The secret is to know the moment." From a life-changing encounter with a Buddhist guru in a remote jungle cave to a 2,000km journey across "the road less travelled," discover the spiritual and wild heart of Sri Lanka in part one of this extraordinary adventure.

Rediscovering Batik in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's embrace of batik, a craft with a rich and colourful history, is undergoing something of a reawakening. From the coastal towns to the island's verdant interior, the sight of wax and dye, once a fading echo, is now to be seen just here and there. Having recently witnessed this resurgence firsthand during a British Guild of Travel Writers tour, an extensive and interesting journey into the heart of Sri Lankan creativity, the depth of

A 1,000-mile journey through the chaotic, beautiful, and warm-hearted roads of Sri Lanka. Learn how local traffic works, what to expect on long-distance drives, and how to plan your accommodation along the route.

A quick trip around Le Marche in Central Italy

Leave the beaches behind and discover the real Lanzarote on foot. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and lava fields to secluded coves, traditional villages and spectacular coastal paths, this walking holiday reveals a side of the Canary Islands that most visitors never see. Perfect inspiration for hikers, nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Drive one of the world's greatest coastal roads on this unforgettable California Highway 1 adventure. Discover Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, Hearst Castle and breathtaking Pacific Ocean scenery.

Most visitors head to Tenerife for sunshine and beaches, but this remarkable Canary Island offers far more. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular walking trails to traditional villages, outstanding food and breathtaking mountain scenery, here's why Tenerife deserves to be explored well beyond its famous resorts.

While most visitors rush straight to the mist-shrouded peaks of Yellow Mountain, Huangshan City below holds a rich tapestry of history. From the red lanterns of Tunxi Ancient Street to the ancient water channels of Chengkan, discover Anhui’s historic heartland.

Samos is one of Greece's finest walking destinations, with mountain trails, peaceful villages, forests and spectacular Aegean views. Join Martin Hesp on an unforgettable hiking adventure led by legendary guide Rupert Mostert.

Floating in the turquoise depths of the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s Similan Archipelago is a pristine wilderness of giant granite boulders, lush jungle, and world-class diving. Here is what makes this protected national park one of South East Asia’s most captivating marine sanctuaries.

Foreign places can grow in the imagination during a person’s formative years – we can nurture romantic and colourful ideas about a country or region and somehow they stick as you grow older. For example, mental images of the Middle East can be seeded and amplified by biblical stories. Then, perhaps, we may watch a classic movie like Lawrence of Arabia - and suddenly the hot dusty region takes on a whole new allure and fascination. What we see in our Arabian Night tinted imag

The ancient craft of Xuan paper making is one of China's most remarkable traditions. Join me inside Anhui's spectacular Xuan Paper Museum to discover how more than 180 painstaking processes transform natural fibres into the paper prized by artists and calligraphers for centuries.

Madeira combines spectacular mountain scenery, a wonderfully temperate climate, superb food and one of Europe’s most charming capitals. Travel writer Martin Hesp explores Funchal, walks the island’s famous levadas and royal paths, samples Madeiran cuisine and discovers why this Atlantic island remains one of his favourite destinations.

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

Discover how to plan the perfect 3 to 4-day short break in Madeira. Explore Funchal highlights, scenic walks, local seafood spots, and top places to stay.

As Europe's summers grow hotter, Denmark's beautiful Kystlandet offers the perfect coolcation. Discover sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, delicious food, scenic walks and refreshing Scandinavian hospitality far from the crowds and heatwaves.

From the icy glaciers of the High Alps to the sun-drenched palm trees of northern Italy, the Bernina Express is widely regarded as one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys. Here is what it's really like to ride this UNESCO-listed engineering marve

From flying on a circus trapeze in Santa Monica to driving through Joshua Tree National Park in a convertible, Martin Hesp discovers why Southern California remains one of America's greatest adventures.

Discover Mahon, a hidden gem in Menorca with one of the Mediterranean's largest natural harbours. Known as Maó, this town is famed for its rich history and influenced by British and Spanish architecture. Wander through its old town's narrow streets, immerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere, and explore vibrant waterfronts lined with diverse eateries and shops. Indulge in local cuisine like the renowned Mahon cheese, encapsulating the island's rich heritage.

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