Looking for a sun destination untouched by Northern European crowds? Martin Hesp explores Porto Santo, a quiet Atlantic paradise of golden sands, sleepy squares, and authentic island life just a short flight from the UK.

For a bloke who has spent 50 years chasing stories and good suppers, Funchal’s dining scene is a revelation. At Three House and Akua, the ultimate experience means bagging a seat right at the bar. Perched at these informal chef’s tables, the barrier evaporates. It is pure theatre. You can watch the team work and chat with the chefs as they serve up spectacular local flavours, from crunch-perfect scabbard fish to daring sardine and passion fruit pairings.

Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.

The right wheels and tyres can transform a driving adventure, improving safety, comfort, fuel economy and confidence on every journey.

Looking for a coolcation destination away from the heat of southern Europe? Martin Hesp explores Lithuania's Amber Coast, discovering elegant seaside resorts, outstanding food, shifting sand dunes, fascinating history and one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Baltic region.

Finding these quiet, untamed corners of the island brought back a flood of memories from a trip I took to Cyprus nearly 35 years ago. It was February half-term, and back in the UK, it was cold, grey, and raining. Desperate for a bit of sun and warmth, we booked a last-minute deal to Paphos. But Cyprus has a way of surprising you. On one of our day trips, we found ourselves waist-deep in snow.

Fresh back from an unforgettable press trip to Lithuania's breath-taking Baltic coast, I’m sharing the essential, practical travel tips you need to plan your own adventure, ahead of my full feature report.

A long weekend in Tuscany reveals two of Italy’s most remarkable spa hotels — the historic Grotta Giusti and the aristocratic Bagni di Pisa. Built around natural thermal springs used since Roman times, these elegant retreats combine wellness, history and classic Italian style. From floating therapy in Europe’s largest thermal cave to soaking in grand spa halls once visited by royalty and literary greats like Mary Shelley, this is Tuscany at its most indulgent. Easily reached

Exploring Denmark: How to Travel the Country in Comfort Denmark and comfort go “hand in glove”. Defined by its concept of hygge (coziness), this Scandinavian gem often ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re traveling to Denmark soon, expect slow-living, sustainability, and first-class amenities. Crowds dining outdoors in Copenhagen Whether you’re exploring the vibrant capital, Copenhagen, or veering slightly off the beaten path to the

International travel usually depends on stable mobile data access for maps, bookings, and communication. Airports, transit systems, and unfamiliar streets can make reliable connectivity feel essential. Digital SIM technology offers an alternative to physical cards that require swapping. A bit of preparation helps reduce avoidable issues before departure. Device Compatibility Comes First Phone compatibility should always be the first checkpoint before any purchase. A global eS

Our little island plane dropped off two local passengers at Carriacou before heading north across the dreamy isles to arrive at the green, green jewel of Bequia. Here, life moves at a deliberate ten miles per hour, mostly from the back of the island's ubiquitous pick-up truck taxis. From the sublime luxury of the Bequia Beach Hotel to the chewy excellence of a conch salad in Port Elizabeth, this is a Caribbean escape that feels like a discovery. It is a place where the only t

You could take a beating on the cricket pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. From the towering volcanic peaks of The Pitons to the rhythmic chaos of a Gros Islet 'Jump-up', Martin Hesp explores why St Lucia remains the ultimate Caribbean emerald—an island so beautiful it makes your eyes ache and your heart soar.

Planning a trip with a baby? Discover the overlooked challenges of traveling with a newborn, from infant jet lag and feeding concerns to navigating healthcare abroad.

A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026

A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time

High in Crete's Dikti Mountains lies the spectacular Lasithi Plateau, famous for its white-sailed windmills, fertile farmland and timeless villages. From the legendary Cave of Zeus to quiet mountain roads and welcoming tavernas, this scenic corner of Crete offers one of the island's most rewarding day trips away from the busy coast.

What is it really like staying in an Iban longhouse deep in the rainforests of Sarawak? Join me as I share an unforgettable journey into the heart of Borneo, where jungle adventures, tribal traditions and extraordinary hospitality combine to create one of the greatest travel experiences of my life.

Discovering the Danish Happiness Factor Year after year, Denmark ranks near the top of the World Happiness Report , a global survey examining wellbeing across 140+ countries. In the most recent rankings, Denmark came second only to Finland, while the UK landed a less cheerful 23rd . But why? What makes this cool, windy, northern European nation so content? As mentioned in last week's feature on Skagen’s artist colony , I decided to explore the question of Danish happiness fur

Aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit We’ve recently been on a voyage aboard there amazing Sea Cloud Spirit and I am writing about it in tomorrow’s newspapers - namely the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press. After that I’ll be putting up a number of articles on here. The journey on the Sea Cloud Spirit commenced in Naples. The ship proceeded to Capri, where guests disembarked in what turned out to be the most heavy rainstorm imaginable. All good fun though and we had plenty

It is as tasty as it is healthy, as exotic as it is diverse." Join Martin Hesp as he explores the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka—from the coconut-infused curries of the south to the sun-dried wild prawns of the northern lagoons.