From Barcelona's biggest street party to Laura Ashley's new hotel: Travel agenda

Where to go and what to know

1. Head south

Swoop Patagonia has launched a range of new adventures. Examples include the 20-night "Trekking Northern Patagonia" trip, which involves three demanding hikes in the Chilean and Argentinian Lake Districts, taking in frozen fjords and native forest, with horse and bike excursions on route. From £2,650pp, flights extra.

bit.ly/SwoopTreks

2. Fiesta time

Book ahead to be at Barcelona's biggest street party, La Mercè, from 19-24 September. The festival celebrates Catalan creativity by bringing local artists together to showcase street art, circus and dance. Over five days, 500 activities will include concerts, street processions and traditional dances.

merce.bcn.cat

3. Channel hop

From 8 September, a new flight will link London City with Guernsey. Due to be launched by Channel Islands' airline, Aurigny, it will travel twice daily, departing at 9.15am and 5pm, making it ideal for day trips or business travellers. One-way fares start at £89.

aurigny.com

4. Fresh flavour

On 11 October, Odyssey World has a gourmet tour of the Malaysian peninsula with chef, Norman Musa. Costing from £2,895pp with flights, the 11-night trip will travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, the Cameron Highlands and Penang, staying in five-star hotels and stopping for special, one-off meals.

odyssey-world.co.uk

5. Slope off

To entice potential skiers to book early for the forthcoming 2014/15 season, Powder White is offering free ski passes for children under 12. Holidays must be booked by 31 August, for travel over the week commencing 20 December – ideal if you have your sights set on spending Christmas on the slopes.

powderwhite.com

6. In fashion

After launching The Manor near Elstree in Hertfordshire last year, British furnishings brand Laura Ashley has extended its hotel portfolio by giving the old Belsfield Hotel in the Cumbrian town of Bowness-on-Windermere a multi-million-pound renovation.

lauraashleyhotels.com/thebelsfield

7. Isle seat

Lark Hotels added to its collection of chic coastal properties in New England with 21 Broad. Located on Nantucket Island, the 27-room, boutique retreat, features a guest lounge with games, a turntable with vinyls and a landscaped courtyard with fire pit.

21broadhotel.com

8. A wee dram

Visitors to the Edinburgh Festival and beyond this summer can gain advice from a new website. Supported by VisitScotland, scotlandspubsandbars.co.uk guides visitors around the country's historic watering holes, highlighting filming locations, notable visitors, resident ghosts and more.

scotlandspubsandbars.co.uk