Travel: Hot spots

IN THE summer of 2001, Peter Hessler began driving across China and continued for the next seven years. In the resulting book, the New Yorker writer follows a country on the move – albeit not altogether safely. According to Hessler, the Chinese have moved so quickly behind the wheel that they drive like pedestrians and don't use signals, wipers or lights.

Country Driving by Peter Hessler is published by Canongate, 14.99.

A Posh job

VICTORIA Beckham has been offered 25 million to lend her design skills to a hotel in Dubai. The state ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is keen for Posh to give the luxury destination on Isla Moda – a fashion-themed island – the benefit of her style savvy. She'll be able to choose everything from wallpaper to wardrobes. A whole 25m to pick a few cushions? You'd think that would make her crack a smile.

Off the track

CORROUR Station House, the country's most remote mainline railway stop, made famous by Renton and his Trainspotting pals while visiting Rannoch Moor, has been taken over by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association. Reopened as a restaurant and with four rooms, it has been refurbished and redecorated and the hopes are that it will attract youngsters and groups exploring the Munros, Corbetts and wildlife of the area. Choose life, choose Corrour, as Renton might have said.

Visit www.hostelling scotland.com or call 0845 293 7373.

New link to Spain

VOLCANOES permitting, flying to Spain from Scotland just got easier with a new, thrice-weekly service from Edinburgh to Barcelona. Low-fares Spanish carrier Vueling will operate the route between 24 June and 12 September, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Chief Executive Officer Alex Cruz says: "Barcelona and Edinburgh have strong links and we are confident our flights will be appreciated by business people and leisure travellers alike."

www.vueling.com

Budding talent

Those looking for a midge-free Rock Ness could head to the sun-dappled coast of Croatia for this year's Garden Festival, in Zadar. Taking place in what is fast becoming Europe's hottest destination, the festival features names like Rob Da Bank, Mr Scruff and The Cuban Brothers, alongside Scotland's finest house connoisseur, The Revenge. And there's not a muddy poncho in sight.

2-4 and 9-11 July, tickets 80 per weekend or 130 for a Double Whammy (www.thegardenfestival.eu)

This article was first published in the Scotland on Sunday, May 9, 2010