My visit to Dominica was supported by the national tourism board Tears start to infiltrate my eyes as the ragged road pummels our car’s suspension. “It will be worth it”, Alex, my driver-turned-new-best-friend, gleefully calls from upfront. “It’s my favourite beach in Dominica”. But it was neither the bumpy dirt track nor the eye-itching dust that was causing my bleary eyes; rather, the moment to utter farewell to this precious and often emotion-inducing Eden was fast approaching. Soon, a small twin prop would rip me away from this wild, rugged, and ravishing nation — and almost certainly, a fragment of my heart…
Author: Daniel James Clarke
February is one of my favourite months to travel in Europe. Sure, the weather isn’t always reliable, but there is a surplus of excellent events scheduled across the continent. From the age-old traditions of February’s lively carnival celebrations and the romantic call of Valentine’s Day abroad to ski slopes stacked with fresh powder and northern lights adventures in the Arctic, narrowing down the list of best places to visit in February in Europe is somewhat of a challenge. That said, if you do want to try and escape the cold, grey, gloomy days at home, there are a handful of…
Flames flickered in all directions as thousands upon thousands of people baring blazing torches paraded through Scotland’s capital city. Squeezing my way through the slow-moving crowds condensed into Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town to reach the front of the procession, I was overcome with awe rather than anxiety. Tonight marked the beginning of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, perhaps the world’s best New Year’s Eve celebration. Over the next three days, rituals, parties, and fire-illuminated nights would take over Scotland as they do annually, inviting the world to begin a new year with an unforgettable roar — and I felt beyond lucky to be here…
Two words are (rightly) starting to be screamed throughout the tourism industry: sustainable travel. But what does it actually mean, and who gets to decide what is a true ecotourism destination? Answering the first question is truthfully rather complicated, as the definition varies depending on who you ask. For some, it means going flight-free and decarbonising travel. In contrast, others would argue that this approach removes much-needed tourism income from those destinations whose economies and livelihoods heavily depend on tourism, thus not being sustainable for them at all. Likewise, deciding which places should be defined as ecotourism destinations is equally…
Europe in January might not seem the most exciting prospect on paper. Christmas markets have closed, festive cheer has been replaced by New Year’s resolutions and, let’s be honest, we’re all ready to save some cash after December’s expenses. But that’s precisely why these picks are some of the best places to visit in Europe in January; they all promise the perfect post-Christmas rest and recharge. For some, that might mean starting the year by strapping on skis and hitting the slopes. If you’re feeling burned out, now is the perfect time for a cost-saving scenic spa getaway or to…
With its canal-crossed districts, countless cultural attractions, world-class museums, and abundance of contemporary architecture, Copenhagen has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s chicest city breaks. But with so many choices of things to do, see and experience, how should you spend your weekend in Copenhagen? Having just returned from my third visit to the city, I’ve got some thoughts, and they might not align with all the ‘best things to do in Copenhagen’ lists — Tivoli and the Little Mermaid, for example, are not really worth your time, in my opinion. And given how pricey some of the city’s…
If there’s one country that made me fall in love with slow travel, it’s Croatia. Since my first visit, an unforgettable late spring trip where I travelled with a tent rather than a plan, it’s firmly cemented in my heart. Crossing from Dubrovnik in the south to neighbouring Slovenia in the north using buses, ferries, trails and trains, I found myself not just falling in love with the country but extending my trip every day. Indeed, it’s a destination that deserves to be explored slowly — making the contenders for best places to visit in Croatia almost as long as…
In a chaotic modern world, there’s no feeling comparable to escaping into nature and clearing our minds amongst the serenity of wilderness. But setting off on a multi-day hiking trail isn’t just good for our souls; it can also help us connect with new countries and cultures in a more in-depth way. Sure, snow-capped peaks, hinterland hideaways and dense rainforest all promise a pristine backdrop, the kind we need for the introspection we often seek on our travels. But for me, the best multi-day hiking destinations also offer something else: a chance to understand a country through its landscapes, fauna…
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital of cool, is renowned for its contemporary architecture, colourful canals, and world-class museums. However, it’s also notorious for something else: a hefty price tag. Luckily, there are a few ways to save some money in Denmark and visit Copenhagen on a budget (or, at least, slightly more affordably). But how expensive is a weekend in Copenhagen? Well, having just returned from my third visit to Denmark, I’ll say this: I was shocked at how pricey some things had gotten. Even by Copenhagen standards, things seem to have shot up from a couple of years ago. But I guess…
