An enduring symbol of the expansive Inca Empire, visitors are spellbound by Machu Picchu’s mysticism, beauty and cultural significance. Often referred to as the lost city of the Incas - and designated one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ in 2007 - the 15th century citadel in the Andes towers almost 8,000 feet above sea level.

Very few travellers are immune to the charms of France – with its diverse landscapes, UNESCO marvels and fairlytale villages. The most geared-up country in Europe for campervans and motorhomes with over 4,000 motorhome service stations, known as Aires, eliminates the often stressful quandry of where to find an overnight park up.

Glitterballs abound as the much-vaunted Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical comedy had the audience totally under their spell. They would have forgiven anything - including the late start.

Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour. With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.

In previous Magic of Motorhoming articles we’ve shared insights into key areas including selecting makes and models, check…

As the prospect of snow, howling winds and sheeting rain continuing to batter the UK, the lure of sunshine, stunning beaches and stimulating new cultures beckons. With a myriad of destinations from Mauritius to Mexico offering long haul packages and, closer to home, the Canaries, the Algarve and Cyprus vying for business, choices are driven by time and budget constraints.

Newcastle Theatre Royal promises a diverse and dynamic line up to engage, thrill, and delight audiences over the next three months. Musicals taking centre stage are the feel-good Mama Mia (Wednesday 11- Saturday 28 February) and West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, (Tuesday 3- Saturday 14 March).

The appeal of travelling into the unknown can also be tinged with trepidation as to what may be waiting on arrival - particularly if the destination is off the beaten track. Not ones to do things by halves, Our Lifestyle and Leisure Editor, Sharon Cain and Sharon’s husband and Yorkshire Times photographer, Steve Hare, traversed the globe to Ushuaia in Argentina.

The allure of Scotland, with its shimmering lochs, vast tracts of golden beaches, majestic castles and celebrated cities, makes it a dynamic destination for long and short breaks. With 94 of the country’s 900 diverse islands inhabited, Scotland is brimming with a tapestry of civilizations and discoveries dating back to the First Century AD with the arrival of the Romans.

Bonkers and dazzlingly brilliant does not shine a light on describing the impact of Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal. I can’t remember when I laughed so much for so long that my ribs ached. Turning convention on its head, there is just a cursory nod to the rags-to-riches traditional theme in this extravaganza brimming with creative, comedic genius.

Laos and Cambodia are neighbouring countries in South East Asia who share rich cultural heritages, war torn histories, and the mighty Mekong river whose delta is known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Asia.

The Danube, a majestic waterway which Napoleon called the ‘Queen of European Rivers’, is the only river in the world to border ten countries. Flowing 1,770 miles from Germany’s Black Forest to the mouth of the Black Sea, its rich, cultural diversity spanning Imperial cities, fairytale castles, vineyards, and wildlife make it an increasingly popular destination.

For intrepid travellers, the anticipation of delving into Europe’s diverse cultures for limitless periods is hard to surpass. However, since January 1, 2021, when Britain momentously ‘Brexited’ from the EU, reveries of halcyon border-hopping days are tempered with stringent restrictions to avoid Brits outstaying their welcome.

Located on the banks on Lake Michigan, Chicago’s jaw dropping skyline merits its reputation among the world’s most iconic backdrops. Nicknamed The Windy City due to the icy gusts from Lake Michigan and colourful 19th Century tales of boastful politicians, the pulsating Midwest metropolis continues to play second fiddle to New York.

With over a million leisure vehicles in Britain alone, there is no doubting the excitement and adventure this form of travel promises.

Welcome to our newly launched column ‘The Magic of Motorhoming’ where we share fascinating insights and tips on a world which opens new and exciting explorations. Valued at a jaw-dropping £1.15 billion, the UK motorhome industry has witnessed an incredible boom as those with a sense of adventure embrace the independence of travel at home and abroad.

Laying bare the criminality of the fine art underworld and the spurious characters who inhabit it, there was no mistaking that foul play was afoot from the outset. As blood oozed from the Picture You Dead curtain backdrop, the voice of author Peter James himself warned of the dire consequences of keeping your phones on during the performance.

The Spring equinox - when night and day are in equal balance across the globe - is a defining period for transformation and growth. As endless dark nights fade to a distant memory, Spring symbolises regeneration and renewal when flowers burst forth with optimism and badgers, bats and hedgehogs emerge from hibernation. Sharon Cain, Our Time for Life Correspondent, urges our readers to stop their procrastinations and delays - and live for today.

The formula is a winner - a massive dose of 80s nostalgia with equally enormous dance numbers and a school reunion. Let the party begin! Compiled by award winning author, Pippa Evans, and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, Now That's What I Call A Musical is well worth a trip down memory lane.

Connecting with nature and its wondrous wildlife and birdlife is therapeutic for our health, bringing a wealth of rewards and an enormous wellbeing boost. With almost 630 species of birdlife in the UK alone, the opportunities and magnificent backdrops to enjoy this leisurely pursuit are plentiful – whether it be the golden eagles in Scotland or ravens on the cliffs at Land’s End. Our Time for Life Correspondent, Sharon Cain, and photographer, Steve Hare, have been exploring in Northumberland – an acclaimed bird watchers utopia.

Spring - when blankets of daffodils and crocus burst into colour and stretch towards the sun - is a symbolic period and the perfect time to revisit your bucket list. Aptly named because it sets out what you want to achieve, see, and do, during our precious lifetime, a bucket list can be life transforming in many ways.

Once the frenetic dash to prepare everything for the festive season has calmed down, taking time to unwind and enjoy this magical period is among life’s many pleasures. Among the delights to be relished is the anticipation of indulging in our favourite wines and sampling new ones. In the countdown to 2024, our Time for Life Correspondent Sharon Cain and photographer Steve Hare have been exploring the famous La Rioja region whose wines are recognised and enjoyed the world over.

Making time for a little pampering can have an enormous positive impact on our physical, emotional and mental health. So why don’t we do more of it? Luxuriating in the bath with candles and diffusers can feel deliciously decadent and provide a much-needed boost.

Satirical impressionist supremo, Rory Bremner, is smashing it as Chris Tarrant in Quiz – a fast paced drama based on the notorious Who Wants to Be A Millionaire ‘Coughing Major’ scandal. The high-profile scam, which took place in 2001, centred on disgraced army officer, Charles Ingram, who was nicknamed the 'Coughing Major’.

Gung Ho adventurers think nothing of throwing themselves into adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and hurtling off enormous cliffs. Reassuringly, not all of us, including our Time for Life Correspondent, Sharon Cain, have a head for heights, preferring the safety of ‘terra firma’.

The devastating earthquakes which rocked Turkey and Syria have now claimed over 22,300 victims – making them among the deadliest in recent history. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a three-month state of emergency in ten provinces which have been worst affected by the quake which he has called “the disaster of the century.”