Style tips for frequent travellers

Over a quarter of Brits overpack for holidays , but it doesn’t have to be that way when it comes to clothes. One of my favourite things to do in the planning stage is strategic packing, and I have gotten it down to a fine art now. Packing and dressing with intention can help keep you comfortable on long journeys, look like you belong wherever you land, and reduce luggage weight, making navigating your destination much easier. These flexible tips can help you shift more easily from a plane seat to a street café. Build a travel capsule wardrobe Start by curating a tight edit of clothes that mix effortlessly and are suitable for the weather of your destination (but do make sure to pack one or two extra items should the weather change drastically). A restrained colour palette works well – think navy, black, olive or beige – with one or two accent shades for variety. For example, a well-cut blazer, a pair of tailored trousers and a breathable shirt are a foundation you can rely on. Add soft......

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6 Things to Know Before visiting Vatican City

During our family Interrailing trip across Europe, we visited the Vatican City and while we are not religious at all, we still found the whole experience an interesting and culturally significant one. We also managed to do it in a fairly low-stress way, and I think they came down to research as it's not really one of those places you can easily visit on a whim due to crowds, so this really helped prepare us. I thought it would be beneficial to share some of these realistic tips with other families planning on visiting.  Visiting Vatican City is a must-do for many travellers, but showing up unprepared can turn this bucket-list experience into a frustrating ordeal. This tiny sovereign state, packed with Renaissance masterpieces, religious significance, and architectural wonders, deserves more than just a rushed walkthrough. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or spiritual pilgrim, understanding what awaits you will transform your visit from ordinary to extraordinary. ......

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4 Different Holidays to Try When Visiting Italy

Italy keeps reinventing itself for returning travellers. One trip might revolve around galleries and late dinners, while the next centres on sea swims and long walks. You might browse a ski holiday in Italy one year and linger over ferry timetables the next. Both routes deliver the same sense of ease and depth. Italy is popular because everyday pleasures sit close together. Explore Italy’s Iconic Cities Italian cities suit travellers who enjoy variety within walking distance. In Rome, Milan, Florence or Naples, you step from historic streets into neighbourhood cafés where locals squeeze an espresso between errands. A simple way to approach a city stay is to choose one central district and explore it in depth before branching out. You might spend a morning in a museum, then cross the river for lunch, and finish with a neighbourhood stroll that reveals markets and bakeries you would miss on a rushed itinerary. Public transport and high-speed trains make day trips straightforward, so you......

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6 European destinations I would visit over and over again

I've travelled to over 26 countries and have been lucky enough to have the chance to live both the UK and mainland Europe (Netherlands and France), while also travelling extensively across it and I truly believe it offers some of the  best holiday destinations to be had. Destinations that I just keep going back to, whether it's because of the food, culture, history or the locals, here are 6 places I never hesitate to recommend.  1. Salzburg, Austria If you ask my youngest where his favourite places in Europe is he will tell you Salzburg and it's easy to see why with its UNESCO-listed baroque old town, stunning alpine scenery and the impressive cliffside Fortress Hohensalzburg (which is a must-visit for the views alone). Known as the setting for The Sound of Music, it also happens to be the birthplace of Mozart. This Austrian city is packed with music, history and culture and plenty of family-friendly museums to visit. On top of tha......

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How to Stay Confident Dating in New Countries After a Big Move

Relocating abroad is exciting, but it can also feel intimidating — especially when you’re trying to date in an unfamiliar place. If you want to gain confidence dating abroad and meeting people authentically, a few simple habits can make the process smoother. Firstly, always stay safe and don’t say “yes” out of obligation or guilt. Establish a pre-date routine to ease nerves, think of questions to fill awkward silences, and learn the local language. Also, just remember that many people move abroad and it's one of the most positive things they have done and you are in good company. A 2025 survey revealed that 17% of Americans were considering leaving the country in the next five years, with Canada and Italy topping the list of potential destinations. Dating Abroad in Middle-age Middle-aged people often describe midlife as a roller coaster, a mix of highs and lows that can knock down one’s confidence. While transitions can bring insecurity, they also present opportunities to redefine ......

