People crowd the sidewalk at Berlin's so-called Checkpoint Charlie, a former border crossing between the former US sector and east Berlin

When East met West: How Germany became one

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany's landscape has changed dramatically. Foreign correspondent Rupert Cornwell returns to his old stamping ground

20th anniversary special: Two days that destroyed a wall – and a world order

Sleighbells ring: Santa Claus with his reindeer

Traveller's Guide To: Lapland

Santa may be the big draw in this vast wilderness, but there is culture, wildlife and a magnificent light show to enjoy too, says Harriet OiBrien

Writer's bloc: Simon Calder returns to East Germany

Twenty years ago the fall of the Berlin Wall ended the division of Germany. But the first taste of freedom happened 100 miles away at Checkpoint Alpha...

The Costa Verde Resort in Costa Rica is a sophisticated teak-panelled hideaway that overlooks the stunning coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park

The Big Six: Plane hotels

It you're looking for a room with a view, try a 1965 Boeing 727 in the Costa Rica jungle or an old Soviet propellor plane well that has been turned into one luxurious suite...

City Slicker in Quito

The capital of Ecuador is celebrating 200 years of independence with a multimillion dollar boost. Sarah Gilbert offers a guide for new and returning visitors

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Head east for Christmas shopping bargains, says survey

Britons banking on pre-Christmas shopping bargains should head for the former Eastern Bloc countries, it was revealed today.

City of spires: the gothic edifice of King's College Chapel

48 Hours In: Cambridge

Take a punt on the picturesque university city this winter and you'll be rewarded with fine architecture and food, a classical music festival and an outdoor ice rink.

24-Hour Room Service: Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco

Stars come out for a glittering new resort

Good vibrations: the beach at Boscombe; surfers catch waves made by the new artificial reef

Trail of the unexpected: Surfers set for Dorset

Bournemouth's long-awaited artificial reef has opened for surfers. Ben Mondy tests the water

The lobby combines intimacy with a stylish punch. Ascend to roof level for the pool, bars and restaurants

Stay the night: Le Gray, Beirut

The long-awaited arrival of this chic hotel confirms the Lebanese capital has regained its old spirit

Vienna's Christmas market takes place from 14 November until 24 December

The Traveller's Guide to: Christmas markets

Cathy Packe advises on where to shop for presents in the open air. Revised for Yuletide 2009 by James Crichton-Smith

Wide open spaces: walkers in King's Park, Perth

Traveller's Guide To: Western Australia

Rugged red earth, great wines and a stunning coastline set against deep blue skies... head west to explore a classic Australian state

Balenbouche Estate in St Lucia is now an elegant 'eco-lodge' and organic farm

The Big Six: Caribbean green retreats

A natural wander: Discovers the delights of Cape Town's Disa Gorge trail

I thought I knew Table Mountain. After five years as a foreign correspondent in South Africa, I thought I had rambled and scrambled over pretty much all of this rocky wilderness half a mile in the sky above Cape Town. Then a friend said: "Ah, but you haven't been up Disa Gorge. You've missed the best bit."