as well as small-scale, "bean-to-bar" chocolate makers, most of which are open to visitors. And here and there you find reminders of the tragic events of 40 years ago, when the violent overthrow by hardliners of the country's moderate socialist leader, Maurice Bishop, prompted the US to invade and occupy Grenada for two years. Eeriest of all is the disused Pearls Airport, where two Russian-made planes still stand, decaying, as though US marines had only withdrawn a few weeks ago.

Art and culture in Turin

Turin doesn't enjoy the same fame as "fashion-fuelled" Milan, but I've always preferred it to its relatively "brash" neighbour, said Nick Trend in The Daily Telegraph. Long the seat of the Duchy of Savoy and, from 1861 to 1865, the capital of newly unified Italy, it is a handsome city, with baroque avenues and squares, and its fine museums make it one of Europe's most indispensable destinations for art enthusiasts.

Among the best are the Sabauda Gallery (Old Masters); the Museo Egizio (which "outguns" the British Museum with its ancient Egyptian treasures collection); and the Castello di Rivoli, Italy's "leading museum of contemporary art". Most distinctive, however, is the Lingotto building, the old Fiat factory on the roof of which Michael Caine's gang raced Minis in "The Italian Job". Built in the 1920s, it is one of the world's most beautiful concrete structures, and now houses an excellent art museum, the Pinacoteca Agnelli.

A new tour of Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc stands proud as Western Europe's highest peak. Its snowy slopes and rocky ridges have long attracted adventurers seeking an ultimate high. Yet for those after a more immersive adventure, a high without ascending the heights, Inntravel is introducing a new Tour of Mont Blanc holiday for 2024. The 11-night trip offers a variation on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc, a Grand Randonnée route, taking in France, Italy and Switzerland, with a non-stop panorama of some of Europe's finest mountain scenery. Inntravel's holiday allows for a rest day in Courmayeur, as well as shortening certain sections through use of shuttle buses or riding by cable car, itself an iconic Alpine experience.

Available from 26 June to 15 September 2024. Price from £2,195 ($2,727) per person based on two sharing, including 11 nights' b&b accommodation, four dinners, route notes and maps. Flights extra. Guests can also travel from London by rail, from £2,735 ($3,398) per person: UK to Paris (Eurostar), Paris to Geneva (TGV); inntravel.co.uk

Highlights of Japan family holiday

Intrepid Travel will have more than 100 new itineraries on its 2024 calendar. One of the trips is a "Japan Highlights" holiday, where families can learn the spiritual traditions of the country, from geishas and temples in Kyoto, to modern youth culture of quirky fashion, street art, and hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants in Harajuku. They'll also stay at a rural tea farm and see how tea is harvested by local farmers.

The eight-day trip starts from Tokyo and finishes in Osaka. Seven breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, transport (Metro, local train, bullet train) and accommodation (hotel for six nights and a farm stay for one night) are included. From £2,709 ($3,435) per person; intrepidtravel.com

Wilderness walking: highlights of the Highlands

This new nine-night, fully guided trip by Wilderness Scotland combines the very best of the Highlands' wild beauty with superb, luxury hotels, offering the finest seasonal food, all while enjoying some stunning hiking. Highlights include a boat trip to the remote shores of Loch Coruisk on Skye; hiking in Glencoe in the company of red deer and golden eagles; a visit to the Culloden battlefield; hiking in the Cairngorms National Park; and guided tours of Scone Palace and the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. The group will stay in the Highlands' most sumptuous hotels, including the Fife Arms and Isle of Eriska Hotel.