From the silky soft sands of Crete to the volcanic black beaches of Santorini, the number of idyllic Greek holiday destinations are as endless as they are enchanting. But while limiting yourself to just one island (or city) on a vacation to Greece might be tempting for topping up your tan, planning a multi-centre Greece holiday is almost as easy as booking an all-inclusive. The biggest challenge? Whittling down which of the 200-plus inhabited islands to visit on a multi-destination Greece holiday. The easiest way to see as many of these beautiful beach destinations is to hop on a sailing…
Last winter, The White Lotus put the Mediterranean’s largest island on many a travel wish list. The luxurious sea-view resort, alluring soft sands, and obsession with ceramic heads did the sales pitch, sending sofa detectives worldwide into a Sicily spin. But now we’ve finally got that theme tune and visions of ‘Peppa Pig’ riding on a Vespa out of our own, slightly less embellished heads, my answer to the question “Is Sicily worth visiting?” remains resolutely the same: a resounding yes. One of the best islands to visit in the world, let alone Italy, Sicily scintillates in a myriad of…
Spain’s treasures are seemingly infinite, and you’ll need a lifetime to appreciate everything the country has to offer; even after more than 20 visits, my list of places to visit is growing longer, not shorter. Still, on a one week visit to Spain, you can get a fantastic introductory taste of the country, its culture, and its people – but how should you spend those seven days in Spain? The most obvious multi-city route would take you across three of Spain’s best cities by high-speed rail: Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. However, these large cities are crammed with attractions and deserve…
In a year where it seems that prejudices are returning, right-wing governments are rolling back previous protections, and debates about people’s very existence have led the headlines, travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community continues to bring its own additional considerations and concerns. Thankfully, there are still many gay-friendly destinations in Europe, and even in countries which might have shifted their national policies you can still find enclaves of acceptance, tolerance and celebration. Still, we aren’t all one vast homogeneous group with the same needs or worries, and defining a gay-friendly destination isn’t as easy as picking the place…
In a year where it seems that prejudices are returning, right-wing governments are rolling back previous protections, and debates about people’s very existence have hogged the headlines, travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community continues to bring its own additional considerations. Thankfully, there are still many gay-friendly destinations in Europe, and even in countries which might have shifted their national policies you can still find enclaves of acceptance, tolerance and celebration. Still, we aren’t all one vast homogeneous group with the same needs or worries, and defining a gay-friendly destination isn’t as easy as picking the place with the…
After ten years of travel blogging and helping to plan various holidays to far-flung islands for friends and family, I’ve become rather apt at hunting out the best value luxury vacation deals. Stretching my budget has become essential to allow me to travel more for work and leisure, and while that often means seeking out the most affordable solutions, sometimes you’ve just got to splurge and enjoy a well-earned vacation. From finding a week in the Maldives for less than £400 pp to return flights from London to New Zealand – which ended up being upgraded – for around £600,…
Some sun worshipers require just three things for a perfect beach holiday in Europe: a shimmering sun-kissed shoreline, shade-casting parasols, and a fully stocked beach bar. Meanwhile, more restless beach bums might prefer their European beach destination to come paired with a first-class food scene, cliff-hugging hiking trails, or epic inland adventures. Luckily, the continent’s coast offers a plethora of beach resorts to suit any kind of sun-seeking traveller. From beautiful island-hopping sojourns across slightly offbeat archipelagos to fossil-finding coastal experiences, the best beach holidays in Europe can involve much more than laying out your towel – if you want…
Sustainable travel has become something of a buzzword in recent years, with various tourism boards, hotels, tour operators and even airlines bragging about their eco and responsible travel credentials. However, when you dig a little deeper, those statements don’t always add up, leading to accusations of greenwashing (unsubstantiated or misleading environmental claims) across the industry. But what are we, as travellers, able to do to travel more sustainably? One person flying less or one less plastic bottle can seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. Likewise, many of the most obvious sustainable travel tips are just extensions of behaviours…
