Come summer, Canada’s polar bears get playful. Skip the bus tour, sign up to walk with the white giants, and you’ll get close enough to gatecrash, says James Draven
Destinations
Living colour in the Seychelles
Paradise doesn’t have to be deathly dull. Alongside the Seychelles’ perfect beaches, Ed Grenby finds giant tortoises, edible bats and a local party scene
The long weekend: Bangkok
Get set to explore one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, where you’ll discover gilded palaces, rooftop terraces and intoxicating markets
Reef encounter
She’s a beauty — no wonder the Great Barrier Reef tops so many travellers’ bucket lists.But is the view from below as ‘great’ as it used to be? Andrew Eames takes the plunge
The long weekend: Berlin
From a divided city to an achingly cool capital, Berlin hums with creative energy and exciting things to see and do, says resident Lara Brunt
Melting pot
Neon-lit skyscrapers pierce the clouds and big-brand names light up the sky — modern Hong Kong is a powerhouse. But just as potent is its passion for tradition: local young designers ply past skills and hip new chefs use ancient ingredients. It’s a ravishing recipe of old and new. Nick Redman tucks in
Golden times
In revisiting Istanbul, Nick Redman is reunited with his old flame
Take me to the river
Ancient temples, mystic caves, weird critters (in the water and on the menu: Mexico’s Riviera Maya serves up surreal unforgettable adventures – mere footsteps from the Caribbean’s most dreamily relaxing beaches, says Ed Grenby
Caribbean queen
Why’s everything painted pink? What’s up with those sunsets? And where is everyone? Katie Bowman can’t work out how the beautiful Bahamas remains under the radar
A bridge too far?
Most destinations are simply places to visit. Others feel like home. Katie Glass has a go at living like a local in San Francisco