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Travel

The Independent Travel team are firm believers in the power of travel, whether that’s to explore new landscapes, delve into other cultures or simply to bring joy with a really great vacation. Our features, guides and reviews aim to inspire your travel, as well as provide you with all the key information to ensure your trip runs smoothly – from picking the best hotel to finding the cheapest flight and discovering the most authentic experiences.

Scotland

10 best luxury hotels in Scotland 2025, reviewed

From five-star city stays, to Highland retreats, we’ve handpicked the best places to stay in this magnificent country

<p>Set in a truly splendid setting in Braemar, the Fife Arms is one of the best luxury hotels in Scotland</p>
<p>Apple TV+ posted to Instagram a Ted Lasso Season 4 teaser scene filmed at a Kansas City eatery</p>
News & Advice

Key Kansas City filming locations for season 4 of Ted Lasso revealed

<p>Orient Express Corinthian will sail around the Mediterranean next year before heading to the Caribbean</p>
News & Advice

Inside the world’s largest sailing yacht set to launch in 2026

<p>Alley Kerr, pictured here in Taiwan, cautions travelers against booking cruises to a popular destination that looks 'samey.'</p>
News & Advice

I worked on 100 cruises. This popular destination is overrated

<p>The beaches of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece, are some of the region’s top attractions</p>
Greece

This overlooked region of Greece is perfect for a short break

<p>Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79</p>
News & Advice

Scottish tourist caught stealing stones from Pompeii faces huge fine

<p>The UK’s vineyard scene is as exciting as any of the world’s best winemaking regions – and now there’s a new wine route to help you explore it</p>
UK

The UK’s first wine trail is as good as any in Napa Valley

USA

10 Labor Day destinations for a last-minute break

From California to Connecticut, these spots are ideal for a short break

<p>Fort Lauderdale is an idyllic spot in Florida </p>
<p>All out: Air Canada cabin crew belonging to the CUPE union walked out as part of a long and bitter pay dispute</p>
News & Advice

‘We feel abandoned – we certainly won’t be flying Air Canada again’

<p>A Greek island cruise can give you a great view of Santorini - but visitor numbers are already down</p>
Greece

The classic Greek island-hopping holiday could be changing forever

<p>Wild mountains meet modern buildings in Alaska’s largest city </p>
USA

Anchorage, Alaska city guide: What to do and where to stay

Luxury Travel

Travel ‘fixer’s calls with demanding mega-rich clients go viral

Olivia Ferney has fast become one of the world's most sought-after luxury travel organizers, with Instagram videos of her staying cool in the face of absurd requests from ultra-high-net-worth clients earning her nearly 300,000 followers. She revealed her clients’ wildest demands to US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill

<p>Travel fixer Olivia Ferney looks after the vacation needs of some of the world's richest people</p>
<p>Rock steady: Beguiling Edinburgh would be full each August even without the festivals</p>
News & Advice

Edinburgh Festival and Fringe? Move them to November. Or Glasgow

<p>National hotel associations from 30 countries are supporting the action</p>
News & Advice

European hotels to sue Booking.com over ‘illegal’ best price clauses

News & Advice

Amtrak reveals launch date for new 160mph trains on the East Coast

The next-generation Acela trains will run from Washington DC's Union Station to Boston via New York Penn Station

<p>Amtrak's new 160mph tilting train</p>
Toronto Skyline and swan swimming on Ontario lake - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
News & Advice

Canada isn’t the trouble-free alternative to the US you think it is

Canada’s tourism might be enjoying a ‘Trump Bump’, but travellers should beware its visa trap – as Jonathan Margolis, like many others, learned moments before his flight

<p>Disneyland Paris is known for being an expensive getaway, but writer Jessica Salter found more than a few ways to save on her trip</p>
Paris

How to do Disneyland Paris on a budget

<p>Port de Soller is among the highlights of the four-day cycle</p>
News & Advice

