Thursday 30 October 2014

Shawshank’s haunting hallways

The cavernous old Ohio State Reformatory is eerie enough to give you chills – even if you don’t hear the clanking of cell doors and prisoners’ cries.



Shawshank’s haunting hallways



source BBC Travel http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20141028-inside-the-haunted-prison-of-the-shawshank-redemption?ocid=global_travel_rss

Wednesday 29 October 2014

World’s oldest (and cutest) primate

The tarsier is the oldest surviving primate on Earth – but it isn’t easy to find. Travel to the Philippine island that the animal calls home.



World’s oldest (and cutest) primate



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1pZRax3

Canada’s kaleidoscopic phenomenon

A scuba diver takes the plunge in frigid British Columbia waters to witness the end of an epic journey.



Canada’s kaleidoscopic phenomenon



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1rTfAc8

Tuesday 28 October 2014

The world loves a once-banned poet

More than 40 years after his death, the Nobel Prize-winning poet might be more popular than ever, with thousands of admirers exploring three of his homes each year.



The world loves a once-banned poet



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1nO3LYu

Monday 27 October 2014

An expedition to the end of China

Stanley Stewart travels across the wilds of Central Asia, not for gold or conquest, trade or empire, but to explore the outer fringes of the imagination.



An expedition to the end of China



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1rvNm6e

Thursday 23 October 2014

Canada’s Skyline Trail

Two million people visit the park each year, but only a tiny fraction trek into the breathtaking backcountry of the 44km Skyline Trail.



Canada’s Skyline Trail



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1zmLYMV

Our favourite images of the week

A selection of the most stunning travel photos from around the world, from the mountains of Las Alpujarras in southern Spain to the peaceful scene on the Honduran island of Utila.



Our favourite images of the week



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1FKAh3v

Wednesday 22 October 2014

The Irish secret to beauty

Making the most of seaweed since the 12th Century, Irish seaweed spas claim to soften skin, improve circulation and cure cellulite.



The Irish secret to beauty



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1wbX2KA

Tuesday 21 October 2014

The ancient cities of Sri Lanka

Travellers are flocking to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, home to frolicking monkeys, giant Buddha statues and 1,500-year-old palaces.



The ancient cities of Sri Lanka



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/125D87M

Monday 20 October 2014

An unexpected Muslim enclave

Despite being officially atheist and historically associated with Buddhism, China has a deep-rooted relationship with Islam that’s best seen in Beijing's Muslim quarter, Niu Jie.



An unexpected Muslim enclave



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1ybw182

Remote, romantic southern Spain

Located midway between the Mediterranean and the mountains, the region of Las Alpujarras charms visitors with Moorish architecture, ancient villages and rolling olive groves.



Remote, romantic southern Spain



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1omYl7d

Friday 17 October 2014

A powerhouse cycle scene down under

Over the last four years, Australia’s largest city has become an oasis of cyclers, with the number of bike-riding residents increasing more than 130% since 2010.



A powerhouse cycle scene down under



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1vnnijH

Thursday 16 October 2014

Finding Europe's largest predator

Travellers are heading to Estonia in hopes of spotting wildlife that has vanished from much of Western Europe.



Finding Europe's largest predator



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1uaOQEs

Wednesday 15 October 2014

The world’s friendliest cities

These five cities are among the most welcoming on Earth, thanks to hospitable locals who are quick to smile or help a stranger in need.



The world’s friendliest cities



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1sWeIJ6

China's paradise of exiles

For centuries, Hainan has been a magnet for political exiles. Today, the island is drawing exiles of another kind: refugees from the pollution and urban hustle found on the mainland.



China's paradise of exiles



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1u4BKZu

Tuesday 14 October 2014

Utopian days in a murder capital

Crime may plague other parts of Honduras, but on Utila, a Caribbean island with a population of just 3,500, the biggest problems are invasive lionfish – and getting a restaurant table.



Utopian days in a murder capital



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1qoXluz

Thursday 9 October 2014

The world’s best sandwich?

A product of Vietnam’s colonial past, the beloved concoction combines a crunchy French baguette with pork, pate and an ever-changing array of fresh vegetables.



The world’s best sandwich?



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1v8yzpb

Our favourite images of the week

A selection of the most stunning travel photos from around the world, including majestic Australian landscapes and Jules Verne-inspired installations in the French city of Nantes.



Our favourite images of the week



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1EAbjTO

In France, new meets old….and weird

With its combined art installation and amusement park, Nantes has brought the bizarre world of science fiction writer Jules Verne to life, complete with 12m-tall mechanical elephant.



In France, new meets old….and weird



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1w2EEQG

Wednesday 8 October 2014

Swing takes over the Emerald Isle

Traditionally associated with folk, Ireland is falling in love with swing – and travellers can compete, take classes or just join in down at the local pub.



Swing takes over the Emerald Isle



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1uCnnjb

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Watch this cop dance while he works

For the past 10 years, this traffic cop has been entertaining the people who ride along Manila's busy roads. Can the BBC's Rajan Datar keep up?



Watch this cop dance while he works



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/10LBOpX

Monday 6 October 2014

Travel the world by cargo ship

This curious way of travel via freight ship has some people packing up their sleeping bags to experience the new ride.



Travel the world by cargo ship



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1na7H5h

Thursday 2 October 2014

First rule: Never fight the shark

A new research program in Florida gives travellers the chance to catch sharks in an effort to save them, eventually returning them unharmed – though possibly irritated – to the ocean.



First rule: Never fight the shark



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/YVgv3K

Is this Europe’s oldest city?

Archeologists uncover the shops and stadium of ancient Philippopolis – modern-day Plovdiv, Bulgaria – a city once governed by the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.



Is this Europe’s oldest city?



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1r3uP0q

Nevada’s secret underwater world

When it was built in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam didn’t just tame the Colorado River – it also created a massive lake that today hides shipwrecks, train tracks and cement tunnels alike.



Nevada’s secret underwater world



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1ufKMGI

Wednesday 1 October 2014

The longest canal in the world

Although few locals realize it, the once powerful Grand Canal is seeing new life in Beijing's suburb of Tongzhou.



The longest canal in the world



source BBC Travel http://ift.tt/1nO2u3J