Price from £4,895 ($6,205) per person sharing, including nine nights' accommodation, all meals, guiding and transfers. Depart 6 May, 3 June or 26 August 2024; wildernessscotland.com

Ski and surf adventure across Chile

Embark on an extraordinary Chilean adventure with Pelorus that blends heart-pounding skiing in the Andes with breathtaking surfing at Punta de Lobos. Starting at El Morado Lodge, in the Maipo River valley, a week of helicopter-assisted skiing unfolds, guided by experts with decades of experience traversing the Central Andes and Patagonia. Transitioning to a private ski lodge in Curico, your journey takes you closer to the allure of Pichilemu’s coastal treasures and the iconic waves of Punta de Lobos. Days are flexible, allowing you to choose between skiing and surfing as conditions and whims dictate.

From July to December 2024, eight nights from £30,000 ($37,253) per person; pelorusx.com

Loch Ness, The Jacobite and Skye rail tour

The Adventure People has launched a new collection of train-based tours in Scotland and Ireland, including an itinerary to Loch Ness, The Jacobite and Skye. Running from April to October 2024, the trip departs from Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh. Guests will travel on the stunning West Highland Line, including a journey on the world famous Jacobite steam train. Other highlights include exploring the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, enjoying a cruise on Loch Ness, catching a glimpse of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and discovering the lively capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

Price includes accommodation in small hotels or b&bs, daily breakfast, two lunches and three dinners. Seven days from £2,273 ($2,823) per person; theadventurepeople.com 

Nepal: hike the Forbidden Kingdom

Journey into the heart of the mystical and untouched Himalayas in Nepal. Take your own spiritual journey through the Forbidden Kingdom with Pelorus, exploring the very landscapes that have captivated adventurers for generations – a privilege granted to only a few. Embark on an unforgettable three-day trek through the rain shadow of the Himalayas, leading you to the mystical kingdom of Lo Manthang. Traverse arid deserts, ancient caves and snow-capped peaks as you forge your path.

The journey culminates in an extraordinary helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, a spectacular flight between the towering walls of Fishtail and Annapurna South, granting you an unparalleled perspective of Annapurna Peak, Gangapurna and the lake town of Pokhara.

From March to May and September to October 2024; 12 nights from £22,000 ($27,888) per person; pelorusx.com 

A £1m three-month family world tour

Luxury tour operator Destinology has launched one of the world's most expensive family holidays – a three-month trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai that costs £1 million for two adults and two children. Departing London on 10 April 2024 and returning on 20 July 2024, these travellers will visit a total of 10 countries, and accommodation will include the finest city hotels, exclusive wilderness lodges, beautiful rainforest cabins and luxury glamping. All air travel is business class or by private helicopter charter.

Prices start from £250,000 ($316,916) per person based on four people travelling. Includes all flights, luxury accommodation throughout and excursions; tailor-made-holidays.destinology.co.uk 

An expedition into Chad's Sahara Desert

Chad's Ennedi Desert is typically only ventured into by nomads and their camel trains. In 2024, Explorations Company is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for intrepid adventurers to join a small group expedition into this Unesco World Heritage site. Guests will experience a privately guided safari at Warda Camp and a camel trek across the Sahara, with expert guides on hand throughout their off-the-grid two-week trip. And to soak up the breathtaking landscape from a different perspective, a helicopter trip taking in the Tibesti Mountains and Zakouma National Park can be arranged too.

From $23,000 (£18,340) per person based on a group of six. Price is based on a two-week trip, excluding helicopter supplement and international flights; explorationscompany.com

A Swiss heli-ski safari

Thrill-seeking skiers can take their passion to new heights with this 10-day cross-border itinerary curated by Leo Trippi, winner of the best ski travel agent at the World Ski Awards in 2023 for a record 10th year in a row. Take a helicopter to the top of some of the best peaks in the most renowned resorts in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps before carving your way off-piste, across remote mountains and down glaciers. No two heli-ski safaris are the same, with guests being encouraged to tailor their adventure to suit their preferences. And, for those looking to improve their snow skills, lessons with the likes of Marc Garcia and Jean-Jacques Rey can even be arranged too.

From CHF24,000 (£21,666/$27,170) per person based on a group of eight including transfers, accommodation, ski guide, ski passes and ski rental; leotrippi.com