Providing an escape like no other, books about travel can transport you anywhere in the world and inspire your next adventure. We've rounded up some of our favourites including Leo Tolstoy's 'War and Peace', and 'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts.

We've gathered together our top destinations around the world for active holidays. From hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to skiing in Kyrgyzstan, there's a trip to suit all adventure lovers and thrill-seekers!

Whether you seek the life affirming buzz of a metropolis or the solitude of an edge of the world port, you can find it in South America. The myriad nations each have exciting cities to discover, every one with its own distinct character and culture. Which will you visit on your next holiday?  

From the blissful beaches of Zanzibar, Cuba and Malaysia, to the epic sights of Russia and the wonderful wildlife of Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.... discover which destinations we think are perfect for the summer holidays!

Learn about the celebrated women of the world on International Women's Day! From tyrannical queens to brave revolutionaries, each one fought against the traditions and gender biases of their time to become legendary figures in their own right.

There are few things more relaxing than a trip to a tropical coastline. We’ve rounded up five of the best beaches in the world, from the balmy seas of Costa Rica to the secluded coves of Southern India, for all those looking to escape to warmer climates.

Vast grasslands, dense jungle and tropical coastlines combine in Colombia - the most biodiverse country in the world by square miles. It is home to over 450 species of mammal and an unbelievable 1,850 birds, all of whom are split across its various ecosystems. Despite this incredible diversity, Colombia’s 58 protected areas remain relatively untouched by tourism. Find out more about this incredible country's spectacular wildlife.

Colombia's National Parks are plentiful, varied and brimming with wildlife. We've collated the very best that the country has to offer, from the pristine beaches of Tayrona to the rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy in the Andes Mountains.

Colombia's Lost City is the "new" Machu Picchu - a fascinating ruined city of terraces and steps hidden deep in the Colombian jungle and dating to 600 years before its Peruvian counterpart was even thought of. The only way of reaching this stunning spot is on a four day hike forging rivers, sleeping in hammocks and scrambling up vine-clad mountain slopes. An adventurer's heaven...

Over the years, Colombia has shaken off its tumultuous past and its kaleidoscopic character has come to life. With colonial archaeology galore, idyllic beaches, a fascinating culture and lost cities hidden deep in the jungle there is a huge amount to discover here. With the help of our local experts, we've picked out some highlights to help inspire you in planning your trip.

From fantastic live music to the iconic "silletero" parade, this Colombian festival litters the streets of Medellin with colour, flowers and tradition. Read on to find out more about this annual event, which celebrates the cultural identity of this flourishing destination.

The colourful colonial town of Cartagena is the place to be for historical marvels, fantastic food and live music. Read on to discover more about this increasingly popular destination, bursting with energy and culture.

Huw and Tom, TravelLocal's founders and MDs, give an update on what we have been up to in November, including awards for Ecuador at The Savoy and the launch of Japan.

With Halloween on the horizon, we wanted to explore how this unique holiday is celebrated and perceived around the world. Read on to find out more...

South America is great for families, particularly with older children. Horse-riding through dramatic landscapes, ziplining through jungles, whale-watching by paddleboard... South America has it all.

Travel to the wonderful, exotic locations around the globe where coffee is raised from shrub to bean to brew. From volcanic foothills to thick, mountainside jungle, discover the best coffee destinations in the world.

Catch up with the latest news from the TravelLocal headquarters as we look towards extending summer for as long as we can, and announce a fabulous new country to be featured on the site...

Discover our top five island escapes - sunbathe on pristine beaches, eat local delicacies, dive on UNESCO recognised reefs and swim in tropical waters.

Gain an insight into the diverse and wonderful world of Colombian folk music with Beto Murgas, a Vallenato musician and composer.

In honour of the BBC Proms, we've drawn up a shortlist of the best cities for live music around the world. Read on to find out more...

Check out our shortlist of the ultimate cycling trips around the world, suitable for all ages and abilities. From exploring rural Chinese villages to meandering through the Angkor Temple complex, these trails are simply unmissable…

Fresher air, fewer people and swaths of flora and fauna - there are no end of reasons why global travellers move off the beaten path. Here are some of the world’s best rural retreats, by TravelLocal.

Colombia's capital is a cultural hub of fresh cuisine, brightly-coloured architecture and classical museums. Here is TravelLocal's guide on getting to know Bogota.

Exciting and diverse, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to visit in South America. Read on for our top 5, carefully selected by Natasha Colyer at Seen in the City...

This month we caught up with our local Colombia experts to talk favourite memories and foodie experiences.

With so many to choose from all over the world, it can be hard to know which hiking trails to prioritise. Read on for our top recommendations from around the world…

If you want the holiday of a lifetime (and don't want to share the sites with hordes of tourists) these five destinations should be on your travel list!

Check out these top photography recommendations from our friends at LocalGrapher, South America is waiting to be explored...

Have you read 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'? Uncover this magical world and explore Colombia through the eyes of its author, Gabriel García Márquez.

Looking for some inspiration for your next trip? Check out our list of adventures for 2017 and embrace your wild side…