When you think of popcorn, your mind immediately turns to the beloved cinema snack – best served sweet and salty, with extra butter.

You probably wouldn’t think of a beach setting, which is why this bay in the Canary Islands is so unique and unexpected.

Nicknamed Popcorn Beach, instead of fine sand, you’re more likely to find what looks like freshly popped popcorn at this untouched spot.

There’s a certain romance associated with islands. They embody true escapism and detachment from the wider world and have provided the setting for countless novels, such as the classic Robinson Crusoe, which celebrates it’s 300th anniversary next year.

Our obsession with these castaway land masses has also translated into the digital age, with more than 21 million images on Instagram tagged with #island.

Here are five of the world’s top island escapes, along with the iconic features that set them apart…

During the summer months, thousands of holidaymakers flock to Greece, but up until recently very few would consider travelling there in winter. Yet milder temperatures and fewer crowds make visiting ancient sites a pleasure, and hiking routes more comfortable to navigate.

Eager to demonstrate Greece is open for business year round, the government there has extended the industry’s summer season, which now runs from March to November, and focused promotions on winter destinations.

Dubai is a gateway to the rest of the world. Living in the Middle East has many perks; including great travel routes to destinations across the globe. Yet despite accessible travel, we’re still used to long haul flights.

In fact, as expats we’re more accustomed to them than most. So we’re also familiar with the pain of a long journey!

Being a vegan is tricky enough when you’re on your own turf, but it can often prove a nightmare when travelling.

There are some cities you know will be no problem – for example, there are endless plant-based options in the likes of Berlin and Los Angeles – but what about the rest of the world?

We’ve picked five top destinations for vegans that might surprise you...

This festive season, swap Dubai’s desert for snowy Christmas markets full of festive charm, gifts and treats to indulge in.

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas –especially when shops are already piled high with festive goods.

Travel during November and December can be pricey, so you need to start planning your Christmas getaways now. Particularly if you want to travel to a Christmassy destination for the most magical time of the year.

From Necker Island to South Africa and Verbier, Sir Richard Branson has homes all over the world.

And yet, there’s one place he holds particularly close to his heart –Son Bunyola, a luxury retreat on the north-west coast of Mallorca, which is open to the public as a Virgin Limited Edition property.

For a decade, Game of Thrones has been been filmed across locations in Northern Ireland –and next year, fans will be able to visit the actual sets for the very first time.

Once filming has finished for the final series, the ‘Game of Thrones Legacy’ project can begin, with plans to be able to visit several standing sets for locations like Winterfell, Castle Black in Magheramorne and Kings Landing.

If you fancy sharing a room with phantoms and spirits this Halloween, then we have the perfect spot for you!

Believe it or not, travellers pay good money to stay in spooky places. Whether you like a fright or you want to know all about haunted histories, the world’s scariest hotels are actually travel hot-spots –and not just in October!

From creepy castles to eerie settings, here are the 15 most haunted hotels in the world…beware of the ghost!

Whether it’s drinking pumpkin spiced lattes or planning Halloween makeup, October has to be one of one of the best months of the year –especially with such good weather in Dubai!

The sunsets are prettier, the humidity has dropped, and we can finally go for a walk along the beach –as we say goodbye to the hot summer, and hello to our favourite season. Although you’re probably planning to hit a beach club every weekend, we’ve planned plenty things to do in Dubai this October, so take note.