My kayaking adventure off Sweden: If Henry Moore had designed an archipelago, this would be it

Steeped in history from the Viking Age to the Age of Reason, Uppsala is packed with historical landmarks. Yet one of the biggest historic landmarks, its University, provides an injection of youthful vibrancy to this intellectual city.

This week sees the launch of Sustainable Journeys, a new UK tour operator dedicated to helping people take steps to travel more sustainably by providing itineraries and unforgettable travel experiences which enable individual travellers to explore, whilst taking into consideration environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits to local communities.

The passport you hold is a powerful tool when it comes to effortlessly visiting countries around the world.And some passports provide far more access than others, according to the Henley Passport Index.The just-released 2024 index shows that for the first time in 19 years of producing the ranking, six countries are tied for the top spot of having the most powerful passports.The countries leading the ranking are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain—meaning citizens from all of these countries are able to visit 194 destinations around the world either visa-free or by obtaining a visa-on-arrival.The Henley Passport Index is the only ranking of its kind and is developed based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index compares 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.While Japan and Singapore have made it into the number one slot for the past five years running, according to CNN, the European countries that are now also ranked number one on the list is a new development.

The recent sensational discoveries of Viking ship graves in Norway have captured global headlines, highlighting the rich history of the Viking Age in Scandinavia. Yet, just across the border in Sweden, there’s a treasure trove of Norse history already visible and accessible, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Northern Europe.

Iceland's glaciers, black sand beaches, and the chance of catching the Northern Lights attract well over a million visitors a year. But it wasn't until November that I visited the tiny island nation for the first time, on a reporting trip.

A passport is more than permission to travel across borders; holders of the world's most powerful passports have access to different ways of living that other passport holders do not. Heading into 2024, new data reveals not only the passports that give access to the most countries, but also where you might find a better quality of life.

Six countries now have the world's most powerful passport, according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index — but the US isn't one of them.

Humans have always traveled and settled, but we have learned to reconcile our urge to explore “what lies beyond” with our desire for the comfort that comes from building a space to call “home.” And these powerful human impulses have been driven to new heights by our passion to perfect, taking both transport and architecture on fascinating evolutionary journeys.

Four European countries now have the world’s most powerful passports.

Happy 2024! The start of a New Year brings resolutions, fresh goals, and opportunities to incorporate health and wellness into your life.

The northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are beautiful dancing waves of light that have captivated people for millennia. The northern lights are poised to grace the skies with resplendent displays (the best in two decades) courtesy of the sun's upcoming "solar maximum" phase peaking between January and October 2024. From cozy cabins with panoramic vistas to remote lodges offering front-row seats to the ethereal dance, Airbnb gathered a selection of listings in prime viewing spots in north polar Alaska, Iceland and Scandinavia – all among the most wishlisted Airbnbs in the Arctic Category.

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more mindful journeys by train, boat, bus, or bike – with tips on how to reach your destination without flying, and what to see and do along the way. Here, Daniel James Clarke explains how he traveled from Lapland to the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle aboard two of Scandinavia’s most scenic train journeys.