10 of the least-visited US national parks

With US national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone facing overcrowding, we take a look at 10 beautiful but little-known parks where you’re more likely to see a bear, moose or ‘champion tree’ than another human

Wild Scandinavia: adventure without breaking the bank

This is a pricey part of the world, but these adventures in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland, from the new Wild Guide Scandinavia, are pleasantly surprising in more ways than one

Summer activity breaks in Norway, Denmark and Sweden: readers’ tips

Scandinavia’s great outdoors offers scenery on a gigantic scale, perfect for getting lost in on foot, two wheels or boat. Here are 10 of the best trips from our intrepid readers

10 of the best holidays based on Olympic sports

If the Games are inspiring you, take a look at these holidays with the focus on Olympic sports such as sailing, archery, kayaking swimming and cycling in beautiful spots around the world – from Thailand to the Dolomites

On Everest: meet the people scaling the world’s highest peak

It’s been described as ‘high altitude roulette’, and claimed 19 lives in last year’s earthquake. So why do it? Photographers Mathias Braschler and Monika Fischer find out

10 of the best surf locations in the world

From Mozambique to Mexico, via Cornwall, here are great places to ride waves, find a bed close to the beach and eat drink and party after a day on the water

Become a surf instructor in 10 weeks

A 10-week surf safari and volunteering programme along South Africa’s coast culminates in an instructor’s qualification that could set you up for life. We join the new intake

‘I’m in love with a whole continent’ – Colin Thubron on his passion for Asia

The continent that ‘both invites and resists understanding’ has always fascinated the travel writer. And his favourite country is today the saddest: Syria

On the right lines: a new zipwire over Niagara Falls

We get a sneak preview of a zipwire ride above the Horseshoe Falls – one of several ways Niagara is updating its appeal

The West Bank opens up its great outdoors

The striking, culturally rich landscape of the Judean desert in Palestine is starting to lure visitors with new hiking routes, homestays and Bedouin treks

Bend, Oregon city guide: what to see and do, plus the best bars, restaurants and hotels

With more sunshine than Portland or Eugene, nature on the doorstep and great craft beer and coffee, Bend may just be the perfect small US city stopoff

Why I love being a pilot

Mark Vanhoenacker flies for a living yet the shock of arriving somewhere new with different air, different sounds, different everything still manages to surprise him. ‘Place lag,’ as he calls it, is a wondrous thing

The Faroe Islands: the natural home of Nordic cuisine

Chefs in the Faroes are masters of creating magic from what they have on the doorstep, though the fermented mutton can be an acquired taste, says food stylist Mette Helbaek

Designer dens: Danish island shelters perfect for outdoor breaks

A new network of architect-designed shelters from £3 a night is the perfect springboard for an idyllic kayaking, cycling and walking trip around the islands of Denmark’s South Funen archipelago

Mountain biking with glens and bens: from Fort William to Inverness

The Great Glen Way is one of the most popular cycling trails in Britain. Kevin Rushby sets off through the Highlands to find out why