Paddington Bear, a true British icon with an endearing personality has captured the hearts and minds of millions the world over since author Michael Bond created him in 1958.

Continuing his occasional series on whether bucket list destinations live up to expectations, Group Editor Andrew Palmer heads to Rio de Janeiro on the eve of the 2016 Olympics, chasing a city he first fell for thirty-odd years earlier, dangling from a cable car alongside Roger Moore. Blame Roger Moore.

An eye-watering seven million square kilometres, the Amazon River Basin covers around 40 per cent of South America and crosses eight countries. Home to the world’s largest rainforest, it teems with up to three thousand fish species including piranhas.

Buenos Aires - a multi-cultural melting pot pulsating with a kaleidoscope of colour - is the birthplace of tango and among the world’s most dynamic capital cities. Famed for icons including Eva Peron and Maradona, it is lovingly called the ‘Paris of South America’ with a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant arts scene to match London and the finest European capitals.

Swanky sips at The Living Room followed by standout fare at Seahorse make the perfect pairing

Located on the banks on Lake Michigan, Chicago’s jaw dropping skyline merits its reputation among the world’s most iconic backdrops. Nicknamed The Windy City due to the icy gusts from Lake Michigan and colourful 19th Century tales of boastful politicians, the pulsating Midwest metropolis continues to play second fiddle to New York.

Some of what’s claimed to be the most ground-breaking small group adventure tours on the planet, are being offered by Native Eye, the specialist in unusual destinations. And many of them introduce travellers to tribal cultures as they make their way to areas where tourism is either unheard of or still in its infancy.

Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!

Jet lag can be the downside of flying high, particularly on long-haul, and is an inevitable consequence of international air travel: the further you fly, the worse it gets. It can impair cognitive functions, interfere with metabolic cycles, and ruin sleep patterns. However, while there is no silver bullet to zap jet jag, there is a lot you can do to diminish its effects.

When you’re on the move and your mobile is packed complete with its numerous apps, including pay wallets and banking software, that’s when you are at your most vulnerable to cyber criminals.

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours.

A health expert is warning tourists travelling with medication, legal in the UK, to take care lest their drugs are banned or deemed ‘high risk’ by other countries. Derek Bruce from First Aid Training For Schools says being aware of shifting regulations can make the difference between being prepared and walking into trouble.

The new seasonal Icelandair service to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has returned offering travellers out of Manchester Airport an alternative way of reaching the United States: via Iceland!

Thanks to the rise of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) technology, travellers no longer need to factor expensive international roaming charges into their holiday budgets. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built into mobile devices and offer users multiple lines that can be switched at their convenience.

Great Lakes USA will be one of the best places to see next month’s total solar eclipse, offering an unforgettable experience to those able to witness this natural wonder. Millions of North American sky gazers will see their day turned to night around April 8th as the eclipse does its stuff!

HolidayPirates have got a 52% saving on a 7 night all-inclusive stay at the beautiful 5* Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico with return flights from Manchester and checked bags for £878. The best-value departure date available is 18th March but other dates also available.

Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two will be lit up in red, white and blue this weekend as thousands of passengers jet off to the United States ahead of Independence Day on Tuesday. More than 100,000 people travel to the US from Manchester Airport every month, with New York, Houston, Orlando and Atlanta all served by direct flights.

SeaWorld Orlando has opened its first and all new Coral Rescue Center to park guests following a VIP ribbon cutting ceremony with members of Florida's conservation and rescue communities, It is one of the largest public-facing facilities dedicated to coral conservation in the country.

Flights from Manchester to the bright lights of Las Vegas are returning from next year as Virgin Atlantic announces the latest route from its home in the North. Passengers will be able to choose from three flights a week to Las Vegas from 2 June 2024, with tickets going on sale from July 2023. Return Economy fares start from £770 per person.

Aer Lingus launches its first non-stop service to Cleveland, Ohio on 19 May promising Manchester Airport users access to the city’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and its ground-breaking exhibition on The Beatles Visitors can also enjoy Cedar Point, the second-oldest amusement park in America, the Cleveland Museum of Art, which celebrates Egyptian influence on fashion, as well as the city’s landmark…

Manchester Airport is expecting its busiest December for three years, with more than 1.7m passengers expected to travel through this month. The festive period is always particularly hectic, with travellers jetting off to spend time with family and friends, and this year many will be looking forward to a first Christmas together since the pandemic restrictions that kept them apart were lifted.

Aer Lingus has launched its biggest ever summer 2023 schedule for UK customers with a record-breaking 2.25 million seats on sale to North America. The Irish flag carrier has unveiled its largest North American summer schedule to date in line with customer demand for more transatlantic flights, including services from its popular Manchester hub.

Aer Lingus is today launching a summer flash sale on a selection of direct transatlantic routes across the US. Between now and August 21st, customersflying out of Manchester Airport will be able to enjoy £100 off Economy and Business Class flights to New York and Orlando when booked as a return journey.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is set to expand its microgrid just 12 months on from when it became the first major US airport to be powered entirely by natural gas and solar energy technology. The airport has saved $1 million in energy costs since launching its own microgrid in July 2021, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 8.2m pounds a year.

Aer Lingus is welcoming back a number of major US routes from its Dublin base for the first time since 2020, creating new America travel options for customers with connections out of Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The route to Philadelphia came back on line earlier this month with Los Angeles and Seattle set to follow on 12th May and 7th July.

I couldn't refuse an invitation to experience the culture of a country far from home, imagination and possibly, my comfort zone. But South America's Colombia, travelling alongside younger group members than myself, a spirit of adventure supports the pace, sometimes with a little help from my friends!