Advice

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

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Mediterranean. The islands and coastlines have a certain elemental beauty – think umbrella pines and herb-scented maquis, rocky promontories hugging glittering bays of blue, a nautical way of life that endures even as the boats get bigger – that can be glimpsed from Andalucia all

It’s been a depressing week to be a skier or snowboarder, with headlines and social media full of pictures and reports detailing what a disaster the season is so far in the Alps, as rain and mild temperatures wreak havoc on the slopes.  However, these reports often focus on the worst cases; above 2,000m it’s

It’s always more of a pleasure going out for an evening’s entertainment when you know it’s just a stroll from hotel to theatre. Better still, you’re within easy walking distance of some of the city’s best restaurants—in fact can sleep above one with a Michelin star in luxuriously glamorous hide-away rooms.  Not only are these

Ski holidays are back and skiers and snowboarders are eager to make the most of every second on the slopes. But, the ever-important question remains, how’s the snow looking?  Whether you’re keen to get your first turns in on fresh snow early in the winter or want to avoid the slushy remains of the season

After six years working as a flight attendant for a leading UK airline, Kristina Galvydyte, 30, has plenty of insights into an industry that still arouses a curious fascination for many. Here she answers the 20 questions you’ve probably always wanted to ask.  ‘I’ve never seen the British boozing culture anywhere else’  1. Which type

The heart of Midlothian may be on the Royal Mile but Princes Street is the city’s main artery, running the length of Princes Street gardens past the National Gallery and Scott’s monument. Surrounded by the best shopping in the city, with views of the castle and the Old Town’s dramatic skyline, it’s a fifteen minute

Often considered the “gateway to Latin America,” Florida’s cultural cool kid is a major international hub. With Miami International Airport and PortMiami’s cruise ship terminal, hundreds of thousands of travellers are en route to South America, Central America and the Caribbean daily. Of course, Miami is a glittering destination unto itself with plenty of attractions,

Dubai’s hotel scene has undergone a seismic shift over the last decade. Where once there was only five-star opulence or a characterless Ibis, with very little in between, now there is a growing segment of not only affordable hotels but also all-inclusive options, including the new four-star Riu Dubai, committed to offering pocket-friendly family holidays

Davos is a town of two parts; the majority of accommodation is in Davos Platz, while the slopes are more conveniently accessed from Davos Dorf. However, there’s an efficient ski bus between the two.  Most of the accommodation in Davos is four- and five-star hotels, which are typically solid and largely uninspiring. In autumn 2022,

While Innsbruck is unquestionably Austrian, don’t expect traditional Austrian après ski – there is no oompah music or dancing on tables in ski boots here. Après ski in the centre of Innsbruck is much more sophisticated and there are several bars with magnificent views over the city and mountains. For more active après, there are floodlit

With 13 ski areas to choose from and a whole city of restaurants, Innsbruck naturally serves up a huge array of dining options. On the high mountains, there are places with panoramic views over the city or surrounding 3,000m peaks, and it’s hard to go wrong with their hearty Austrian specialities.  However, there are more

Après ski starts on the slopes, particularly at Jakobshorn and Parsenn. After dark there’s a wide choice of bars and late night entertainment in downtown Davos. There are over 40 bars and clubs in the resort, some staying open until 6am at weekends.  Après isn’t just limited to bars and clubs however. Davos also has

Expert guide to Flaine Overview Hotels Restaurants Apres ski Snow reports Convenient fuss-free French thrills The largest of five French resorts in the Grand Massif ski area, Flaine offers family-friendly convenience, with pretty tree-lined runs and traditional villages just a few minutes away. The 265km ski area suits all abilities from beginner to expert and

Davos is a small Swiss town with an international appeal that has always extended beyond the slopes. In Victorian times its worldwide reputation sprang from the tuberculosis sanatoriums that were built here in the belief that the crisp, clean mountain air could provide a cure or, at least, respite from the ravages of the disease.

Obertauern is an ideal family destination for those looking for easy intermediate runs and slopes from the doorstep in a relaxed atmosphere. While it doesn’t boast the razzmatazz of a major resort, it’s also home to lively mountain huts and bars, and has a snow-sure record that’s a draw for freeriders in search of off-piste

Eating out in Jasná is great value compared to mainstream Alpine resorts – expect to pay €8 to €10 for a main course and €3 or less for a pint of beer. There’s a great variety on offer. Alongside all the usual international dishes, there are local specialities to check out too, such as pancakes,