A good book can transport you to distant lands – and travel can bring the best stories to life. Explore five places around the world where the location is the most compelling character, in the USA, India, Cuba, Scotland and Chile

...and how you can follow in their footsteps. Often overshadowed by Cook, Livingstone, Columbus and co, a host of intrepid explorers have roamed the most remote reaches of the planet over the past two and a half millennia. Meet some of the most impressive – and discover how you can experience some of the wonders they encountered on their expeditions.

Heading out on a trip can transform your life – here are just a few ideas for how you can find a new you on the road…

Discover a dozen unusual yuletide celebrations and traditions, from rollerskating and leering demons to, er, a pooping log…

Climbing a mountain doesn’t have to involve crampons and oxygen masks – and to celebrate International Mountain Day on 11 December, here’s an aspiration list of achievable peaks to scale. From Morocco and Japan to Guatemala, St Kitts and Tanzania, we’ve summit for everyone!

Explore the best places to learn local dances around the world.