Destinations

An eerie portal to the Maya underworld

In Belize's ATM Cave, details of ancient Maya religious sacrifices come into focus as new research creates a picture of how rituals were used to re-enact the Maya creation story.

Gallo pinto: Costa Rica rice and beans

Deeply rooted in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture, this staple of rice and beans with a side of eggs gets a spicy kick from Salsa Lizano (a sauce similar to Worcestershire).

Is this the next smoothie trend?

In southern Belize, a sweet and creamy heritage drink made from seaweed has become a symbol of the country's sustainable underwater farming initiatives.

Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park, Guatemala

The Maya's ingenious secret to survival

Tikal was the economic and ceremonial hub of the Maya civilisation. But its stone palaces and temples would never have been constructed without mastery over one vital substance.

The islands with a 'third gender'

In the small indigenous territory of Guna Yala off Panama’s eastern coast, a flourishing ‘third gender’ community is defying stereotypes – and venerating women.

More Central America travel

Two spa workers pour liquid from bronze beakers onto a woman's back (Credit: Courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas)

The end of the passive wellness retreat

The new generation of hotel spas is selling treatments that promise better sleep, lower stress and longer, healthier lives.

Woman wearing a straw hat and backpack walks alone down a quiet street lined with pastel-coloured buildings (Credit: Getty Images

The best countries for solo female travellers

From Costa Rica's social surf towns to Norway's remote Arctic landscapes, new data and traveller insights reveal where solo female travellers feel most secure.

Historic stone bridge over a canal with colourful townhouses and trees along the waterfront in Copenhagen (Credit: Getty Images)

The world's happiest countries for 2026 – and what they get right

Residents share what makes them happy - and how travellers can experience a taste of local life.

Fuchsia bougainvillea flowers in front of rows of vines stretching into the distance in Peru (Credit: Getty Images)

Beat the winter blues with these escapes

From a Maldivian island alliance to Peru's pisco heartlands, these warm-weather trips pair sunshine with soul-enriching experiences.

Mountain biker relaxes on wooden bench in Panama with ocean in the distance (Credit: Getty Images)

Five of the best countries for expats in 2025

From Panama's jungles to Vietnam's buzzing cities, these five countries offer expats the best mix of affordability, friendliness and quality of life.

Two people dining in glass cabin at San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience (Credit: San Lucas)

Costa Rica's nine-course meal in the sky

In Monteverde's misty cloud forest, a restaurant suspended in the canopy is offering one of Costa Rica's most immersive dining experiences.