Adventure

Despite being in the Sonoran Desert, southern Arizona is far from barren. It’s home to around 5 million cacti, and while you’ll want to avoid the fuzzy jumping cholla, which attaches itself to you at the slightest touch, the majestic saguaros can grow up to 40ft and live for 250 years.  Join a sunrise hike up Camelback Mountain outside Scottsdale, which takes about three hours. As well as taking in the incredible vistas at the 2,700ft-high summit, there’s an almost needle-less saguaro you can hug on your way down.

If you land during a local celebration of some sort you’ll find something very special about being greeted at Havana’s airport by a troupe of dancing girls, clad in sequins and feathers, moving rhythmically to the strains of salsa and handing out glasses of rum punch.

This jewel of an island offers something for everyone, from nature lovers and adrenaline junkies to sun-seeking families. Or you could just take it easy lying down on a beach bed.

Glance out of the aircraft window as you prepare to land at Saint Lucia’s main international airport and you will see for yourself just why this is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands.

Alberta’s skiing scene aside, there are plenty of other reasons to add a winter break to this Canadian province to your bucket list. From delicious food, nightlife and culture to other outdoor pursuits, there’s plenty on offer to make sure a holiday to here is one to remember – and we’ve rounded up just a few of our favourites. 

Keep your cool on an ice walk

Whether you’re visiting on a 72-hour stopover or for a week in the year-round Arabian sun, the Qatari capital of Doha is the perfect place to discover vibrant culture and effortless luxury all in one place.  Whether you’re the kind of traveller who wants to dive deep into the culture of a new country, or you just fancy kicking back for a couple of days at the beginning or end of a longer break, Qatar has it all.

The Canadian province of Alberta becomes a snow-filled wonderland when winter swings around.  Therefore, for an epic, picturesque and action-packed winter break that’s a little more far-flung than the same old haunts in the Alps, a trip out west to Canada is just the tonic for the snow-loving holidaymaker. Whether you live for the pistes, love a taste of après culture or just fancy warming your toes in front of the fire after a day out soaking up mountain air and the dramatic sights of the Canadian Rockies, the province of Alberta is a great place to do this.

With more than 800 miles of rugged coastline to experience, you'll find so many invigorating opportunities to dip your toes in Welsh waters and help celebrate the Year of the Sea.  The waters that lap this special segment of Britain have shaped the landscape over countless centuries - not just in geography, in carving out tall cliffs, gorgeous bays and soft beaches, but in their effect on the people who live alongside the waves.

Just 70 miles off the coast of Venezuela; Tobago is a smart choice for first-time visitors to the Caribbean with a gentle, no-hurry vibe that means relaxation is guaranteed. It’s only 25 miles long and most hotels lie in the flat, south-west corner of the island – close to the airport and wide, sandy beaches that are a key attraction. Here the elegant Coco Reef Resort & Spa sits beside idyllic white sands and includes a child-friendly lagoon, while the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort features three pools and an 18-hole PGA-designed course.

As the leaves start to fall in New England, there’s no better time to visit the region’s largest city, which effortlessly combines a rich historical heritage with a forward-thinking spirit.  Boston has a long history of luring European travellers to the East Coast, and today one of America’s oldest cities remains one of the most rewarding urban destinations in the USA. Home to the most robust academic heritage in the country, Boston has always been an innovator, with gloriously forward-thinking culinary and cultural scene.

Welcome to the Caribbean island that’s got it all – from wonderful weather to fabulous beaches, bars, restaurants and hotels. The celebs love it... and so will you when you touch down in paradise. If it’s jet-set central you are after for your Caribbean holiday then head straight for the island of Barbados, which has been drawing celebrities, business leaders and oligarchs to its sandy shores for years. And small wonder.