TravelInside the secret world of Japanese snack barsSome 100,000 of these small dives are hidden in plain sight across Japan. Now, travellers are finally discovering these locals-only hangouts – and the beloved "mamas" who run them.10 of the US's most sustainable small townsFrom compost-powered cities to dark-sky pioneers, these lesser-known US towns are proving that sustainability and great travel go hand in hand.The 20 best places to travel in 2026From a Polynesian island ringed by blue lagoons to the heart of Chile's wine country, these are BBC journalists' top destinations this year.The SpeciaListHow to spend a ski break in Cortina d'AmpezzoAs the world turns its gaze to Italy's Cortina d'Ampezzo - one of the hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics - ski champion Kristian Ghedina shares his hometown picks.An ironwoman's guide to Finland's best icy plungesElina Mäkinen was the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile. Here are her top ice bathing experiences, from plunges under the Northern Lights to paying homage to Arctic gods.A freeski champion's guide to WhistlerCanada's Mike Douglas stands at the vanguard of his hometown's ski culture. Here are his local favourites, from schussing down Peak to Creek to ahi poke at Sushi Village.How a Rockette spends Christmas in New York CityFor 100 years, The Rockettes have symbolised Christmas in New York City. Now, troupe member Brooklyn Bronson shares her tips on how to enjoy the city's holiday magic.A stylist's guide to New York City shoppingShe styles A-list fashionistas but really loves shopping for friends and family. Just in time for the holidays, here are Erin Walsh's top shops in her beloved hometown of NYC.Dublin pubs where the Guinness is perfectColm Dalton is on a mission to rate every Irish pub in the world. He shares the best of the best in Dublin – the birthplace of Guinness.AdventuresFive US national parks only reached by sea or skyRoad trips to national parks are a classic US travel experience. But for truly "wild" landscapes, venture to these remote protected lands you can only reach via boat or seaplane.The last von Trapp is 86 - and still runs a hotelThe last living von Trapp child still helps run the family resort in the mountains of New England – where fans of The Sound of Music can explore a little slice of Austria.Italy's new nun-mapped pilgrim trailAs Italy grapples with overtourism, a series of ancient trails resurrected by nuns winds through the forgotten landscapes where Benedictine monasticism shaped medieval Europe.The Swiss ski resort reinventing winterAs warming winters threaten the future of snow, Laax has launched some of Switzerland's most ambitious sustainability projects, from on-demand gondolas to CO2-neutral lifts.Brazil's astonishing, lagoon-filled desertLençóis Maranhenses looks like a desert, but it's alive with shimmering pools, remote villages and ancient paths that only local guides know how to read.Seven travel trends that will define 2026Data suggests that 2026 will be the year of quiet escapes, algorithm-shaped itineraries, ultra-personalised retreats and a return to slower, more intentional travel.In PicturesIn search of Europe's best Christmas marketAfter years of sweating through summer festivities in Australia, one family swapped sunscreen for snow – and found festive bliss in an unexpected European capital.In the newsChange at the top of bailiwick's tourism boardParking ban for patching works on southern routeTourism professionals offered French lessonsIndia's astrotourism boom draws urban stargazers beyond city limitsStaffy dog mascot will help promote county tourismWatchWhy Atlanta's culinary scene is getting food lovers excitedThe city's food scene is redefining southern hospitality with bold and unpretentious global flavours.World's TableKöttbullar: The secret behind the iconic Swedish meatballsIkea’s meatballs turn 40. We asked Swedes how Köttbullar became a global phenomenon.Culture & ExperiencesThe forgotten underground river that shaped ParisBuried beneath Paris since 1912, the ghost river Bièvre shaped the French capital in unexpected ways.The SpeciaListThe dark history of Santa's official hometownHow an Arctic town rose from WWII ruins to reinvent itself as Europe's Christmas capital.The SpeciaListThe machine that captured a million memoriesOnce a curiosity, photo booths are having a surprising revival as an escape from our digital world.Culture & ExperiencesInside the Amazon's sacred food rituals few outsiders seeCan the Amazon’s gastronomic wisdom reshape our bond with nature and save our future?Culture & ExperiencesThe truth behind Pennsylvania DutchTesting his skills, a German speaker explores an Amish tongue that feels familiar yet strangely distant.Culture & ExperiencesMeet the locals who paddle this polluted New York canalThe Gowanus Canal, a once hazardous waterway, owes much of its transformation to this canoe club. Culture & ExperiencesThe woman who checked in and never checked outA mysterious 1892 death at a California hotel sparked ghost stories that still intrigue visitors today.Culture & ExperiencesThe Japanese secret to being calmer and happierIn the village of Magome, a 16th-century discipline leads to a