Written by Ports, rivers, canals, railways, pilgrims’ pathways: these oft-overlooked, deeply engaging towns grew around transport and, as they expanded, created local networks. We usually think of leisure travel in terms of long-distance trains, cars on open roads, coaches from A to B and country walks. But suburban bus trips, urban hikes and commuter trains offer rich […]
Boston, with its rich history, wide-open green spaces, and first-rate museums, is a must-visit city for any traveler. While I may be biased (I grew up here), I think more people should visit — especially history buffs and foodies. Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, exploring the bustling Seaport District, or enjoying […]
Glenfinnan House Hotel, the Highlands Glenfinnan House Hotel, overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument, is one of Scotland’s most celebrated properties. On a clear day, you can see Ben Nevis from here, too. Glenfinnan viaduct, which attracts Harry Potter fans hoping to glimpse the steam train, is a short walk away. The family-owned country […]
Winning tip: Good gourd! Pumpkins and live bands in West Sussex Our family’s favourite place to visit in autumn is Tulleys Pumpkin Farm in West Sussex (its pumpkin festival runs until 31 October). The pumpkin fields are impressive, with an astonishing variety in all colours, shapes and sizes. The kids love exploring and picking out […]
I’ve never been one of those travelers who goes crazy for gear. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means no fancy drones, hefty DSLR cameras, bulky headphones, GoPros, or chunky hiking boots. If it doesn’t fit in my 40L backpack, it stays home. It’s why you hardly ever see me write […]
Portugal’s picturesque capital is one of my favorite cities in the world. I always enjoy my time wandering its labyrinthine streets, enjoying the stunning ocean views, and sipping an endless flow of wine. Perched on the southern edge of the country’s west coast, Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) offers an amazing blend […]
Euphoric Indonesia After a 10-year slog at work, my boss agreed to my taking a year-long sabbatical. We used this to revisit south-east Asia – not to relive past travelling glories of my 20s (where my destinations usually revolved around partying). Instead we floated around the more “cultured” parts that were not on my radar […]
Remember Couchsurfing? It was a website that allowed you to stay with locals (for free) and always had a plethora of events and meetups you could attend no matter where you were in the world. It was one of the best ways to meet locals and travelers on the road. It was one of my […]
The questions usually start towards the end of summer. “Can we go skiing again next year? Please?” And before I have a chance to answer: “Which resort are we going to go to?” My sons – aged 12 and 14 – are lucky enough to have been skiing in the French Alps most years since […]
When you’re planning your next ski adventure, look north to Norway and Sweden. These Scandinavian countries not only benefit from impeccable snow conditions but also feature natural untapped beauty that can be explored both day and night. And with more than 170 ski resorts in Norway and over 250 in Sweden – including the big […]