Luxury hotel offers chance to meet Tour de France pros in Mallorca

News & Advice

Shock as Airbnb host rejects guests because they’re Welsh

<p>Paradise found: Barbados boasts turquoise sea and white sands</p>
Barbados

Best things to do in Barbados

<p>The new Alaska Airlines Dreamliner paint job</p>
News & Advice

Alaska Airlines to launch flights from Seattle to London and Reykjavik

<p>Natural beauty, artificial intelligence? A beach in Cannes, southern France</p>
News & Advice

Travel agents hit out at ‘AI can find the best holiday for you’ claim

Air Travel

I tried out American’s new Dreamliner cabin: It’s a game-changer

American Airlines has launched Dreamliners with fully upgraded cabins, which include brand-new business-class seats with privacy doors. US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill steps aboard, takes a tour and reveals his verdict

<p>Ted in the new American Airlines Flagship Suite</p>
<p>Chloe Steuer in front of Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Pitfalls of volcano trekking – and why travellers still can’t resist

<p>Top picks for a holiday in Vietnam include the floating rocks of Ha Long Bay </p>
Vietnam

Best Vietnam holiday destinations: When to travel and where to stay

<p>Lecco boasts lakeside views but with fewer tourists than its neighbors </p>
Italy

The charming Lake Como town where Italians escape the summer crowds

<p>New Yorkers took to Reddit and revealed things tourists do that make them mad</p>
News & Advice

The unspoken rules of New York City: What tourists get wrong

<p>NCL has revealed plans for a new six acre Great Tides Waterpark to open in summer 2026 on Great Stirrup Cay</p>
News & Advice

First look at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean island upgrades

<p>St. Lucia is one of the multiple Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment opportunities</p>
Americas

Americans flock to Caribbean ‘citizenship by investment’ scheme

Florida

Pensacola is an underrated Miami alternative

In search of the Sunshine State’s quieter side, Sandy Cadiz-Smith discovers a characterful Gulf Coast city

<p>Sandy Cadiz-Smith explored Pensacola’s azure coastline and compelling history </p>
<p>Maryam, a young Afghan on her first day of training to become a tour guide, helps 82-year-old Australian tourist Suzanne Sandral adjust her hijab in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)</p>
News & Advice

Afghanistan’s pioneering female tour guides are opening the country

<p>Southwest has been operating an open seating system for over 50 years</p>
News & Advice

Southwest launches assigned seating ticket sales in policy U-turn

News & Advice

Abandoned power plant near NYC to become family attraction

The transformed power plant will anchor a new 125-acre waterfront park in Connecticut called Manresa Wilds

<p>Twenty-eight-year-old travel blogger Alley, from southern California, has 303,000 YouTube subscribers</p>
Cruise

I worked on cruise ships. Rookie passengers make this mistake

<p>The Rocky Mountaineer will travel between Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper</p>
News & Advice

The ‘world’s best train’ to launch brand-new mountain route for 2026

<p>New York’s Lower East Side is home to a diverse range of cuisines – from Chinese and Italian to Burmese and Persian</p>
New York

How New York’s immigrant communities built a culinary capital

Latest travel

<p>American Audrey Ann Masur says the Cotswolds has exceeded her expectations. She's pictured here in Bourton-on-the-Water </p>
Cotswolds

I’m an American living in the Cotswolds — here’s why it’s a dream

<p>The lavender fields have seen over 100,000 visitors in July alone, bringing in €8m for the local economy</p>
News & Advice

Tourists warned to stay away from lavender fields in this Spanish town

<p>Brno boasts medieval architecture and picturesque pastel-coloured buildings – which make it ideal for a European city break</p>
Czech Republic

Why you should swap Prague for the Czech Republic’s second city Brno

<p>Passengers flying from Heathrow through Dallas Fort Worth International will clear US Customs at the arrival gate</p>
News & Advice

Connection times to be slashed via new London-US security rules

Travel

Forget Disney: 24 real-life fairytale castles you can stay in

They’re steeped in history and some are former homes of kings, queens and knights

New York

<p>The lobby at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, New York</p>
New York

I lived in NYC for seven years – this is the best hotel in the city

<p>The Staten Island Ferry doesn't cost a penny</p>
New York

22 incredible free things to do and see in New York City

<p>Queenie on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art</p>
New York

Does NYC live up to the hype of millennial TV shows?

