Advice

Umbria, Italy Visitors to Umbria’s Piano Grande in spring might also be lucky enough to spot snakes’ head fritillaries. “One of Europe’s finest upland plains, it situated above 4,000ft, ringed by mountains,” says Tim Jepson, our Italy expert. “In late May and early June it is renowned for its extraordinary floral displays: swathes of wild

Arguably the most formal and quintessentially British of any cruise line, Cunard proudly holds its heritage high – even though its founder Samuel Cunard was Canadian and the line is now American-owned. Yet, from the smartly painted black hulls and distinctive red funnels to elegant interiors that include impressively expansive libraries complete with requisite hush,

In the UK, romantic hotels are not in short supply, but from its picturesque pastureland, to its handsome little market towns and idyllic villages of honey-stone houses awash with roses and hollyhocks, the Cotswolds looks resolutely made for romantic breaks. It helps, of course, that the region also offers an impressive range of striking and

All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review. As Oscar Wilde once wrote, ‘nothing succeeds like

All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review. Dogs don’t get enough credit. They lift us

All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review. There are plenty of deliciously romantic hotels in

I’ve been using apps to date in London for nearly a decade – but last month I went on a ski trip and met more eligible single men than ever before. The best part? No carefully curated dating profile required.  Maybe this shouldn’t have surprised me. There’s something about the free spirit of a holiday

All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review. The HBO series White Lotus has certainly shone

If you’ve not seen Happy Valley, your first thought upon reading a synopsis of it might not be “I must plan a weekend break there.” The organised crime and cold-blooded murder it depicts don’t exactly scream holiday. But join the millions of viewers curling up to watch it on Sunday nights (more people watched episode

Manchester’s energy is infectious, whether you’re soaking up the atmosphere at one of the city’s many festivals, people-watching in a cool coffee shop or exploring one of its buzzing neighbourhoods. But, sometimes, on an action-packed city break you need to take some time out too. There are plenty of tempting spas to retreat to in

All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review. Choosing where to spend a spa day can

Lagoon-like pools twinkling in the shadow of rustling palm trees, crisp volcanic wines served alongside fresh-seafood lunches, drift-right-off spas gazing out on the deep-blue Atlantic – this is just a taste of what’s in store at sun-drenched Gran Canaria’s tempting, switched-on resorts. The third-largest of Spain’s Canary Islands is a joy, with winter temperatures climbing

They say travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. Frankly, I have always found that a horrible cliché – but as much as I hate to admit it, over the last few years it has proved true in my life.  Growing up, travel provided familiarity. Family holidays in the same

Is there any better way to sooth away the exertions of strenuous sightseeing – be that clambering up Munros or conquering cities – than indulging in a top-to-toe treatment in one of Scotland’s best spas? Whether its a pool with a view, thermal suites and Scottish seaweed (or cashmere) wraps, or new-fangled ice fountains, light therapy

The decision is made – a ski or snowboard holiday is in the offing, whether it’s a solo trip or a holiday with your partner, family or a group of friends, or maybe just because a winter-sports holiday, combining exhilarating outdoor exercise and beautiful scenery, sounds like serious fun. But, with a bewildering choice of

Not all that long ago, a stay in the Lake District (campsites, aside) meant a choice of cheery B&Bs, cheery pubs and rather stuffy, traditional hotels with table d’hôte menus and anti-dog policies. Oh my, how things have changed. Today, you’ll find hotels that rival the famed beauty and allure of the Lakeland landscape with

Dubbed the City of Gold, Dubai is a trading hub for the precious metal – but it’s even more famous for its golden sands. With year-round sunshine and calm, warm waters, Dubai’s shoreline is buzzing. Catch the vibe and try kitesurfing, jet skiing, banana boats and inflatable flamingos. Hotels provide access to private beaches with

It’s official: clapping when a plane lands is seriously annoying. So annoying in fact that, according to a recent survey commissioned by online dating site Seeking and conducted by OnePoll, 14 per cent of people believe it’s a dumpable offence. Quite why the custom continues is a mystery. Unless both the pilot and co-pilot are

There’s no better time to plan a UK road trip. Begin by plotting a winding route and then get set to head for some of the most beautiful scenery the British Isles has to offer. With gorgeous national parks, cities filled with things to do and so much history to offer, there’s something for everyone

I’ve always loathed the phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” as I find it patently false. Any tough times in my life have only weakened me. Besides, I would rather be happy than “strong”. It’s been a tough couple of years, lowlights of which included a series of bereavements, the most shocking the