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Travel

Where to go and what to know

Welcome to The Independent’s travel section, here to provide everything you need to plan your perfect trip. From inspiration for your next beach holiday, off-the-beaten-track adventure or city break to the practical information you need to save money when booking a getaway, our team of experts is here to help.

Check out our reviews of the best hotels to ensure you bed down in style, browse our deals to bag a bargain, or select a destination and start daydreaming, whether it’s in the UK, Europe, USA, Asia, South America, Africa or Australasia.

The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder is on hand to share all the latest travel news, plus his top tips and advice for travelling on a budget, while environmentally conscious travellers can discover greener ways to see the world in our sustainable travel section. Planning an urban escape? Don’t miss our City Guides, revealing the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay.

<p>This country stay will get you in the festive spirit without breaking the bank</p>

I’ve found an affordable UK Christmas break for the whole family

Nestled between Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor’s beautiful countryside, The Mole Resort guarantees festive feels on a budget, says Leeanna Lock

<p>Since getting a power add-on for her wheelchair, Carrie-Ann has discovered a new side to the Lakes</p>

An accessible guide to the Lake District

Life-long resident Carrie-Ann Lightly has recently discovered a new side to Cumbria’s famed National Park. She shares her insider guide for disabled visitors

<p>Mitchelville Historic Freedom Park on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina stands in the place of the first self-governed town in the United States of formerly enslaved people</p>

Mitchelville could be be the most important place you visit in the USA

<p>A new transport link means that festive travel to the north of France is particularly easy this year </p>

Brittany in winter is surprisingly beautiful

<p>Marc Shoffman explored the secret and serene spaces on Celebrity Xcel</p>

I found a secret speakeasy on the new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship

TravelSmart Weekly

<p>Louisiana TravelSmart</p>

Delve into the rhythms and flavours of Louisiana

<p>Travel experts Amelia Neath and Emilee Tombs discuss the best ways to discover the Spanish islands </p>

Is Menorca or Mallorca the best Balearic island for you?

<p>Cruise writer Marc Shoffman shares his tips for booking a sailing<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/author/marc-shoffman"></a> </p>

Discover the best cruises – from northern lights to Greek islands

Discover Norway’s majestic fjords with Travel Smart

Europe

Expert travel guides and the best European destinations to visit on your next break.

<p>The National Library is known as the ‘Castle of Light’, serving as a symbol of Riga’s ambition</p>

Is this city Europe’s new capital of cool?

<p>This medieval town in the Cote D’Azur is known for attracting painters and sculptors </p>

Cultural Holidays and Trips

St-Paul-de-Vence is the tiny French town bursting with art galleries

<p>Visitors can find fresh produce at Bolzano's markets</p>

South Tyrol has some of the most exciting winter food spots

<p>Lille is the Eurostar’s closest destination to the UK</p>

Seven of the best places you can get to on the Eurostar from London

<p>Koblenz has a rich heritage – and hardly any crowds</p>

This cosy German city welcomes visitors like locals

USA

Expert travel guides and best American destinations to visit on your USA holiday.

<p>Zoey discovered the heart of Las Vegas via its neon lights and carnival atmosphere </p>

Modern Las Vegas might be fading, but its vintage side still thrills

As visitor numbers plummet, Zoey Goto finds a more glamorous side to Sin City through its revived retro landmarks

Modern Las Vegas might be fading, but its vintage side still thrills

As visitor numbers plummet, Zoey Goto finds a more glamorous side to Sin City through its revived retro landmarks

<p>Zoey discovered the heart of Las Vegas via its neon lights and carnival atmosphere </p>

<p>Zoey Goto and Jared Boyd at the Floyd Country Store on Virginia’s Crooked Road</p>

I visited the birthplace of country music – and it’s not Nashville

Louisiana: a guide to the musical state that never sleeps

<p>Rory Buccheri embraces all things LGBT+ in Chicago</p>

The ultimate LGBT+ travel guide to Chicago

<p>The property where the Dutton’s live in Yellowstone and its spin-offs is a real life, working ranch in Montana </p>

Inside the real-life ranch where Yellowstone was filmed

<p>The property where the Dutton’s live in Yellowstone and its spin-offs is a real life, working ranch in Montana </p>

Inside the real-life ranch where Yellowstone was filmed

<p>Springfield, Missouri, is known as ‘the birthplace of Route 66’ </p>

Taylor Swift made Kansas City famous – but there’s more to Missouri

<p>Provincetown is a New England town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod</p>

Provincetown: The Cape Cod town that’s a beacon for progress

UK

From hotel reviews to city guides and best offers, our experts guide you through the best UK staycations.

UK hotels

Partner content

<p>A rail adventure from London, through Europe, to Morocco </p>

The ultimate rail adventure from London to Morocco

<p>Swap the city buzz for hiking trails and swamp walks in Louisiana</p>

Why Louisiana belongs on every nature lover’s bucket list

<p>Soak up the history and culture of capital Bridgetown</p>

Beyond the beaches: Discover the diversity of Barbados

<p>From cool neighbourhoods to foodventures and the great outdoors, discover New South Wales’ hidden gems, such as Mount Portal in the Blue Mountains</p>

The Australia less travelled: fresh ways to explore New South Wales

Simon Calder

<p>Pole position: Heathrow airport is expecting its busiest ever Christmas</p>

The Christmas transport travel chaos to expect this year

<p>Cheap and cheerful: Simon Calder beside a Polish express train</p>

Why tomorrow is the best day of the year to book Interrail tickets

<p>Pool with a view: Vue des Reves in St Barth's</p>

Inside the luxurious travel company beloved by celebrities

Shares in British Airways owner International Airline Group fell by up to 10% in early trading on Friday (James Manning/PA)

British Airways passenger conned out of £4k by ‘spiteful’ scammers

Travel deals

<p>Take a break this for less with a stay at Parkdean Resorts</p>

Save on UK breaks with our exclusive Parkdean discount code

<p>Soak up big savings with the latest Tui voucher codes</p>

This Tui discount code saves you up to £300 on holidays

<p>Take the trip you’ve always dreamt of</p>

Save up to £300 on holidays with a First Choice discount code

<p>Booking a last-minute family holiday in February could be more affordable than you might think</p>

Best deals on February half-term holidays with Tui

Sustainable travel

<p>Pilgrims travelling down the Camino de Santiago in Spain has brought economic boosts to many communities over the years</p>

Seven unusual ways to travel ethically in 2025

<p>Copenhagen is leading the way with rewards for tourists making sustainable choices </p>

Sustainable travel

Inside the destinations rewarding people for being better tourists

<p>Genoa has delights to discover for those seeking authentic Italian charm </p>

Sustainable travel

Swap overtourism-blighted destinations for these under-the-radar spots

<p>Arcadia’s Menalon massif is worth exploring on foot </p>

Walking with gods in the Greek Peloponnese