Ecuador's capital city is making big investments to raise its stature as a business and leisure powerhouse on the South American continent.

Reader Q&A: Where are the top horse trekking destinations?
BBC Travel reader Elly Geven is looking to go on a horseback riding holiday with her teenage daughter. Our Facebook fans shared their suggestions.

Living in: The world’s happiest places
The world’s top five happiest countries, all of which fall in northern Europe, have cities that delight residents with old town charm, cultural offerings and easy access to nature.

Living in: The world’s happiest places

Eastern Australia’s tropical haven
Helicopters, snorkelling and a 50m crane allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the country’s glorious coast from every angle

Singapore’s curious bicycle island
Just a five-minute ferry ride from Singapore’s busy streets is Pulau Ubin, a near pristine oasis with some of the best city-fringe cycling and mountain biking in Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s curious bicycle island

Hong Kong’s tale of forbidden love
The Hong Kong Ballet is performing a Chinese-themed production for the first time ever, bringing to life a tale of forbidden love

Where folk songs meet Serbian criminals
Kafanas – a traditional Serbian mix of English pub and Czech beer hall – are experiencing a renaissance as partygoers grow tired of Belgrade’s increasingly mainstream club scene.