Get one up on your travel buddies by planning a trip to one of these alternatives.

Brace yourself for the big one, writes Stephanie Holmes.

The football World Cup final takes place tomorrow at 3am NZ time.

The volcanic, glacial landscape marks out the land of the sagas

A sailing itinerary through the the Greek islands, full of mythical sites and epic adventure.

Of the nine Banksy murals in Paris, most have either been covered or defaced.

Feel the sand between your toes, just a tram stop away from these city centres.

Evan Thomas runs with the bulls in pamplona. www.evanthomas.me

The 98 metre-long yacht rolled up the Thames to London's Tower Bridge.

Harry Potter fans can immerse themselves in wizardry at this charming holiday rental.

It seemed an ideal spot for a blokes' getaway, but it failed to live up to its promise.

Here are a few handy German words which travellers will find curiously relatable.

Since prehistoric times the people of the Bernese Highlands have been throwing stones.

When in Rome, don't miss out on cultural Trastevere across the Tiber river.

Escape the tourist traps and malaise of Europe and head East. You'll thank us.

Ewan McDonald glides through Europe's romantic past and marvels at its modern evolution.

Acting as a tour guide for a special group of VIPs gives a rewarding new perspective.

500 actors from all over Europe descend on the town's amphitheatre for a three-day event.

25,000 visitors were evacuated from the Europa-Park amusement park in south west Germany.

Ewan McDonald discovers Europe on a slow boat.

Stephanie Holmes' top tips for visiting Barcelona and making like a local.

This brave little island is packed with history ... and tourists, writes Roger Hall.

Kate Ford puts together a guide of Parisian art galleries.

Guidebooks boast you can do both in one day in this compact country - so he tried it.

Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.

Graham Reid goes back in time and underground into Prague of the Cold War.

Chef Nick Honeyman offers his top tips for culinary adventure in France.

The plan is to travel from London to Russia through 42 countries - but there's a catch.

The oldest of four bridges that arch over the Grand Canal, it's a must-see in Venice.

These are the best theatres around the world to take in a modern dance performance.