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Travel agenda: From alternative safaris in Zambia to puffin-watching in the Channel Islands
Where to go and what to know
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Your support makes all the difference.1. Paper trail
The Paper Factory Hotel is open in the New York borough of Queens. Located in Long Island City, it's a few blocks north of the Queensboro Bridge which takes you into Manhattan. Converted from a paper-making factory, it retains some of the old machines. From $135 (£90).
2. Scandi hop
Scandinavian Airlines launches two new flights from the UK to the northern European region on Monday. The flights will link Leeds/Bradford with Copenhagen (pictured) and Aberdeen with Oslo. Flights are on Fridays and Mondays, making the new services ideal for weekend breaks. Returns £119-£176.
3. Wing it
Puffin season takes place on Herm – the smallest of the Channel Islands – from April until July. Be there to witness the event with a three-night B&B stay at the White House Hotel, which costs £399pp through Channel Islands Direct, with Gatwick flights between 4 April and 22 May.
4. High point
Alila Hotels opens its first property outside of Asia in April. The latest addition to the luxury group – which operates five-star hotels in India and Indonesia – is in the Al Hajar mountain range of Oman. Check in for Arabic cuisine, a seven-room spa and an infinity pool with mountain views. Doubles OMR115 (£180) .
5. Wild thing
For an alternative safari experience, consider Anabezi Camp. The luxury retreat opens in Zambia on 15 April, within the Lower Zambezi National Park. Expect 11 canvas tents that overlook the Mushika River flood plain. Travel from April to November for the most varied wildlife.
6. Wood stop
Elderflower Fields festival takes place in Ashdown Forest this year from 23-26 May. The family-friendly event in the glorious Sussex woodlands will include free activities for children, such as storytelling workshops and tree climbing, plus 40 live bands and locally sourced food. Adult weekend £105; children £50.
7. White Isle
Hacienda Na Xamena reopens in Ibiza in May as the latest hotel in Pablo Carrington's portfolio – including Torralbenc in Menorca and Cap Rocat in Mallorca. Tucked away on the White Isle's north-west coast, it originally opened in 1971, but has just been given a makeover. From €225.
8. Floating vote
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is inviting passengers to tell their captain where to go on a new 15-night "You Choose Your Cruise" trip, aboard the Braemar. Departing from Southampton on 10 October 2015, guests will get to vote from a choice of two destinations – either Spanish or Portuguese ports – every 48 hours. From £1,199pp.
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