Often, when exploring a new country, it isn’t just the culture, culinary accomplishments and architecture that draws in visitors; history has its own lure...

The Alps are an icon of Switzerland, and though this range of famous peaks stretches across several nations, it's often on a Swiss adventure travellers will consider exploring the mountains. Mountain holidays have become popular in recent years, with both summer and winter travellers choosing to soak up the scenery that Switzerland is justly famous for.

Put all chocolate box impressions of Sweden to one side: the notion of a gentle dusting of snow across a smattering of cabins is a lie.

The incomparable 'Floating City' of Venice is many things: iconic; ancient; unique in a multitude of ways. Yet, there are many intriguing facts about the unmistakable city on the lagoon that are rarely spoken beyond its canals. Today, we're taking a sneak peek at some of the secrets of Venice, with a list of our Top 10 favourites.

Less than 100 miles below the Arctic Circle, the Kemi Snow Castle pushes the boundaries of possibility, with annually re-constructed architecture that melts each summer, only to be re-built once more. For over 20 years, this wondrous Finnish hotel has been a cyclical fixture of winter travel, offering an icy escape amidst the spectacular landscape of Finland. Whilst the structure changes every year, core rooms are retained, including the hotel, a restaurant with a chill bar, and a chapel, where couples flock each year to get married in a unique, if frosty, style.

If you’re looking for the calmer climes and mild hues of autumn for your next adventure, but aren’t yet sure where to go, we’ve collected our Top 10 favourite destinations for autumn escapes, to give you some food for thought.

China has an abundance of history, dating back centuries. From age-old inventions, including fireworks, sophisticated methods of navigation at sea, and sublime ancient architecture that has come to be revered throughout the modern world, Chinese innovation is as old as its extremely long past, so a short history here is often hard to come by. However, with rail travel being a relatively modern phenomenon (especially in the broad scope of some 5,000 years of Chinese history), our favourite method of travel is one area which can be described briefly – and here we have our take, in 4 snapshots.

Summer is here again, and what better way to spend some time than unwinding with a book? We love a great summer read, especially when it serves to transport the reader away to a faraway world. From sandy beaches and turquoise waters, to bustling distant cities we yearn to explore, the best summer reads give food for thought, as well as indulging a spot of wanderlust. Here are our Top 5 Summer Reads for the intrepid traveller.

The summer is here, which means Bank Holiday break season is upon us. Across the land, British people are planning their Bank Holiday weekends away, from the simple pleasures of time in a nearby beer garden, to weekend escapes to the continent and adventures closer to home. With that in mind, we’re looking at our Top 10 ideas for a great Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK.

There's nothing better than a room with a view, and what better view than some of the world's greatest natural features? Lakes and mountains are some of the most popular natural wonders, offering a peaceful escape and unforgettable landscape views, which is why many holidays incorporate mountain vistas and lakeside stays. For a scenic escape, check out our Top 10 destinations for lakes and mountains.

We all love to keep a little something to remind us of the adventures we take abroad, but sometimes it’s hard to choose the right souvenir to summarise your time away – especially if your destination is particularly new to you. To help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family, or just a keepsake for yourself, follow our handy guide to souvenir buying.

Spotting animals in their natural habitats is an often charming, occasionally frustrating pastime. With great rewards to those who think ahead, it’s worth being prepared if you’re looking to see creatures in the wild. If you’re planning a safari, a wildlife scout abroad, or even just a bird-watching bank holiday, our top 10 tips are designed to help you make the most of your animal-spotting trip.