‘A Neolithic miracle’: readers’ favourite ancient UK sites

Armenia has ranked within the top 10 safest destinations in the world, according to Numbeo’s safety index for 2024.

In a world where walking and biking tours have long been the norm for city explorations, a fresh and exhilarating alternative has burst onto the scene, particularly in Rome, a city steeped in millennia of history. This novel approach isn't just another variant of the theme of urban discovery; it's a transformative experience that marries the vibrancy of physical activity with the depth of cultural immersion. ArcheoRunning, the pioneering company behind this concept, has redefined the traditional sightseeing tour by introducing running as the vehicle for an intimate encounter with Rome's architectural splendors.

La Mortella is an extraordinary garden we visited on the island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. It is a wonderland of exotic plants, created in 1958 by Argentinian Susana Walton. Unbelievably sumptuous were the hanging orchids, and the experience was full of other delights such as the biggest lily pads I have ever seen. We were guided by the receptionist (with a talking parrot) to the cafe, where we enjoyed fantastic food and then a concert featuring music written by Susana’s husband, Sir William. The gardens are open from 30 March to 3 November (entry €12) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Our memory is of music, food and glorious surroundings.David Innes-Wilkin

A luxury "glamping" site in the UK that claimed to offer "utter peace and tranquillity" has been ordered to close following a series of noise complaints, The Guardian reported.

Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto has long been a popular destination for tourists - but now it’s fighting back against overtourism.

The area around Hardcastle in West Yorkshire springs into life in mid-March. The woodland floor transforms as if by magic into a soft carpet of wildflowers with bluebells appearing later in the season. The area was once called Little Switzerland because of its steep lush valleys bisected by rushing rivers, silver streams and footpaths. We found it to be the perfect antidote to winter, with shafts of golden sunlight casting their magic rays on all the lovely foliage. Head for a nice pub lunch at the Old Gate in Hebden after a morning walk.Nigel

France was the most visited country in the world in 2023. Its capital, Paris, sits comfortably at the top of the league table of most desirable places to visit – a position that will only be strengthened when the city hosts the 2024 Olympics this summer. But away from tourist magnets such as the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris and the teeming beaches of the Cote d’Azur, there are still plenty of places where you can experience “la France profonde”.

Supported by IMEX Group, this year’s SITE Crystal Awards recognized nine companies’ incentive travel achievements 

Building and bridging cultures brought to life through new session formats, destination partnerships, and much more

Saudi Arabia has launched a global brand campaign for its cultural tourism site AlUla, home to ancient ruins and a growing list of luxury hotels. The “Forever Revitalising” campaign has been produced in six languages with events in Dubai, London, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Mumbai.

Disney World is making a splash in 2025 adding even more magic to those staying at one of its many on-site resorts.

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Visiting the artistic complex offers a chance to stand where philosophers once debated, where democracy was born, and where art and culture flourished during the Greco-Roman era. The structure has endured wars and stood the test of time thanks to ongoing restoration and conservation efforts. It sits atop a hill in the heart of Athens, which rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city, stretching all the way to the Aegean Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage site attracts around three million visitors annually. Due to the throngs of summer tourists and concerns over the long-term preservation of the ancient citadel, there is now a daily cap of 20,000 sightseers per day. The restriction does not affect most. That said, opting for a vacation rental close to the Acropolis will give you a head start for a morning visit and a spectacular backdrop for your stay. These Airbnbs near the Acropolis are all within walking distance from the heritage site and have direct views of the complex from balconies or rooftops, so you can sit back and enjoy your visit to Athens without hustling through crowds.