Riding with the cowboys on a Mexico ranch
A stay at a ranch 50 miles south of the US border in Mexico offers Vicky Baker an exciting and active holiday, at a lot less than the cost of an American dude ranch
30 of the best bargain adventures in 2013
What do you fancy doing this year – a spot of winter sunshine, an active outdoor adventure or a relaxing long-haul break? We have the pick of new holidays for 2013
Bobsleighing in France: the G-force is with us
The Olympic bobsleigh track at La Plagne in the French Alps has our writer shaken, stirred and terrified. But at least he now knows how Blue Peter's John Noakes felt back in the day…
The road to Tibet
Photographer Michael Yamashita discusses his fascinating but challenging journey through China into a rapidly changing Tibet, while researching his new book Shangri-La: Along the Tea Road to Lhasa
Ziplines in the jungle: a high-wire act in Laos
A new ecolodge in southern Laos uses zipwires to help tourists get in, out and around Dong Hung Sao national park, says Henry Wismayer
Lake Malawi’s lost resort – extract
Being lost in the dark in the African bush doesn't sound like the start to an amazing holiday but this is how Marina Lewycka found paradise by the side of Lake Malawi
India: six great hidden gems by train
Monisha Rajesh, author of Around India in 80 Trains, spent four months travelling the country's railways. Here she selects six great places to visit by train, from idyllic hill stations to coastal towns, beyond the main tourist hubs
Taking the Trans-Canada highway to skiing heaven
From Calgary to Golden and Revelstoke, the Trans-Canada highway takes Susan Greenwood on a road trip of pristine snow and epic scenery
China’s green shoots of ecotourism
Naked Retreats, a resort in Zhejiang province is trying to improve China's reputation for sustainable tourism, writes Clarissa Sebag-Montefiore
On holiday with the Chinese – in China
Tourism in China has changed now that the new Chinese middle classes have learned to love it – in their hundreds of millions, as Martin Woollacott discovers
Desert adventures
As film classic Lawrence of Arabia is re-released, why not channel your inner Omar Sharif with a few adventurous trips into the dunes? writes Gwen Pew
Time to revisit Kashmir?
Last week the Foreign Office lifted advice against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir. A welcome move, says Ed Douglas, who has visited the area twice since 2009, once with his family
Kendal Mountain festival – adventure film round-up
This weekend's Kendal Mountain festival is one of the highlights of the year for outdoor adventure sports lovers, and showcases films from enthusiasts of all disciplines, from ice-climbing to extreme skiing. Watch highlights from the event
On the pink run: a gay skiing trip to France
On Gay Ski Buddies' new chalet holiday, the sport's as important as the parties. Rupert Mellor joins a social, and surprisingly sensible, trip to Méribel
Home and a bay: the hidden gems near Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay was once Australia's alternative surfie utopia, but to find the same vibe now you need to leave the crowds behind and head for the hinterland, says local Emma Pearse