Dallol,Ethiopia. In the Danakil Depression,it dips 116m below sea level,and is home to the settlement of Dallol,the hottest inhabited place on earth. An average year-round temperature of 34.4°C.

Hottest places on earth:The world's hot spots,literally

Many of us enjoy a holiday in warm weather,but visit these destinations if you want to take it to extremes.

  • byDavid Whitley
Residents walk on sand dunes in the Libyan desert oasis town of Ghadames

'Pearl of the desert'awaits return of tourists

Ghadames,a small town of around 11,000 people that lies on Libya's western border with Algeria,was a key destination for tourists who came to Libya before its Arab Spring uprising.

Well-trodden route ... walking in the dunes of the Libyan Sahara.

Desert secrets

Sara Wheeler finds trading — and smuggling — alive and well in the northern Sahara.

The baggage claim hall in the new Terminal 5 building is seen at London's Heathrow Airport

Best of travel in 2009:castles to cuisine

Discover the places and innovations across the globe that have made their mark in the past year.

Group-Travel

Adventure loves company

For some destinations,travelling as part of a group is your best bet.