The dashing Russian adventurer who fought to save indigenous lives
Lauded by Tolstoy and idolised by the Soviet Union, Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay campaigned for the suppression of slavery and challenged deceitful Europeans
How to celebrate the summer solstice virtually
There may not be any gatherings around ancient stones this year but the longest day is being marked with free online festivals and activities
My favourite memories of Spain: readers’ travel tips
Fairytale fortresses, shrimp fritters and sherry, ancient landscapes and illicit romance … our readers rekindle the magic of Spain
10 of the best books set in India – that will take you there
Tired of narratives that obsess over spices, colours and cows on the road? These books, all by Indian writers, paint realistic pictures of the country’s geographical, cultural and political landscapes
Dreams of Italy: readers’ travel tips
A friendly football bar, the ‘real’ sword in the stone, plus walks, festivals and fantastic food ... you responded in droves to our request for Italian highlights
10 of the best Latin American novels – that will take you there
From the magic realism of the tropics to the ‘gritty city’, Latin American literature is as rich and beguiling as the region itself
The samurai who charmed the courts of Europe
Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga dazzled the king of Spain, set up diplomatic links with 17th-century Europe and even met the pope
Noirmoutier, my desert island paradise in the Vendée
Author Joanne Harris looks back at childhood holidays on France’s Atlantic coast where she would roam barefoot, swim and eat figs off the trees
10 of the best novels set in Portugal – that will take you there
From a Saramago masterpiece to Monica Ali’s rural blues, via mountains, cities and coast, bookmark this reading list for a flavour of Portugal – and its people
I started to miss brazenly beautiful Japan before I’d even left
There are so many bars, alleyways, shops and gardens I want to explore – but right now, its confidence and self-assurance seem unimaginable
Wing and a prayer: the bizarre Chicken Church of Java
Meant to be a dove, but looking more like a hen, one man’s vision of a temple for all faiths has enjoyed an unlikely resurrection
Trekking the Sabine Hills: in praise of Italy, summer and freedom
Author Tim Parks recalls dawn starts, oven-hot air and the chorus of cicadas that accompanied his trek through the hills north of Rome
Hydra, the Greek island for dreamers
The author of a new novel inspired by the heady days of Leonard Cohen and his bohemian set longs to return to the island of vivid colours and stories
10 of the best chance encounters: readers’ travel memories
Jamming with Buddhists on a gong, divine detours and spectacular hospitality … our tipsters share their most memorable unexpected discoveries
How a stopover at Tokyo airport changed my life: Pico Iyer
The great ‘layover’ we’re all experiencing reminds the writer of the epiphany he had while killing time in a small town in Japan