Hiking in South Korea: trails and tribulations on the Baekdu Daegan

The 460-mile Baekdu Daegan trail traverses North and South Korea. Daniel Adamson treks a short southern section and takes refuge in a village homestay that warms both body and spirit

Malaysia road trip: from Kuala Lumpur to the east coast

Malaysia's east coast, with its miles of sandy beaches and laid-back vibe, offers a relaxing contrast to the techno-buzz of Kuala Lumpur on John Brunton's road trip

Extreme skiing at the crater of Japan’s Mount Yotei volcano

It takes serious effort – and luck with the weather conditions – to scale Japan's Mount Yotei volcano, but the fabulous skiing and pristine powder on the way down makes the trek well worth it, says Louise Healy

A first-timer’s tour of south India

India can be daunting for first-time solo travellers. So when Ursula Kenny found a group tour of the south promising 'the perfect Indian starter trip', she signed up

Backpacker diaries: a pretty pass on the road to Leh, north India

For Simon Gandolfi, crossing the world's second-highest pass, Tanglang La in north India, is an endurance test of dust, fumes and sleepless nights, with great views

Activity holidays in Antigua: get off your sunlonger …

Rachel Dixon gets off her lounger to check out the island's more active side, both on the water – paddleboarding, kitesurfing – and off – cycling, hiking and, er, clay mongoose shooting

Arctic turn: following the route of the Northwest Passage

Finding a 'Northwest Passage' through Canada's icy seas was once the ultimate challenge for explorers. Kari Herbert sails the thrilling route on a new 11-day 'cruise'

Backpackers’ diaries: a bit steep in Manali, India

Still in Manali, northern India, Simon Gandolfi hangs out with a troop of westerners, and finds an impressive 35 degrees has nothing to do with temperature

Six of the world’s best epic journeys

By camel, sled or kayak, and over desert, ice cap or hippo-infested waters, Rachel Dixon picks six adventures of a lifetime

Holiday of the day: October half-term in Morocco

Morocco is hugely popular as a family destination, and these two guided trips into the desert and Atlas mountains – by camel or mule – will appeal as much to adults as kids

Top 10 national parks in California

Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Redwood … California’s national and state parks are home to some of the most iconic views and landscapes on the planet

Finland’s snowy wilderness: readers travel writing competition 2012

The remote, hauntingly beautiful landscape of northern Finland is at the heart of a trip that includes snowboarding and snowmobile fun – as well as a battle against the elements, writes Gary Almond

An epic rail trip across Canada: readers’ travel writing competition 2012

Dave Fisher, winner of the journey category, took a three-day trip from Toronto across the Canadian prairie and Rocky Mountains to Vancouver

Backpackers’ diaries: Hong Kong views and hospital news

A trip to Hong Kong after a horse-riding accident equals hospital treatment for Zac but speedy progress means there's time for dim sum, as well as an educational trip to a science museum

Backpackers’ diaries: a ride over the roof of India

Simon Gandolfi crosses the towering mountain passes of Ladakh, taking in landslides, breathtaking views, and his own piece of history