In Costa Rica we did some zip lining, boat riding and snorkeling, a few nature tours, a bit of sitting on the beach and a whole lot of restful, sometimes jolting, and always thoroughly stimulating gazing across Costa Rica's undulating landscapes from the windows of tourist transport vans.

CNN: Relax, it's only a vacation

Up until the 1950s, before the age of mass media, posters were the best way for resorts and tourist and transport agencies to attract customers.

WSJ: Collecting: Wintry Wonders for Your Walls

Tourist numbers have fallen as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis and months of transport chaos, following last year's Hatfield crash.

BBC: Tourist slump hits Harvey Nicks