My desire was to experience some traditional pastimes of Oaxaca. Everyone likes massage, I've tried most. I've been needled, poked, pulled. Pummelled in Asia, scrubed to within an inch of my life in Morocco. Now I was ready for some Mexican action. Temazcal. A pre-Hispanic, type of sweat lodge.

One of the immutable laws of travel is that once removed from their country of origin almost all souvenirs become ugly and pointless. Paella dishes look authentic in Spanish kitchens. Get it home to wherever home is, give it five days and it's living in the attic or on its way to the next car boot sale.

Lake Como offers beautiful views of the Alps from lake-side villas that have all of the charm of Italy along with the elegance and order as befits a location so close to the Swiss border. As an Italian that lives and works in this idyllic region, I have created a list of my favourite activities to do while spending a summer holiday on the lake.

Responsible travel that includes volunteering can the most rewarding kind, allowing the traveller an extended period of time to get to know and give something back to a community or cause.

The wellness holiday industry has been increasing in popularity and will continue. We have become more aware of the importance of staying fit and healthy and our holidays reflect this trend. People don't want to sit on a beach sunning themselves for 10 hours a day; they want to return home with lasting benefits.

Sometimes I think getting overcharged is part of travel but it doesn't have to be like that. I am currently on a short break in Turkey and I made up some rules about how to get the most out of being in Istanbul without getting fleeced.

From the pool parties in Spain to the high heel racing in Miami, these international events see hundreds of millions of people unite to celebrate gay pride.

I'm certainly not complaining as I always have a fantastic time whilst away but this year I'd like less of a holiday and instead experience something entirely new. So here's my list of top travel experiences that I've got my eye on - what would be on yours?

Most people don't want to spend a fortune on a hotel when they go on vacation, but they don't want to stay in a dump either. When you're choosing a hotel, you should look for a place that offers good value but is also a decent place to stay. Take a look at these five caution signs to avoid when looking for a place to sleep on your vacation.

Historically yoga was more than just a method of teaching; it was a way of life. You dedicated yourself to a lifestyle and culture that surpassed meditation techniques and included healthy eating habits, bathing habits, social interaction and work.

When it comes to travel, there is one travel bracket that requires a very specific type of advice and its own home for discussion: Family Travel. We've searched blogosphere to find the best advice from bloggers who are actually exploring the planet with their little ones - and not just surviving, they're succeeding in enjoying it too.

For most of us, getting family holidays right is all about making compromises. You won't please everyone all the time, but you can ensure that all ages have at least something going for them. Here are ten things that should definitely go into the equation.

So, here is our list of the top five romantic ways to see London, giving you the opportunity to spend time with your favourite person in your favourite city!

There are many spas on Koh Samui Island, but none that are as sophisticated and unique as Kamalaya. This is one seriously good spa holiday, guest teachers and practitioners fly in from all over the world and the therapists are world class.

I absolutely love to travel, it's a real passion of mine and so, like a huge number of Brits, as soon as the new year hits, my mind turns to planning my holidays. Here are a few tips that I've learnt over the years to help everyone who is looking to book a family holiday for 2013...

While it helps to work in the industry when trying to get a good holiday deal, there are plenty of tips 'only the industry knows' that can easily be used by consumers to have a great holiday. Here are a few that travel industry workers know (but don't like sharing with anyone else).

We collected our keys from the laundromat downstairs and quickly felt at home in our new neighborhood.

With the cheese-fest that is Valentine's Day fast approaching, it's time to get your exit strategy in place. For whatever reason (you're recently heart-broken, perpetually single and cynical, or you just happen to have taste), here are the places where you're most likely to be left untroubled by lovebirds.

It's time to look at the in-demand places for 2013, from the Spanish district that's had a serious re-brand to the city that travel bloggers across the world will be raving about.

Don't let winter keep you away from our marvelous seaside town. There is lots to keep the tourist and locals happy in the milder months and December, in particular, is the ideal time to get swept away by the unique atmosphere of Bournemouth.

Fancy some snow? Research shows there are a number of non-Eurozone countries for winter sports enthusiasts that with a stronger pound can be cheaper than the popular Eurozone destinations - so emerging ski destinations, such as Bulgaria and Romania, can shave hundreds of pounds of the cost of your break.