Travel: Innovations, Economy, Laos and France

Photo taken when I was hiking around Luang Prabang, crossed a bridge, and happened upon a small community. I stayed here playing badminton with these great kids all afternoon.

• Is politeness a new form of currency in the travel world?
• Flight innovations you'll love
  It's all the rage to criticize the airlines. But we found some smart, practical initiatives that point the way to a better future.
• The French farm stay with something for everyone
  A petting farm for the kids, an honesty bar and unlimited use of a creche. No wonder this luxurious family retreat in the south of France is so popular
• Laos on Two Wheels: Looking Beyond Luang Prabang
  Fantastic idea! "Having been on a trek in Sapa, my best friend and I thought we'd try our hands at something different: mountain biking. When we enquired with one company as to whether they offered two-day trips, to our surprise, the agent called in a local guide who began to pour over a map of the region and tailor a route especially for us".
• How the Economy Affected 16 Travellers in 2009
  For some, the economic crisis put trips on hold, while for others it seems to have had no impact whatsoever. Whatever the case, their responses show one thing: if you're passionate about travel, you can pretty much always find a way to indulge that passion.

Travel: Innovations, Economy, Laos and France

Photo taken when I was hiking around Luang Prabang, crossed a bridge, and happened upon a small community. I stayed here playing badminton with these great kids all afternoon.

• Is politeness a new form of currency in the travel world?
• Flight innovations you'll love
  It's all the rage to criticize the airlines. But we found some smart, practical initiatives that point the way to a better future.
• The French farm stay with something for everyone
  A petting farm for the kids, an honesty bar and unlimited use of a creche. No wonder this luxurious family retreat in the south of France is so popular
• Laos on Two Wheels: Looking Beyond Luang Prabang
  Fantastic idea! "Having been on a trek in Sapa, my best friend and I thought we'd try our hands at something different: mountain biking. When we enquired with one company as to whether they offered two-day trips, to our surprise, the agent called in a local guide who began to pour over a map of the region and tailor a route especially for us".
• How the Economy Affected 16 Travellers in 2009
  For some, the economic crisis put trips on hold, while for others it seems to have had no impact whatsoever. Whatever the case, their responses show one thing: if you're passionate about travel, you can pretty much always find a way to indulge that passion.