Places

After a uniquely dismal year, our blue sky thinking has kept us going. Here's where our thought clouds have most frequently drifted off to…

Moments of optimism were a bit like the Northern Lights this year: rare but wonderful if sighted. In a bid to end the year on a positive, here are some upward trends and eye-catching new additions that have shone amongst the gloom…

It might be wholly inaccessible right now, but Bhutan – the world's most sustainable country, which proudly charts Gross National Happiness – might be the perfect tonic after *gestures broadly* all this

Outrageously romantic breaks for couples, family holidays in Italy’s hinterland and cross-country routes for the best Italian road trips

Combine vrooms and stylish hotel rooms with our pick of east-coast road trip itineraries

Leave long haul till later with our pick of English hotels with an international feel

Boutique boltholes and luxury retreats for couples, families – and pets too – along the Cornish coast.

Crank Serge to the max and take off through the terroir with these French countryside drives from Normandy to the Côte d’Azur...

Spot-on school-holiday breaks for all ages