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Your guide to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Are you planning to visit Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast? If so, then there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. We’ll cover everything from the best time to visit to the best sights and activities, and even look at some culinary specialties. Keep reading this short guide to learn everything you need to know before your trip to the Amalfi Coast. When to visit: Timing your Amalfi escape Before you book anything, you need to know when the best time to visit is. While August is the hottest month, it’s also the most popular. This can leave some areas feeling overcrowded and can put a dampener on your experience if you’re always wrestling with other tourists. Instead, we recommend visiting between April to June . This will still allow you to enjoy the extraordinary weather, without the peak crowds. In short, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying yourself, especially as you avoid the surge in prices. Stunning  Atrani   Scenic highlights: Amalfi, Positano, ......

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Visiting Italy by bike: the best routes in Abetone and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

Those who know me know that I love to travel and cycle and have a serious soft spot for Italy, so combining all those elements is a dream come true. Last time I was in Italy I did some cycling and hope to explore a lot more on bike in the years to come and with so many areas perfect for cycling you can see why it's such as great place to do this. One of those areas is Abetone in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Those who love cycling and admiring the beauty of nature can find a large number of spectacular cycling routes in Italy, surrounded by greenery and overlooking dreamy landscapes. Among the most interesting are the routes around the Abetone area, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. These trails are not always very easy, in fact they can be quite challenging, and generally require a good level of physical preparation, essential for tackling some difficult steep slopes. To make the trails easier and less tiring, you can use an e-bike, also available for hire. E-bike tours in Tuscany ......

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The Best kind of Nature inspired Escapes

A week or two spent in nature can be a great antidote for the stress that comes with life in a big city. Being surrounded by awesome scenery, plants, and animals can make a holiday truly memorable. But there are many different kinds of holidays that offer exactly this – and it might not be obvious which of them makes the best match for your needs. Coastal Retreats: Luxury Villas by the Sea Of course, it’s difficult to beat the allure of the sea especially as many of us feel a sense of calm and relaxation when spending time along the coastline. Pick the right coastal location, and you’ll be able to enjoy opportunities for watersports, the freshest possible seafood, and the constant sound of waves lapping at the shore. There are plenty of European destinations that offer all of these things, from the Amalfi Coast in Italy to the Balearic Islands in Spain. For best results, you’ll want to pick the right accommodation. This is where beachfront villas in Spain tend to be so appealing. Pick......

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5 family friendly ski resorts for all budgets

I love to snowboard & have been lucky to snowboard at some fantastic resorts such as Val d'Isère and Kitzbühel, but besides a few dry slope sessions here and there, I haven't gone since having kids. While hitting the slopes is great for any age, even when they are toddlers, I felt they would benefit from being a little older to get the most out of it as it's not something I would be able to budget for regularly.  But now that both boys are older I am looking more seriously into a snowboarding trip at some point and thought I would share 5 resorts perfect for families in different budgets that are great ski and snowboard destinations for families in mind.  1. Poiana-Brasov, Romania While Romania may not be well known for its slopes it may come as a welcome surprise to find out that they offer fantastic mountain resorts at one of the most budget-friendly prices in Europe. Poiana Brasov is the largest resort with more than 24km of ski runs with blue, red and black, ......

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Where to Eat the Best Pasta in, Bologna According to the Bolognese

Bologna, known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, is the heart of traditional Italian pasta. Famous for its tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and many other pasta delicacies, the city offers a culinary journey that reflects the history and culture of the Emilia-Romagna region. But where do the locals—the Bolognese—go when they want to indulge in the best pasta the city has to offer? In this article, we explore some of the top spots in Bologna that are highly recommended by locals in 2024. 1. Trattoria Anna Maria Located at Via delle Belle Arti, 17/A, Trattoria Anna Maria is a true institution of Bolognese cuisine. For over 30 years, this trattoria has been serving some of the best tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù in the city. Anna Maria herself oversees the kitchen, ensuring that the recipes handed down through generations are meticulously followed. The pasta is handmade daily, with the thin sheets of dough being expertly rolled by sfogline, traditional pasta maker......

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A journey through Italy's renaissance heritage

Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers worldwide, especially for those who love history, like myself. If you’re heading to Europe this year, whether on your own or with family and are looking for somewhere beautiful but also packed with places that are educational, historical and culturally significant then Italy should be on your list. When I t ook my boys Interrailing in 2022 we were lucky enough to spend time in the Turin, Levanto, Pisa Florence and Rome and prior to having kids I was also lucky enough to visit Venice and Milan, however, there are still many places I would like to visit, especially for the art, ancient ruins and stunning landscapes.   Touching back on Italy’s Renaissance heritage, I thought I would share more about it and give a little insight into it.  What is the Renaissance era? The period spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries marked a profound transformation in European history an......

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