Travel in county Centre

“It’s fantastically therapeutic,” says Bhaggie Patel, ceramic artist and co-founder of Manchester’s Imprints of Earth ceramics studio. “Sometimes I’ll be sitting at the wheel and I’m so engrossed in what I’m doing, I don’t realise it’s turned dark outside.” Bhaggie is leading me in a one-to-one throwing class, teaching me how to turn an amorphous lump of clay into something useful, maybe even beautiful: a pot, perhaps, or a mug or bowl.

Dubai is one of Marriott’s largest markets for branded residences outside the U.S. – an upmarket segment of real estate that has boomed over the past decade. Today, Marriott has nine branded residences in Dubai, as well as two more in Ras Al Khaimah and a string of ultra-expensive Bulgari properties.

For a quick trip with plenty to see, do, eat and drink, you can’t go wrong with one of Germany’s stunning cities. The country’s history and geography mean that each has its own unique character so, whether you want your holiday packed with culture and history, or are simply looking for a short new-year break, you will be spoilt for choice. From Berlin to Heidelberg, we bring you seven top destinations for your next city getaway.

It’s not only Hogmanay (31 December) that gives Scots an excuse for a party; Burns Night (25 January) is traditionally the time each year when Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns, is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth.  Scotland is host to many events to mark the occasion, from music as well as a traditional ceilidh.  Revellers can top the night off with a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties and a dram of whisky.  After enjoying the food, Scotland fans can then follow in the Bard’s footsteps across Scotland, including his birthplace, Alloway in Ayrshire – home to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – and Dumfries, which is home to places such as Ellisland Farm (built by Robert Burns as his home in 1788) and the Globe Inn pub (established in 1610 and regularly frequented by Burns and home to some fascinating memorabilia).

ALL’s new social media competition gives basketball fans the opportunity to win last-chance tickets to the NBA Paris Game 2024, a night at the Novotel Paris Centre Bercy in a brand-new room, and NBA insider experiences with beIN SPORTS.

In the last few years, the health-meets-travel trend has reached new heights, in no small part thanks to gyms themselves. In 2019 the luxury fitness-club empire Equinox opened its first hotel in New York City. Now, everyone's taking their exercise routines with them wherever they go. “Before the pandemic, my clientele was local,” says Luke Goulden, a London-based personal trainer who now also coaches clients virtually. “They don't want to break routines when they're traveling for work or pleasure.” The good news: Hotels are paying attention.

S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the international hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy to preserve this idyllic island nation’s natural environment, share knowledge about the importance of conservation, and support CROSSROADS Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity in an area covering 3.15km² – about 31% of the total project size – as part of an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) programme.

Amsterdam city officials are trying to push tourists away from the city center’s Red Light District.

More women are traveling alone, and tour operators and travel companies are seeing a surge in older, married women embarking on these solo adventures. 

Since opening its doors to tourism in 2019, Saudi has emerged as a top destination for travelers seeking unique experiences. The World Tourism Organization estimates that 18 million tourists visited Saudi last year — and with good reason. The country is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and clear waters along its 1,100-mile coastline with the Red Sea (locals say it’s “better than the Maldives”). You’ll also find centuries-old archaeological wonders and the world’s largest palm oasis. Here are five spots to confound your expectations and thoroughly blow your mind on a trip to Saudi.

I'd seen images of baby Krishna atop a banyan leaf in pop devotional art posters all over India. Yet it was only on a dusty lane in Jaipur's Old City that I witnessed the leaf of the banyan tree deliver something divine in person. “That's outstanding,” said Chintan Pandya as he tasted a piece of kesar pista makhan—a seemingly simple bar of saffron-tinted butter topped with bits of crushed pistachio—picked off the dried leaf. “No…mind-blowing.” Licking his fingers, America's most acclaimed Indian chef passed the bar to me. “Here, use your hands.”

You're next Uber ride could go towards a future Marriott hotel stay.

According to the US Department of State, Botswana has the best credit rating in mainland Sub-Saharan Africa. The Government of Botswana offers a cutting-edge package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract foreign investments to its tourism industry in the context of the structural reforms it has undertaken to enhance the industry’s value chain and its multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy. This strategy falls under the ‘Reset Agenda’ rolled out by the authorities of Botswana to transform the country into a high income economy by 2036.

When it comes to the Airbus A380 aircraft, only one airline truly bet its future on it: Emirates. 

There are many reasons to make Scotland the place to be in 2024; whether it’s a newly discovered 5,000-year-old tomb in Orkney, or Shetland preparing for its first orbital rocket launch, Scotland offers wow-moments galore. Visitors in 2024 are guaranteed to make unforgettable memories while exploring the country’s vibrant cities and stunning landscapes on new trails, discovering exciting new attractions, resting their heads in dreamy new accommodation and tasting all that Scotland’s larder has to offer.

Consistently ranked amongst the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne isn't a half-bad place to visit either.

Leading travel service provider Trip.com Group held its Global Partner Summit in Singapore, inviting guests from across the travel industry, including accommodation, airline and destination marketing partners. More than 2,000 partners and media attended the event held at the Resorts World Singapore – Convention Centre.

You'll need more than a couple of days to truly get to know Melbourne. With steel-and-glass high-rise buildings and historic architecture, complemented by a richly multicultural population, this is a city with many layers and histories to uncover. 

I packed my bags in September and set off on a girls' trip across Europe. 

China is amid an extraordinary museum boom, constructing more than 20 new cultural facilities since 2020. Set in cities, towns, and even mountain villages, they variously showcase archaeology, astronomy, science fiction, and imperial history.

Philadelphia’s grand history and bustling urban atmosphere make it a fantastic location to explore for any style getaway. From its impressive lineup of awe-inspiring museums, lush parks, inspiring national historic sites, and vibrant dining scene, there’s something to do in the city for everyone. Here’s where to spend the night while exploring the City of Brotherly Love.