Christopher Hirst discovers a strong appetite for street food as locals exercise their culinary creativity on Helsinki Restaurant Day.

The tiny Greek island of Symi remains steeped in tradition, discovers Lois Green.

Increasing the minimum wage and paid parental leave to a minimum of 18 weeks are recommended in a report on how New Zealand can improve the quality of life for children.

Jason Burt finds much to love about the writer's favourite holiday villa.

The Independent's Simon Calder finds beautiful Mediterranean views are going begging as tourists avoid Greece during its summer of discontent.

Jill Worrall heads across choppy waters to visit a former monastic site on a rocky Irish outcrop.

These two rocky outcrops off the coast of County Kerry support large gannet and puffin colonies. The larger of the two islands, Great Skellig, was also once home to a remote Christian monastery and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Belgrade's two rivers offer sunny strolls and lively waterside activity, writes Mary Novakovich.

Rhiannon Batten discovers a gingerbread house with gourmet extras in the historic market town of Knaresborough.

The threat of volcanic eruption has done wonders for tourism in Iceland.

St Petersburg is full of treasure amassed by royalty, finds Susan Buckland.

This 'barn' getaway is design-fabulous and about as un-rustic as a cottage in mid-Wales can be. Light floods into the colossal living room upstairs through substantial glass panels cut into the sides and the gable end - but instead of delivering a Manhattan-style skyline, the panorama serves as an ever present reminder of rural bliss.

For further information see redkitebarn.co.uk.

Can accommodation be all things to all people? Samuel Muston checks in to find out.

Flip Byrnes mixes a guided tour of Italy's highlights with free-range sightseeing.

Hotel chains in the rowdy Mallorcan resort town are aiming to attract a more upmarket clientele as Spain's financial crisis bites.

A week in Denmark reveals best of island landscapes, writes Petra Reinken.

Valerie Adams? Mahe Drysdale? They're just the latest namesto take the podium. To celebrate New Zealand winning its 100th Olympic medal today, here's a look back at five of our less known Olympians: