Big in Japan: dozens of adventure trips and activities
From tropical scuba-diving to a samurai festival and skiing in perfect powder, these adventures are as varied as Japan’s climate
A backpacker’s guide to China: a one-month itinerary
The country’s epic scale adds further adventure to this route, which takes in historic villages, national parks and megacities while staying in budget accommodation
A backpacker’s guide to Sri Lanka: a one-month itinerary
The crowds head for its Cultural Triangle but Sri Lanka’s sights also include quieter national parks, hiking trails and beaches. Explore it with our guide on what to see and where to stay
A world of good: volunteering opportunities
Volunteering with one of these conservation projects or international charities could be a rewarding, even life-changing, experience. Plus tips on earning cash while you travel
A backpacker’s guide to Ethiopia: a one-month itinerary
Full of natural wonders and ancient culture, this vast country is also home to booming cities and a youthful population. Explore it with our guide on where to go, what to see and where to stay
A backpacker’s guide to Georgia: one-month itinerary
Tbilisi buzzes with creativity while Georgia’s mountains are a hiker’s paradise with trails that see few visitors. Explore it all with our guide on where to go, what to see and where to stay
Wild swims and mountain walks in Norway
The last leg of his Scandi tour takes Kevin Rushby to Norway. On this odyssey, he’s discovered the best things – swimming in fjords, spectacular hikes, wild camping – are free
Wild sea kayaking adventure in Sweden
On the third leg of his Scandi trip, Kevin Rushby and son kayak the fjords of a huge archipelago, camp on magical islands – and meet not a single other person
Peaks, paths and peace: walking in the Yorkshire Dales
Steering clear of the famous three peaks our writer joins an expert guide to explore the lesser-known hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales
The best towns and small cities in the US: Missoula, Montana
With forests, mountains and Native American reservations nearby, this town is a goldmine for the adventurous, and there’s a homespun arts scene, too
Life’s a breeze: a sailing trip in Scotland’s Hebrides
The newly announced Wainwright prizewinner finds whales, dolphins and the ‘most beautiful sound on earth’ as he sails the waters of western Scotland on a historic boat
Fjord escort: a road trip to northern Norway
Norway’s coast road is not for speedsters – you need to allow time for the powerful landscape to sink in, not to mention all the world-class seafood
British Columbia road trip: the art of getting lost
This epic Canadian landscape is best enjoyed on a meandering, unplanned overland tour – in a Jeep with a bed on the roof
10 great road trips around the world: readers’ tips
Our tipsters drive through Transylvania bear country and the bayous of Louisiana, stargaze in Chile and enjoy the solitude of Siberia
The Freedom Swim: from Mandela’s Robben Island to the Cape Town shore
The Mandela centenary features many tributes and events but our writer found his own way to celebrate Madiba’s legacy – a 7.5km Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Cape Town