Here Are My Essential Packing Tips With airline allowances for cabin carry-on and checked baggage getting ever stricter and more inflexible, we are all being obliged to pack smarter. There’s nothing worse than being weighed down by heavy luggage on a trip, or paying those inflated excess baggage fees on the flight home, just because you picked up a few too many souvenirs. So here are my tips to travel smart and pack light. Invest in a good suitcase A few years ago suitcases and carry-on bags were designed mainly for strength and that often meant they were heavy. A

Head south from the sparkling high-rise towers of Miami and soon one joins the iconic US Highway 1. This famous road, which crosses the alligator-infested swamps of the Everglades National Park, heads down to the southernmost point of the United States and the island city of Key West. As it goes, this ‘Overseas Highway’ strings together, with causeways and bridges, some 43 of the many hundreds of islands and coral atolls that make up the unique archipelago of the Florida Keys. This is a fishing environment that is unique in the world, with a variety of prize game fish. Even

The timeless glamour of Ocean Drive, Miami In the early twentieth century, the wealthy from across the US began in greater numbers to seek sun, style and sophistication on the white sandy shores of Florida. Virgin beaches and coconut palm plantations were developed into resort playgrounds for the privileged. Miami Beach and South Beach saw expansive development with the fashionable Art Deco architecture of the era. From the 1920s through to the Second World War, alluring luxury apartment blocks and hotels were constructed with bold architectural lines, decorated with striking design motifs and painted with candy-coloured shades. Today these emblematic

Putting passion and romance back on the menu Miami probably has one of the sexiest culinary spirits in North America. The city pulses with energy, a vibrant mix of American and Caribbean cultures that makes it a unique destination. Glamorous South Beach is where Miami’s sexy and elegant crowd eat and party, and one of the hot spots for celebrities, local foodies and Miami Beach’s trendsetters is ‘Meat Market’, a restaurant by David Tornek and acclaimed chef Sean Brasel. This fine dining restaurant manages to successfully bring together classic American steakhouse favourites such as New York steak, filet mignon and

The soul of Panama City San Felipe embraces visitors with an authentic Central American travel experience Laundry drying in the tropical heat hangs from the dilapidated first floor timber balcony that precariously juts out over the narrow brick-paved street. Looking to the other side through the open doorway of a bar I see rickety ceiling fans moving the sultry air, as locals sit chatting. Its late afternoon and I feel my shirt beginning to stick to me; it’s certainly not getting any cooler, but I want to continue walking through the narrow streets, absorbing this unique atmosphere. This place feels

Turkey’s pulsating cultural capital can be overwhelming – so let Andrew Forbes reveal the most important city experiences. It’s the world’s only city to straddle two continents; it’s a metropolis where exotic eastern culture collides with European styles; a place where life is celebrated through art, cuisine and culture. It can only be Istanbul. It’s crowded and chaotic, yet also sophisticated and clean, where one moment you might be walking down a European-style Belle Époque avenue and then moments later be surrounded by colourful ‘Arabian Nights’ architecture. Istanbul is also a city of excess and luxury, and is home to

From the awesome, expansive beauty of North America, to the sophistication and elegance of Europe, the world’s finest ski resorts are home to some exceptional lodges and hotels. Whether this winter will be a chance for adventurous heli-skiing, or time for family fun on the slopes, there is a luxury property waiting for you. So we let’s go on a journey of extravagance, luxury and adventure through some of the best lodges and ski hotels of the world. Amangani, Wyoming, USA Best for a flavour of the Great American outdoors From the deep, embracing tub in your guest suite bathroom,

Hiking Mr Henderson’s Railway A journey of wholesome gastronomy and striking scenery that nourishes both the body and soul One of the distinctive aromas of early autumn in Andalusia is the fresh, sweet, tantalising smell of ripening figs. It was this fragrance that greeted us as we came to the end of our morning hike, just before enjoying lunch in the village of Benaoján, near Ronda. The ancient twisted fruit trees, with their broad characteristic leaves, lined the edge of the riverside path, plump fruit scattered and squashed on the ground below, perfuming the air. Foodie Tour A morning spent