Even the home of Santa Claus is now suffering from overtourism

The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, happily calls itself the “official home town of Santa Claus”. But not everyone is merry about Christmas tourists.

• by JAMES BROOKS

Traveller Letters: I paid for an upgrade to this seat. I wish I hadn’t

“I was offered an upgrade to business class for $1550; as it was a night flight, I accepted.”

Adults-only areas on cruise ships are getting bigger and better

If you’re looking for family-friendly holiday options while secretly craving adult me-time, then big cruise ships have the solution for you.

• by Brian Johnston

Virgin Australia relaunches long-haul international flights, sort of

For the first time since scrapping its US routes during the pandemic, Virgin Australia is relaunching long-haul flights, thanks to its deal with Qatar Airways.

• by Julietta Jameson

Need a laugh? This year’s funniest wildlife photos named

Dancing insects, owls making out and a penguin square-up – what could possibly win against that line up?

• by Kayla Olaya

‘We made some mistakes’: Why ‘sex sells’ failed for Virgin’s cruise line

The association with sex is something Richard Branson’s cruise line is trying to leave behind, though they won’t be letting children on board any time soon.

• by Jenny Southan

Timeless elegance: Britain’s new ‘ludicrously luxurious’ train

The Britannic Explorer – due to be launched in July 2025 – is a luxury hotel on wheels that will travel through some of the UK’s most magnificent landscapes.

• by Anthony Lambert

Traveller Letters: I wasted my Qantas points on a hotel booking

“The quoted price for a one-night stay in Sydney was $305, reduced to $272 when I used about 5600 Frequent Flyer points.”

New routes to the US as Pacific island airline expands horizons

Fiji has a strategy to position the country as a hub connecting the Pacific with the US.

• by Julietta Jameson

‘The world’s greatest football club’ launches its own theme park

Real Madrid World in Dubai spans six hectares, the equivalent of six football pitches, and features more than 40 experiences and rides.

• by Julietta Jameson