Welcome to the future! Please leave your slow trains, your outdated tickets and your rackety old carriages at the door.

‘Tis the season…to go on summer holidays, enjoy makeshift barbeques in the rain and stock the freezer with choc ices – but in the world of travel, all of us are thinking at least a few months, if not a year or two in advance.

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.

Going on holiday is something most people look forward to well in advance of actually departing, but many of us also think ‘if only I could just be there, without all the travelling’, there are plenty of people though who’s dread of the trip itself can really dampen any pre-holiday excitement.