The home of grunge, coffee – and the Space Needle – is ripe for exploration in spring.

Presidents have praised the magnificence of this geological scar in the south-west US, yet most people only see it in summer. To enjoy this landmark in solitude – go with the snow, says Chris Leadbeater

Scattered across 650 miles of the Indian Ocean, these tropical islands offer superb beaches, dramatic scenery and a benign climate.

The Grand Canyon State celebrates its centenary this week, but the cinematic drama of its iconic landscapes has a timeless appeal for travellers.

Chris Leadbeater looks at some ice-cool trips to mark the centenary of the explorer's epic journey

Wherever you go this year, make sure you get the best from your holiday. Chris Leadbeater has dozens of ideas

Wherever you go this year, make sure you get the best from your holiday. Chris Leadbeater has dozens of ideas

It is certainly a house, its wooden frame, painted in soft hues of white and blue, perched prettily in its waterside setting. But I am not convinced, as I open its creaking front door, that it was ever a home – at least, not in the idea of a welcoming shelter from the storm.

You don't need a beauty contest to select the planet's greatest hits, says Chris Leadbeater. After all, there's a world of possibilities out there

In the frozen north of Scandinavia, Lapland is starting to look its seasonal best. It's a spectacular region of shimmering skies, husky sleighs, Santa Claus and endless snow