I have always wanted to go to Japan and Tokyo was high on the list of one to the places to visit but nothing can prepare me for the sheer scale of the city. It is home to over 13 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world and a thriving centre of commerce and culture, which is both futuristic and steeped in tradition.

Voted Best Island by readers of Cande Nast Traveller for 20 years, Maui has a wealth of great experiences as part of a Hawaiian holiday.  The group of Hawaiian Islands have a lot to offer but the island of Maui can stand on its own as a short break destination, where the temperature hovers around 26C all year. The island count Elvis Presley as one of its devoted fans, the singer made many visits to the islands between the late 1950s and 1977.

One of the best way to enjoy the Fall Foliage in New England is to get a car and just drive. I don't mean wrecklessly or aimlessly but with a focus an a plan to see and enjoy the best of New England's six states.  With a car you can enjoy the Fall Foliage inland, delicious seafood along the coast and the rich history of the whole area.

VAL THORENS, FRANCE
At 2,300m Val Thorens is the hightest resort in Europe (slopes 1,260m-3,230m) – and with 99 percent of its ski area above 2,000m, the white stuff is guaranteed.  It’s part of the vast 600km Three Valleys area, but Val Thorens offers skiing for all levels across a 150km pistes.  The majority of runs are intermediate blues and reds; there is also some fantastic off-piste to be found. The powder is reliably good here, too. Try the famed Lac du Lou, 1,400m of vertical easily accessed from the Cime de Caron.

Do you want to get away for the autumn half-term school break? we have found a bunch of activities that you might by interested in; they include farm visit, water sports, history and culture, high adrenaline adventure activities and glamour for those who want to just hangout.

There is nothing quite like watching lights twinkling on a beautiful tree while sipping mulled wine and watching the buzz of people around you at a Christmas market.  The mix of traditional huts, soft carol music, beautiful handcrafts and delicious food and drink make strolling around a festive fete a seasonal must.  So this year, why not try a Christmas market break and visit some of Europe’s winter wonderland.  I have selected three cities with Christmas markets that are a must see.

An unmissable new feature has been recently added to Helsinki’s skyline.  Like the London Eye there is the Finnair Sky Wheel that ferries passengers 40 metres above the city from the Market Square pier and offers a bird’s eye view of all the capital’s landmark such as Helsinki Cathedral and the imposing Parliament House.  Also on view is Helsinki’s coastline, which weaves in and out of harbours with sailing boats, pleasure yachts and winter-ready icebreakers jostling for space.

If you find yourself in the middle of September with autumn just round the corner and you have not taken your summer holidays yet, you don’t have to put it off until next year.  We have found five places in Europe where you can go to get the last of the summer warmth.

PUGLIA, ITALY
Often over looked for its more manicured neighbour of Tuscany, but Puglia, the eastern region that stretches down to the heel of Italy’s boot, is the country’s  most underplayed gem, with temperature up the 27c its not bad.  Dotted with olive groves and ancient fortified towns, you can find many gems – such as the turquoise waters and quiet beach at Casalabate, the baroque beauty of the Chiesa di Santa Croce in Lecce and the enchanting seaside town of Polignano a Mare, which inspired everybody’s favourite singalong tune Volare.

You just can't beat a holiday Down Under to escape the gloom of winter.  But if that sounds a long and expensive slog, think again.  Thanks to improved flight options and the introduction of quiet and spacious planes, this is a good time to grab a bargain ticket to get some Aussie sunshine. It is not just Sydney sparkling harbour, cricket, barbeques and beaches that Australia has to offer.

HIKE HE SINGING SAND DUNES OF THE GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA
When Marco Polo travelled across the Gobi Desert, some 750 years ago he was scared for dear life because he thought the sound of the sands were the sounds of evil spirit.  Well Khongoryn Els sands dunes of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert have this rather odd habit of, singing, which is not normal for sand dunes. It’s a fairly rare phenomenon and just about 30 dunes worldwide are musically inclined — the rest are pretty quiet.   It's more of a constant low rumbling moan, with the occasional booming explosion - but it makes for a slightly odd encounter in the desert. Scientist said it’s something to do with the curve of the sand dunes forming a natural amphitheatre.