Watches designed for the armed forces had to be innovative, sturdy and precise. Many are still prized today. Sarah Catchpole examines the lure of watch brands with military connections — full story »

After announcing measures for combating carbon emissions from aviation, Sir Richard Branson has revealed further details of his plans for "green" space travel. Tom Otley starts saving up his miles — full story »

Virgin Atlantic - New premium economy

Virgin Atlantic claims to have invented it, and now it is increasing the size of the premium economy cabin on its flights and introducing a brand-new seat. Tom Otley sizes up the new offering — full story »

Smartphones

Gone are the days of the brick-sized "mobile", as a new generation of email and smartphones compete with the Blackberry for your attention. Mark Prigg reports on new phones that mean business — full story »

Destinations

Peak of luxury

Take the spectacular scenery of the Italian Dolomites and mix it with a luxury hotel and spa, fine dining and a historic village setting and what do you get? The ideal winter break, says Sarah Catchpole — full story »

Birmingham rises

The regeneration of Birmingham is typical of a city prepared to admit mistakes and reinvent itself. Tom Otley heads to the Midlands to investigate the "second city" — full story »

When in Taipei

Dine on top of an incinerator, sightsee using pedal power and sip tea in a bamboo grove. Simon Burns reveals Taipei with a twist — full story »

Morning glory

Just a few miles outside Abu Dhabi city the desert begins, and it's possible to find peace even in the summer. Tom Otley heads out, wraps a ghutra round his head and chases the local wildlife — full story »

Cry music

No longer a pariah state, South Africa has become a melting pot for sounds from all over the continent. Visiting Cape Town and Johannesburg, Chris Pritchard discovers that a visitor is never far from the beat — full story »

Chesshyre on the cheap: Tallinn

Since its leap forward from Soviet rule, Estonia hasn't looked back. From museums to architecture, from forward-thinking technology to stag parties, Tom Chesshyre enjoys a trip to Tallinn — full story »

Lifestyle

Heaven Scent

The perfumes we choose change with fashion and so reflect our collective state of mind. Eve Cameron reveals the latest scents and what they say about their wearer, and the world — full story »

The American way

When you need comfort food there's nothing better than a trip to one of London's American-style restaurants, where US cuisine means giant steaks and burgers. Tom Otley primes his appetite — full story »