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

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

Introduction to Samos Years ago, I travelled to the Greek island of Samos to take part in a walking week organised by Rambler’s Worldwide Holidays. The experience, filled with much laughter, unforgettable meals, natural beauty and cultural exploration, remains etched in my memory, largely thanks to the remarkable guide who led us on one particularly challenging and memorable hike. His name was Rupert Mostert, an unforgettable character with a charisma that left a lasting impr

When you think about it, the invention of paper was a very important leap forward indeed. As a newspaper journalist, I would say that - but you only have to contemplate it for a second to realise we could be back in the Dark Ages without paper. Vellum and clay tablets were okay as far as they went, but you cannot keep endlessly complex records on lumps of clay or reproduce lengthy books on countless bits of animal skin. A big thank you, then, to the Chinese, who ‘invented’ pa

The Bagni Di Pisa Palace and Thermal Spa is a very impressive indeed. The place is reminiscent of the sort of place Agatha Christie might have visited - if Poirot ever went anywhere to “take the waters” this would be the place.  Actually, someone who did write something famous in this very hotel was Mary Shelley - who finished penning her story Frankenstein here after being partly inspired to write it back at home in Somerset’s Quantock Hills.  I attended a wine class in the

There’s a rift occurring in the world of holiday and travel at the moment. For decades most Brits and northern Europeans have had a set notion that a vacation should include plenty of sun, sea and blue skies - which is why we’ve been flocking to the Med for the past 50 years. Now, though, endless heatwaves are making that concept look somewhat over-baked. Who wants to holiday in a place where you are forced to hide from the sun in body-sapping temperatures of over 40 degrees?

Explore the dramatic Imbros Gorge in Western Crete, a scenic and less crowded alternative to the Samaria Gorge. Starting from the quaint village of Imbros, this 8 km hike features striking rock formations, the narrow "Iron Gates," and diverse flora and fauna, including the Cretan Wildcat. Rich in history and natural beauty, the trek ends in Komitades with stunning Libyan Sea views. Ideal for average fitness levels, it's a must-try for hiking enthusiasts

<p class="">Stavros, the beach from 'Zorba the Greek... This tranquil beach, famous for Anthony Quinn's dance in "Zorba the Greek," offers more than cinematic history. Experience the charm of Stavros, with its distinctive mountain backdrop, soft sandy shores, and clear, shallow waters perfect for family swimming - a natural haven, unspoiled by commercial tourism. </p>

<p class="">Embark on an unforgettable journey with European Waterways aboard the luxurious 'L'Art de Vivre'. Experience the charm of Burgundy's countryside at a leisurely pace. This hotel barge, transformed from a Scottish timber carrier, offers a unique blend of opulence and historical elegance. With just six passengers, enjoy personalised service from a dedicated crew, including a master chef crafting exquisite meals. Daily excursions reveal France's hidden gems, from hist

<p class=""><strong><em>Tuno, a serene island off Denmark's eastern coast, offers visitors an authentic Scandinavian experience, far from touristy crowds. Starting at the picturesque Tuno Harbour, a perimeter walk reveals diverse landscapes: the west boasts verdant fields and traditional farmhouses, while the rugged northern shores are a haven for bird-watchers with its rocky outcrops. The eastern shore presents pristine sandy beaches. This tranquil walk finishes back at the

<p class="">Hanover’s bustling city centre is rich with history, culture, and beautiful architecture, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller</p>

<p class="">Martin Hesp spends a day in Lucca, Tuscany - a remarkable Renaissance city - the perfect sort of place in which to explore on a Sunday morning</p>

<p class="">Martin Hesp visits a fabulous hotel near Pisa in Tuscany - the legendary Bagni Di Pisa - where enjoys the historic ambience and fabulous food and wine</p>