sharper focus on the present moment.The SpeciaListHow giant murals are transforming cities worldwideArtist Dasic Fernández turns grey streets in New York, Santiago and Diriyah into colourful 3D landscapes.Culture & ExperiencesThe alien lands once hidden beneath the oceanIn Kazakhstan, tiramisu-coloured canyons and otherworldly gorges are the keepers of our geological history.The SpeciaListThe Greek island holding the secret to a long lifeOn Ikaria, people on average lead longer, happier lives. A resident of the Greek 'island of immortals' shares her tips for longevity.The SpeciaListThe UK's last Victorian steam mill in operationPresenter Jeremy Paxman visits the last Victorian steam-powered weaving mill in Britain.Culture & ExperiencesThe majestic ancient ruins of Cleopatra's BathLegend has it that these ruins were once ancient baths and a wedding gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra.DestinationsThe sunken secrets of Roman pleasure palacesEmperor Claudius’ sunken palace reveals dark secrets of the Romans' coastal decadence.Culture & ExperiencesThe secret behind Colombia's blender crazeA colourful journey through fruit markets and forests reveals a nation’s most beloved kitchen ritual.Culture & ExperiencesThe truth behind 70 years of wild Disneyland mythsWhy are there so many conspiracies around the man and the park? Two of them are actually true.Culture & ExperiencesThe Nazi bunkers hidden underneath BerlinFrom Hitler's last shelter to an underground tunnel connecting eleven small houses in the German countryside.The SpeciaListThe most surprising sex-positive city in EuropeForget Berlin and Paris. This German city quietly champions free love in a way you wouldn't expect.The SpeciaListGreen GetawaysThe remote village drawing stargazers from around the worldIn the Moon-like landscape of Hanle, the jet-black skies reveal otherworldly starry skies that lure travellers from far and wide. But can locals preserve the natural darkness?The US neighbourhood where cars are bannedIn Tempe, Arizona, Culdesac is reimagining US cities for people, not cars – and inviting travellers to explore its plazas, paseos and Mediterranean-inspired design.A day in Europe's most relaxed capital cityIn Oslo's Vulkan district, sustainability, style and everyday ease come together in a way that's making the Norwegian capital feel like Europe's most liveable city break.Monaco's new neighbourhood rising out of the seaBuilt on reclaimed land, Monaco's new Mareterra district blends cutting-edge sustainability with scenic sea views, offering a fresh way to explore the principality.World's TableTurkey's caffeine-free coffee alternativeFor as long as anyone can remember, residents in Gaziantep have been harvesting wild pistachios to make a unique, nutty brew that doubles as a home remedy.The Mexican beer you can only buy at ChristmasMexico is the world's largest exporter of beers. But one of its most beloved brews, Noche Buena, is only available for just a few weeks each year.Sorry, France, the world's best bubbly is BritishOver the past decade, international chefs have swept French culinary competitions with unprecedented frequency.Why travellers keep queueing for viral foodExperts explain how FOMO, social proof and performance culture have turned ordinary snacks into global must-queue experiences.More on Travel3 days agoSeven wellness traditions to borrow this yearFrom Indonesia's herbal tonics to Japan's towel rubdowns, these wellness traditions and habits from across the globe can invigorate your new year.3 days ago5 days agoInside Italy's forgotten art townSicily's forgotten town of Gibellina was envisioned as an art utopia. Four decades later, it's painting a new future as Italy's first Capital of Contemporary Art.5 days ago6 days agoEurope's new steamy, semi-nude wellness trendAs saunas gain global popularity, a hypnotic offshoot involving theatre, music and towel-twirling known as "Aufguss" is attracting wellness-seekers across the world.6 days ago7 days agoHow Trump is disrupting global travelSome travellers are now second-guessing whether it's safe to visit destinations the US has recently threatened.7 days ago10 Jan 2026A rare look at one of Earth's most remote placesFrozen in for nine months a year and located 800km from the next town, the Arctic village of Ittoqqortoormiit offers a fascinating glimpse at life at the edge of the world.10 Jan 20268 Jan 2026The Caribbean isle where locals can't access the beachJamaica is the quintessential Caribbean beach destination, famous for its white sand and gin-coloured waters. But less than 1% of the island's coastline is accessible to residents.8 Jan 20267 Jan 2026Paddling the dramatic 'Grand Canyon of Canada'Navigating the Nahanni River is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience that reveals a remote and untouched side of Canada few travellers ever see.7 Jan 20262 Jan 2026Eight warm-weather trips to find purposeFrom a Maldivian island alliance to Peru's pisco heartlands, these warm-weather trips pair sunshine with soul-enriching experiences.2 Jan 202630 Dec 2025A first-timer's guide to MexicoA guidebook writer's itinerary for what to eat, see and experience across Mexico on your first visit.30 Dec 2025...