<p>If your kids are obsessed with theatre shows, stay in the heart of the Broadway district in Times Square at Hotel Edison</p>
New York

Best family hotels in New York 2025, reviewed

More

California

<p>The rooftop pool at the Freehand Los Angeles boasts 360° views of the city</p>
Los Angeles

The best budget hotels in Los Angeles for location and style

<p>Add a package to your stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and younger guests will be greeted with tipi and stuffed animals on arrival</p>
Los Angeles

Best family hotels in LA, reviewed

<p>Head to The Maybourne for a touch of luxury in Los Angeles</p>
Los Angeles

Best luxury hotels in LA for 2025, reviewed

<p>It’s glitz and glam all the way when you’re living like a Real Housewife</p>
Los Angeles

How to explore Beverly Hills like a Real Housewife

More

Florida

<p>Sitting within the park’s boundaries, the glittering Helios Grand Hotel is 14-storey colossus with its own park entry</p>
Florida

First look at Orlando’s $6bn 750-acre Epic Universe

<p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/north-america/usa/florida/universal-epic-universe-hidden-secrets-orlando-opening-b2755266.html">Epic Universe</a> park is open after six years of construction</p>
Travel

Inside Epic Universe: Photos reveal the attractions at the $6bn park

<p></p>
Florida

I got a sneak peek of Epic Universe. Here are 4 secrets I discovered

<p>Mollie Davies and her partner, James, at Walt Disney World in Florida</p>
Florida

How I found love at Florida’s Walt Disney World

More

Canada

<p>MS Roald Amundsen will sail passengers to the Arctic for exclusive excursions</p>
News & Advice

HX launches rare Arctic cruise excursions designed with Inuits

<p>The sun sets on the British Columbia parliament building in Victoria</p>
Canada

Why Victoria is the overlooked Canadian city you need to visit

<p>The colourful harbour in Veli Losinj, Croatia</p>
Inspiration

The best holidays to book for June 2025

<p>Coldi-locks: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs hosts an annual International Hair Freezing Contest</p>
Canada

Inside the mad world of Canada’s hair-freezing competition

More

South America

<p>It is possible to see the ‘Big Five’ on a budget, says writer Steph Dyson</p>
Brazil

This Brazilian wildlife hotspot is cheaper than an African safari

<p>The Licancabur volcano seen through a room at Tierra Atacama hotel.</p>
Chile

The new luxury hotel drawing tourists to one of earth’s driest places

<p>Argentina's President Javier Milei speaks at the closing of the Madrid Economic Forum 2025, an economic congress attended by economists and politicians close to the right and far-right in Madrid.</p>
Argentina

Argentina’s Milei calls Spanish Prime Minister ‘local bandit’

<p></p>
Lifestyle

The first-timer’s guide to South America

More

Caribbean

<p>The El Chepe train weaves its way through the picturesque state of Chihuahua</p>
Mexico

11 days on Mexico’s Copper Canyon train

<p>Mexico is home to palm-fringed beaches, ancient Mayan temples, steamy jungles and pulsating cities</p>
Mexico

Best hotels in Mexico, reviewed for 2025

<p>Nature meets hypermodernism at these Cancun hotels and resorts, such as at Chablé Maroma</p>
Mexico

Best hotels in Cancun 2025, reviewed

<p>Martin and Roman Kemp enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line</p>
Cruise

Are cruises the ultimate family bonding holiday?

