Exploring Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Looking out from Menara Kuala Lumpur’s observation deck, 276 metres above the Malaysia's buggest city, I’m surprised to learn that KL, the abbreviation by which locals know this conurbation, was awarded city status as recently as 1972. With the sun beginning to set, I’m at a prime location to appreciate this dynamic city’s evening skyline.

The Bandarban Hills of Bangladesh

A two hour drive south-east of the bustling commercial hub and busy seaport of Chittagong, the Bandarban Hills begin their rise above the Bangladeshi plains. Characterised by dense jungle, the hills are the home to 13 tribal groups and roll on beyond the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

Some people might argue the city is reinventing itself, distancing itself from its industrial heritage, but others will tell you that the vibe in this city of almost 600,000 inhabitants has long been buoyant and the fact that the wider world is finding out what Glasgow has to offer is long overdue. Head out to one of the hip bars, cafes or restaurants of the centrally situated Merchant City district and you may also hear locals tell you the fact Glasgow was named both the 1990 European Capital of Culture and the United Kingdom’s City of Architecture and Design in 1999.

Abu Dhabi for families

Abu Dhabi was, until recently, widely regarded primarily as an oil-related business destination but diversification and leisure developments are changing that perception. Increasingly, the emirate is evolving into a viable family destination with much to offer beyond the state-of-the-art shopping malls and striking high-rise architecture.

National Day celebrations in Luxembourg City

The centre of Luxembourg City, the capital of the world’s only Grand Duchy, becomes a vast party zone each year on 22 June, the eve of the head of state’s official birthday. After residents and visitors celebrate through the night, it may come as no surprise that the national holiday, 23 June, tends to be a fairly quiet day.

Model shipbuilding around the world

People have been building models of boats and ships for millennia. These days, thanks to the internet, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to dip your toe in the water, so to speak, and start putting together a kit or begin building a collection.

Luxury and shopping in Muscat, Oman

Looking around Muscat it’s difficult to believe that just over a generation ago Oman was a country without a single luxury hotel and barely 10km of tarmac road. Times have changed markedly since July 1970, when Qaboos bin Said became the Sultan of Oman.

Ski instructing on Alpe d’Huez

Christian Jacques is an École du Ski Français (ESF) ski instructor working in the Alpe d’Huez grande domain Ski. Last week I spent time with the 57 year old, who’s in his 38th season as an instructor, exploring the 250km network of pistes in the French resort.