Rugged, windswept, and ripe for adventures, the best remote islands for wildlife spotting are a far cry from your typical all-inclusive Caribbean getaways. And while I’m all for some rest and relaxation on a sun-bleached beach, there’s something truly special about seeking serenity on one of our planet’s wild isles. Whether I was whale-watching against the verdant backdrop of Dominica, encountering penguins on the Falklands, or being left in awe by Indonesia’s Komodo dragons, all of these remote islands share one common thread: they were home to some of my most unforgettable travel memories. Of course, deciding on the best…
Family-friendly holidays in Europe come in all shapes and sizes: multi-generation road trips through historic hinterlands, education-heavy city breaks packed with museums, coastal retreats complete with kids clubs and Alpine adventures for all abilities. Then you’ve got the typical major players like Disneyland Paris and Butlins. But perhaps you’re seeking some slightly more offbeat family holiday ideas in Europe? The kind that will keep the kids content while offering a little culture, adventure – and perhaps even vineyard tastings – for the deserving parents. Luckily, whichever type of family vacation you and your little (or big) ones are craving, the…
My most recent visit to Emila Romagna was supported by Visit Cervia, Visit Comacchio and Ravenna Tourism Stretching for some 90 kilometres along the alluring bath-like waters of the Adriatic Sea – from the Reno River to Gabicce Monte – the Emilia Romagna Riviera is awash with entertainment for all kinds of beach bums. Want to party all night with the sand under your feet? No problem. Fancy a side trip to see some dazzling Byzantine mosaics? Sure thing. Prefer a wild stretch of dune-backed sand to escape it all? You’re covered. Keen on spotting some flamingos in a Venice-like…
Home » Destinations » Europe » Spain » Casa Batlló: Barcelona’s Architectural Treasure Where Gaudí’s Genius Is Interactive This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated: 5th September 2023 Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit in Spain for good reason. The Catalan capital serves up everything you need for the perfect city break: central sandy beaches, acclaimed food and drink, a clutch of world-class museums and some of the most creative and unique architecture on the planet. And for that, we…
Sometimes you arrive somewhere, gawp a little bit too much, and then admit it’s worth the hype. For me, that place was Český Krumlov, a real-life fairytale town – complete with a castle, of course – in Czechia’s (Czech Republic) South Bohemia region. But perhaps I’m not the first person to tell you how magical this river-hugging chateau-crowned spot is? Certainly, many people had showered me with stories of their love-at-first-sight meeting with this mediaeval marvel. Though if anything, that had actually put me off visiting. That’s not to say the Czech Republic doesn’t hold a special place in my heart.…
My time in Cervia was supported by Visit Cervia and Ravenna Tourism Along the sun-drenched sands of the Emilia Romagna Riviera, you’ll find Cervia, an Italian city of two tales. One side serves up Pope-linked sea salt stories of ancient origins, while the other is grounded in gardens and seaside getaways. Combined, they offer an attractive blend of culture and coast, either as a side trip from Ravenna or Bologna or as a standalone beach getaway, with all the gelato, seafood, sun and sand a Mediterranean holiday needs. In Cervia, a historic town that has been shaped by the surrounding…
Innsbruck, Austria’s fifth largest city, might not be as famous for culture and the classics as the likes of Salzburg or Vienna, but its reputation as a snowy winter wonderland – especially with skiers and snowboarders – has been celebrated for centuries, long before the city first hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964. But that doesn’t mean all the best things to do in Innsbruck are winter sport focused, and if you venture to Austria in summer, you’ll enjoy an excellent weekend city break with plenty of castles, culture, museums and mountains to keep you busy. Personally, I’m much happier…
Southern Spain brags plenty: granite-coloured beaches lapped by warm Mediterranean waters, storied cities influenced by Islamic architecture, tucked-away tranquil villages and breathtaking gorges punctuated by cliff-hugging hiking routes. While you’ll never fit everything into one visit, a one week Andalucia road trip through the Province of Málaga and nearby will introduce you to many of the region’s highlights and hidden gems. In this Andalucia road trip itinerary, I’ve focused on some of the major sights and less visited spots around Malaga, with a detour to Granada for the show-stopping Alhambra. Having lived in the city for three months last year…
Austria’s attractions list is lengthy: the epic Alps, classical concert halls, gorgeous storied Old Towns, serious snow sports and alluring lakes. But once you start diving into all the best things to do in Austria, you realise that the country that gave the world Mozart has also gifted us plenty more. From hot spring spa towns and river-flanking wine regions to storybook-style Abbey libraries and scenic railway rides, experiencing all of the best places to visit in Austria will require plenty of return trips – something I can testify to after visiting the country numerous times over the past two…