More

Mexico

<p>The Kimpton Virgilio’s Mexico City location blends mid-century flair with chic modern amenities </p>
Mexico

Kimpton Virgilio, Mexico City hotel review

<p></p>
Travel

Solo traveler reveals her love for Mexico (and a city to avoid)

<p>The Chapultepec Scenic Garden hosts one of the judgment-free events </p>
Mexico

Inside the carefree Mexico City dance parties where alcohol is banned

<p>Robyn found serenity on the private beach at Punta Maroma</p>
Mexico

Crowd-free Yucatan: A peaceful stay on Mexico’s party peninsula

More

Europe

<p>The pool area at Domes Noruz Kassandra overlooks a calm stretch of beach </p>
Greece

This adults-only hotel in Halkidiki is perfect for a weekend of R&R;

<p>The Atlantic laps Lanzarote’s coastline</p>
Canary Islands

The best beaches in Lanzarote to visit in 2025

<p>Alpine-like hotels sit among the pine forests two hours from Porto</p>
Portugal

Is this mountain region Portugal’s answer to the Alps?

<p>‘Walkable medieval streets, standout food, and views that go on forever’ make this hilltop town an ideal holiday destination </p>
Italy

Take the train to Certaldo for the perfect Tuscan getaway

More

Italy

<p>Making memories: Puglia and families go together like sunny days and an Aperol spritz</p>
Italy

Is Puglia the best place for a family holiday in Italy?

<p>Winding canals and gondola rides await </p>
Venice

Best hotels in Venice for 2025, reviewed

<p>Italy holidays away from the crowds</p>
Lifestyle

How to escape the crowds on an Italy holiday

<p>Emilia-Romagna</p>
Italy

The Tuscany alternative with a glittering coastline and amazing food

More

France

<p>France Paris Castle</p>
Paris

The Paris chateau offering a more laidback experience than Versailles

<p>The climb to Alpe d’Huez is challenging for even the best cyclists in the world, but an e-bike makes it more accessible</p>
France

Here’s how to experience one of the most iconic Tour de France climbs

<p>Tired of the hours-long Disney queues? Seek out a theme park that is just as family-friendly a mere 40km away</p>
France

The enchanting French theme park that’s just 40km from Disney

<p>Writer Shilpa attends We Love Green festival in Paris</p>
Paris

European music festival is better value for money than Glastonbury

More

UK

<p>The golden beaches and turquoise waters of the Scilly Isles look like they could be in the Caribbean</p>
England

These islands look like Barbados – but they’re in the UK

<p>From 23 to 25 August, there are three office-free days of fun in the capital</p>
London

The Independent’s best things to do in London this bank holiday

<p>The lodgings at Dishoom's Permit Room feature two bedrooms done out in 1970s-inspired decor, with plush beds, curated artwork and gorgeous fabrics </p>
London

I stayed at the new Dishoom Permit Room hotel – it’s a foodie’s dream

<p>Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe</p>
London

Notting Hill Carnival: Route, where to watch and how to get around

More

Asia

<p>Visits to the country have dropped by around two million – a massive blow to a nation that relies on such huge tourism numbers</p>
Thailand

Drugs, disasters and border disputes: Is Thailand losing its sheen?

<p>Hội An is a charming, well-preserved ancient town in central Vietnam</p>
Asia

How Vietnam rebranded from backpacker destination to cultural escape

<p>The quiet coastal area of Quy Nhơn sees far fewer visitors than neighbouring areas Hội An and Nha Trang</p>
Vietnam

Vietnam’s lesser-known destinations away from the tourist trail

<p>Much of the true beauty of Bali can be found in the mountains</p>
Bali

There is a Bali beyond influencer’s Instagram reels – and it’s better

More

Japan

<p>Tourists walk through a promenade lined with souvenir shops leading to the Sensoji Buddhism temple in the famed Asakusa district of Tokyo</p>
News & Advice

Japan launches body to address over-tourism and unruly foreigners

<p>The Noto Peninsula in northern Ishikawa extends about 100 kilometres into the Sea of Japan </p>
Japan

The little-visited region that could solve Japan’s overtourism problem

<p>The exterior of the Palace Hotel Tokyo </p>
Japan

The Palace Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, review

<p>The sky garden at OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda</p>
Japan

