Barbados conjures up images of palm trees swaying in the breeze, sun kissed, dazzling white sand - and the strains of reggae reverberating around beach bars.

Paddington Bear, a true British icon with an endearing personality has captured the hearts and minds of millions the world over since author Michael Bond created him in 1958.

Continuing his occasional series on whether bucket list destinations live up to expectations, Group Editor Andrew Palmer heads to Rio de Janeiro on the eve of the 2016 Olympics, chasing a city he first fell for thirty-odd years earlier, dangling from a cable car alongside Roger Moore. Blame Roger Moore.

An eye-watering seven million square kilometres, the Amazon River Basin covers around 40 per cent of South America and crosses eight countries. Home to the world’s largest rainforest, it teems with up to three thousand fish species including piranhas.

Buenos Aires - a multi-cultural melting pot pulsating with a kaleidoscope of colour - is the birthplace of tango and among the world’s most dynamic capital cities. Famed for icons including Eva Peron and Maradona, it is lovingly called the ‘Paris of South America’ with a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant arts scene to match London and the finest European capitals.

Located on the banks on Lake Michigan, Chicago’s jaw dropping skyline merits its reputation among the world’s most iconic backdrops. Nicknamed The Windy City due to the icy gusts from Lake Michigan and colourful 19th Century tales of boastful politicians, the pulsating Midwest metropolis continues to play second fiddle to New York.

Some of what’s claimed to be the most ground-breaking small group adventure tours on the planet, are being offered by Native Eye, the specialist in unusual destinations. And many of them introduce travellers to tribal cultures as they make their way to areas where tourism is either unheard of or still in its infancy.

Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!

It’s no secret: sustainable tourism is big business. Today’s travellers are more eco-conscious than ever, with the world’s premier tourist destinations quickly adapting to support the demand for sustainably minded tourism.

When you’re on the move and your mobile is packed complete with its numerous apps, including pay wallets and banking software, that’s when you are at your most vulnerable to cyber criminals.

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours.

A health expert is warning tourists travelling with medication, legal in the UK, to take care lest their drugs are banned or deemed ‘high risk’ by other countries. Derek Bruce from First Aid Training For Schools says being aware of shifting regulations can make the difference between being prepared and walking into trouble.

Travellers are being warned to look out for ‘card skimming’ frauds being run on ATM machines in holiday hotspots. Tourists going to party destinations are most at risk, particularly if they are the worse for wear due to drink.

Thanks to the rise of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) technology, travellers no longer need to factor expensive international roaming charges into their holiday budgets. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built into mobile devices and offer users multiple lines that can be switched at their convenience.

Great Lakes USA will be one of the best places to see next month’s total solar eclipse, offering an unforgettable experience to those able to witness this natural wonder. Millions of North American sky gazers will see their day turned to night around April 8th as the eclipse does its stuff!

HolidayPirates have got a 52% saving on a 7 night all-inclusive stay at the beautiful 5* Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico with return flights from Manchester and checked bags for £878. The best-value departure date available is 18th March but other dates also available.

Many couples will be enjoying a romantic Valentine getaway today, however, having a partner isn’t essential when it comes to travel. Taking a solo holiday, or “soliday”, is the latest travel trend that has been increasing in popularity over recent years.

SeaWorld Orlando has opened its first and all new Coral Rescue Center to park guests following a VIP ribbon cutting ceremony with members of Florida's conservation and rescue communities, It is one of the largest public-facing facilities dedicated to coral conservation in the country.

Flights from Manchester to the bright lights of Las Vegas are returning from next year as Virgin Atlantic announces the latest route from its home in the North. Passengers will be able to choose from three flights a week to Las Vegas from 2 June 2024, with tickets going on sale from July 2023. Return Economy fares start from £770 per person.

Aer Lingus launches its first non-stop service to Cleveland, Ohio on 19 May promising Manchester Airport users access to the city’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and its ground-breaking exhibition on The Beatles Visitors can also enjoy Cedar Point, the second-oldest amusement park in America, the Cleveland Museum of Art, which celebrates Egyptian influence on fashion, as well as the city’s landmark…

Aer Lingus has increased capacity on its daily Manchester to New York services boosting available seats on each flight by 72% over the summer. The move comes just over a year after the airline began its first direct transatlantic flights to New York from its then North of England hub, which initially operated on a single-aisle Airbus A321LR.

Aer Lingus has launched its biggest ever summer 2023 schedule for UK customers with a record-breaking 2.25 million seats on sale to North America. The Irish flag carrier has unveiled its largest North American summer schedule to date in line with customer demand for more transatlantic flights, including services from its popular Manchester hub.

Aer Lingus is today launching a summer flash sale on a selection of direct transatlantic routes across the US. Between now and August 21st, customersflying out of Manchester Airport will be able to enjoy £100 off Economy and Business Class flights to New York and Orlando when booked as a return journey.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is set to expand its microgrid just 12 months on from when it became the first major US airport to be powered entirely by natural gas and solar energy technology. The airport has saved $1 million in energy costs since launching its own microgrid in July 2021, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 8.2m pounds a year.

Award-winning home swapping site, Love Home Swap, has launched a travel guide showing which of their properties are happy to host a friendly mutt. Current figures estimate that 33% of UK homes and 40% of Australian households now have a dog, while a staggering 69 million homes in the US have at least one pooch.