Best and worst states to retire in 2026 based on affordability and quality of life


Skiing in the Rockies doesn’t have to mean gridlock at the chairlift and chockablock trails. Less stressful but spectacular resorts await, if you know where to look

© Brundage Mountain Resort

The Man Who Pays His Way: Tourism can help rebuild the beleaguered nation

© ITN Productions

Several councils have been flagged as red, indicating significant concerns

© Gov.UK

After feeling anxious and isolated at home, a solo trip to Tobago taught Minreet Kaur the power of human connection

© Minreet Kaur
It will be more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia's current main airport

© EPA
Our popular readers’ tips column has been running for 20 years. We’ve selected some highlights from the past 12 months to help you plan your 2026 adventures
• Enter this week’s competition, on life-changing holidays

© Photograph: leoks/Shutterstock

© Photograph: leoks/Shutterstock

© Photograph: leoks/Shutterstock
The tales of nightmare vacations came courtesy of an annual contest to find the ‘world’s unluckiest travelers’

© Lloyd L/World's Unluckiest Traveler
The new lists are courtesy of a website that monitors turbulence using the same sources that pilots turn to when planning flight routes

© Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ski patrollers elsewhere in the region have been unionizing

© Getty Images
The rollout will happen in phases, starting with American’s narrowbody jets

© American Airlines
Saint Lucia’s Carnival takes place during the rainy months which only adds to the fun, finds Natalie Wilson

© Grey Card Media / Phillen / Saint Lucian Tourist Authority
An airline spokesperson said it ’will continue to monitor the situation’

© AP
Carriers were judged on design, seat pitch and headrest comfort

© Getty Images
As Machu Picchu struggles with crowds of tourists, Joanna Booth finds tranquillity at an alternative ancient site

© Getty/iStock
One injured flyer said they missed the seatbelt sign announcements due to being asleep

© PA Archive
You could get all your money back from most rail firms for a one-hour delay – but on Grand Central and Eurostar payouts are a lot less generous

© Getty/iStockPhoto
Here are the obligations each airline has and what you can expect if your journey is disrupted

© PA Archive
Exclusive: 50 flights cancelled at Heathrow with an estimated 7,000 passengers affected

© Network Rail Midlands
Simon Calder, The Independent’s travel correspondent, is here to answer your questions on why travel is getting harder in 2026 – from rising costs and EU Etias to US Esta, social media checks and other new rules – and how to avoid the red tape

© Charlotte Hindle