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts, Japan hotel review

More

Bali

<p>Song and dance: A traditional Balinese performance </p>
Bali

The only way to visit dream destination Bali in 2025

Islands such as Bali and Lombok have become increasingly popular destinations for tourists visiting Indonesia
Bali

The best Bali holiday destinations

<p>Paradise beaches take prime position on the “Island of the Gods” </p>
Bali

The best beaches in Bali

<p>Bali is Indonesia’s famed holiday isle </p>
Bali

Bali travel guide: Everything to know before you go

More

Expert hotel reviews

<p>Settle for nothing less than a dip in an infinity pool overlooking some of the world’s most famous buildings</p>
Dubai

My review of the best luxury hotels in Dubai 2025

<p>The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah at sunset</p>
Middle East

Is this the Middle East’s most luxurious hotel?

<p>Faraway in Martha’s Vineyard makes a strong case for being the island’s smartest stay </p>
USA

Is this the coolest hotel in Martha’s Vineyard?

<p>From grand dames to beautiful boutique boltholes, these are the best hotels in Budapest, including Four Seasons Budapest</p>
Budapest

10 best hotels in Budapest, reviewed by an expert

Canary Islands

Best family-friendly hotels in Lanzarote 2025, reviewed

<p>Some of Barcelona’s best luxury locations have exclusive rooftop access, allowing you to take in the city’s buzz from up high with a cocktail in hand</p>
Barcelona

I am a Barcelona expert, and these are the best luxury hotels

<p>Picture perfect: Miiro Borneta’s rooftop pool may be modest in size, but the views are second to none</p>
Barcelona

This hip Barcelona hotel has one of the city’s loveliest rooftop pools

<p>The sleek bar at art'otel bar, Hoxton, London also has artwork by D*Face</p>
London

This hotel in the heart of Shoreditch is home to two Banksy artworks

More

Cruises

<p>Mary Novakovich stopped in destinations such as Hvar Town on her small-ship Croatian cruise</p>
Croatia

Why a small-ship cruise is the best way to discover Croatia

<p>Waterslides are getting bigger on cruise ships but they are not actually a favourite feature among passengers</p>
News & Advice

Cruise passengers reveal top ship features and it’s not waterslides

<p>Disney Destiny is getting closer to welcoming passengers after its float-out ceremony in Germany</p>
Cruise

Behind the scenes at the float-out of Disney’s $900m cruise ship

<p>The journey will take place on the 1,200-guest Oceania Vista ship</p>
News & Advice

New 129-day ‘Kangaroo Route’ cruise from Sydney to London unveiled

More

Skiing

<p>The TravelSmart guide to far-flung ski destinations</p>
Lifestyle

The TravelSmart guide to far-flung ski destinations

<p>Trysil is the country’s largest ski centre, with 69 slopes and 32 lifts </p>
Norway

8 best ski resorts in Norway for your 2025 skiing holiday

<p>Fiona McIntosh hits the slopes</p>
Skiing

How to have an extraordinary ski holiday on an ordinary budget

<p>Port del Comte is one of Catalonia’s 10 ski resorts </p>
Spain

Swap the French Alps for a slowed-down ski holiday in Catalonia

More

Sustainable travel

<p>‘Extreme day trips’ see travellers fly to a destination and fly back again, all within the space of a day</p>
Sustainable travel

Why ‘extreme day trips’ are a horrendous holiday trend

<p>Writer Juliet Kinsman and her daughter on the Toe Head walk in West Cork, Ireland</p>
Ireland

A trip to rural West Cork helped me reconnect with my teenage daughter

<p>GWR’s Night Riviera sleeper train departs from London Paddington </p>
Cornwall

The sleeper train holiday to Cornwall that doesn’t cost the Earth

<p>Writer Phoebe Smith enjoys the myriad benefits of wild camping in Dartmoor National Park</p>
Devon

The benefits of wild camping and why everyone should experience it

More

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