Peru, new train trips, and Birmingham-New York: Travel agenda

Where to go and what to know

1. Canada link

Virgin Atlantic is ending its Heathrow-Vancouver service after just three years. But as that option closes, Air France is launching a link next summer to the Canadian city from Paris Charles de Gaulle – with connections from airports across Britain. airfrance.co.uk

2. China easier

The city of Kunming, in China's Yunnan province, has joined Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Dalian and Shenyang in offering visa-free stays of up to 72 hours. You must remain in the city and have evidence of your onward journey. chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa

3. Vin de SW19

Cannizaro House in London SW19 has become the latest addition to the Hotel du Vin chain. The 46-bedroom property, adjacent to Wimbledon Common, dates from the early 19th century and has hosted Lord Tennyson and Oscar Wilde (but not at the same time). It will launch as part of Hotel du Vin in 2015, following a £1m refurb. hotelduvin.com

4. Marked out

The Landmark Trust, which restores notable buildings and gives them new life as inspiring places to stay, has announced a "Golden Weekend" early next summer when 25 properties will offer free Open Days as part of the charity's 50th anniversary. The selection includes Auchinleck House in Ayrshire (pictured) and Crownhill Fort in Devon. landmarktrust.org.uk

5. Make tracks

G Adventures has introduced rail travel to its group adventure offering. Itineraries range from one week to eight, in countries such as China, Sweden, Canada and the US. A 46-day trip that skirts around India's borders costs from £2,899 without flights. gadventures.co.uk

6. Peruse Peru

Explore Peru on a 17-day Martin Randall trip next September. The itinerary features the adobe pyramids of the Moche and Chimor civilisations plus the achievements of the Inca Empire and Spanish Conquistadores. The trip costs £6,180, with flights and accommodation. martinrandall.com

7. BHX to JFK

American Airlines is taking on arch-rival United next summer between Birmingham and New York. From 8 May, the 10am daily departure will arrive at JFK just before 1pm. Fares start at around £575 return in May, rising to £1,000 in August. United currently flies daily to New York's other international airport, Newark. Both services use Boeing 757 aircraft. aa.com

8. Delay pay

Last weekend, the Supreme Court threw out Jet2's application to appeal a case about a flight delayed by technical problems, and Thomson's arguments about the statute of limitation for claims. Accordingly, Independent Traveller has updated its online guide to compensation for flight over delays and cancellations. bit.ly/PassComp