My second visit to Comacchio was supported by Visit Comacchio and Ravenna Tourism Comacchio’s canals might be fewer and less famous than those further north in Venice, but they hold their own share of secrets and stories. Discoveries in and around these waterways range from pre-BC Roman Ships with their wares intact to the long-lost Etruscan port of Spina. And now, the traditional fishing town sitting at the mouth of the Po River – Italy’s longest – has become an abode for a new type of resident: 20,000 pink flamingos which call the shrimp-rich waters of the Po Delta’s salt…
What do tripe, the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s and a heart-attack-on-a-plate sandwich have in common? They’re all (somewhat) serious players on Porto’s gastronomic circuit. But, as of last month, a Michelin Guide milestone was added to the menu, with the epicurean experts hosting their first-ever provincial celebration of Portugal’s culinary scene in the country’s second city. But perhaps, with an ingredient list like that, you’re wondering why the tyre-turned-taste-testers decided that 2024 will be the year to launch a dedicated guide to Portugal’s gastronomy. Well, you wouldn’t be alone; like many who visit Portugal, the nation’s dishes can lead to…
Portugal is the hot place to be right now, and perhaps you’re one of the many travellers from the USA that are learning our great country on the edge of Europe is not only the nearest gateway to the continent but also one of the most fascinating, beautiful and historic destinations to visit too. And, with the TAP Air Portugal Stopover programme now offering stays of up to ten days, you can even visit for ‘free’ as an add-on before or after heading to another country in Europe. The best part is it’s not just North Americans travelling to Europe…
For many people, the hottest months mean escaping to the beach, which can leave landlocked countries such as Austria a less obvious summer holiday choice. But perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so appealing to fellow summer in Austria stans like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the coast – I mean, I live in the Algarve – but I usually prefer my sandy escape in the shoulder season when the mid-day heat is less intense and crowds far fewer. That’s why I’ve been gleefully spending some of my summer holidays in Austria over the last few years. For…
Within seconds of arriving at Saalfelden Leogang’s Stockinggut Hotel, I was out on the balcony taking in the most magnificent of views. Caramel-coloured cows chowed down on saturated green grass, slate peaks soared high above the Alpine forest, and in the distance, church spires splintered the verdant panorama. A few weeks before, I hadn’t even heard of this place, and now it was already permanently imprinted in my mind. Saalfelden Leogang might not be as famous as some of Austria’s other mountain resorts, but this range is popular with locals while remaining something of a hidden gem in Europe amongst…
I push my finger against the slightly steamy bus window, tracing saw-toothed mountains meeting a star-lit sky. On any other evening, the darkness would make these extremes indistinguishable. But tonight, flickers of pumpkin-hued flames acted as my guide. For one evening every June, Tyrol resuscitates its centuries-old tradition of Kreidfeuer – chalk fires atop the Eastern Alps. Shapes of falcons, crosses and other emblems blaze bright across the valley, celebrating the arrival of midsummer rather than their former warning of adversaries. Like beacons on a runway, they ushered us onwards – mountain markers leading from the dark countryside to city…
Produced in partnership with HolaFly In the USA, no two places feel the same. In Sin City, the reasons to stay up all night can be very different to those in The City That Never Sleeps. Taking a road trip? The California coast is starkly distinct from Yellowstone National Park’s otherworldly landscapes. But there’s something most travellers will have in common regardless of where they venture, the need for unlimited internet throughout their journey – and for that, a prepaid USA eSIM certainly comes in handy. If you’re already in the final stages of planning your epic USA adventure –…
In Portugal’s fertile hinterlands, life has long revolved around the seasons. Spring brings blooms, summer sees apples from Cova da Beira, mushroom foraging follows in late autumn, and winter welcomes roasting chestnuts. But in Fundão, there’s one constant consideration no matter the cycle: cherries. Big, beautiful, carmine-coloured cherries. Arrive in April, and this lush, dense and verdant landscape is brightened by delicate white and pastel pink blossoms as Fundão puts on a performance that could make Japan blush. By June, with the harvest in full swing, tables across the country are piled high with these juicy orbs of goodness. Come…
In Portugal’s fertile hinterlands, life has long revolved around the seasons. Spring brings blooms, summer sees apples from Cova da Beira, mushroom foraging follows in late autumn, and winter welcomes roasting chestnuts. But in Fundão, there’s one constant consideration no matter the cycle: cherries. Big, beautiful, carmine-coloured cherries. Arrive in April, and this lush, dense and verdant landscape is brightened by delicate white and pastel pink blossoms as Fundão puts on a performance that could make Japan blush. By June, with the harvest in full swing, tables across the country are piled high with these juicy orbs of goodness. Come…