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Weekend
The Price Of Danish Happiness
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Copenhagen's Gefion Fountain with the English Church in the background
In a country where most of the population seems to bemoan the fact that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, introduces new stealth taxes on a weekly basis, it is a curiosity that in Denmark, with one of the highest tax regimes in the world, there is little pushback against the Minister of Finance and people remain among the happiest on the planet.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
Europe
La Dolce Strada: Memories Of Italy In A Vintage Rolls
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Lake Garda Photo: Piotr Arnoldes Pexels
When a young journalist was invited on a press trip to northern Italy and handed the keys — metaphorically speaking — to a vintage Bentley, he had no idea the experience would stay with him for the rest of his life. Andrew Palmer revisits a journey through Trentino and the Veneto that captured something rare: the Italy that tourism forgot.
P.ublished 30th May 2026
Europe
CYPRUS – Still Open For Business!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Sunsets to die for
In a week when Cyprus’ tourist sector has been highlighting turnover drops of 50%+ following the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri several weeks back, I can report that I am just returned from this stunning Mediterranean island intact, suntanned (a slight exaggeration perhaps) and with not one missile or drone in sight!
P.ublished 9th May 2026
Europe
South Costa Blanca's Golden Gems Under The Lens
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
World class: South Costa Blanca’s Blue Flag beaches Images by Steve Hare
The Mediterranean coastline of the Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast,’ stretches 120 glorious miles from Denia in the North to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. Located in the region of Alicante, the temperate climate boasts 300 days of sunshine annually.
P.ublished 21st March 2026
Europe
Cascais: Where Atlantic Waves Keep Time With Timeless Charm
Group Editor Andrew Palmer returns to his beloved Portuguese coastal retreat, where fishing village charm meets cosmopolitan sophistication—and discovers why some places improve with every visit As the train pulls away from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station, I settle into what has become a ritual journey westward along Portugal's Atlantic coast.
P.ublished 17th January 2026
Asia
Sampling Fred's Turkish Delights!
“I know loads of people on this cruise,” said solo traveller Sheila from Cornwall, “so I never feel alone, even though I have been a widow for 14 years.” And in that one breakfast conversation our unsolicited table-share guest had single handedly summed up Fred Olsen’s unspoken philosophy: there are no passengers on the line’s three ships, just extended members of the Olsen family!
P.ublished 8th November 2025
Europe
Playing To Win: How One Hotel Manager Transformed A Nuremberg Property Into The City's Most Enchanting Stay
Meet the German hotelier who turned 600 years of toy-making heritage into an inspired hospitality concept—complete with puzzles in the lobby and Playmobil in the corridors. I didn't expect to find myself back in Nuremberg so soon after my last visit, but the pull of this city—with its charm, characteristic red roofs, and imposing castle—drew me back.
P.ublished 25th October 2025
Europe
The Man Behind The Third Man
“I have been pregnant with this film since 1994 when I first saw it properly,” confides Gerhard Strassgschwandtner, before carefully spelling out his 18-letter surname and adding, “it’s little wonder that my wife hasn’t divorced me.
P.ublished 6th September 2025
Europe
Parc Astérix Delivers Magic Without the Crowds - A Family Adventure Worth the Trip
Jeremy Williams
Arts Correspondent
Parc Astérix Photos: Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
First published in 1959, Astérix (and his good friend Obélix) made their way onto the international stage. Back in 1969, the comic series about the Gaulish underdogs fighting against the Roman Republic Army proved to be a hugely popular non-historically factual comic. As a result of the popularity, television and film series followed.
P.ublished 30th August 2025
Europe
Vienna’s Macabre Charm & Dalliance With Death!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Families can still request death masks
The last time I’d stood in front of a gravestone and drawn breath at the sheer scale of whose life I was contemplating, albeit summarised in just four short lines carved into a cold piece of granite, I had been standing in Moscow’s Novodevichy Cemetery, where the centre of my attention was the final resting place of playwright, Anton Chekhov.
P.ublished 23rd August 2025
Europe
LAUSANNEgeles: Switzerland's Eurostar!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
We’d heard French, German and smatterings of Italian throughout our three-day stay in Lausanne, but there was no mistaking the sign that greeted us in English as we descended the picturesque Escaliers du Marché from the Gothic cathedral above: “We serve beer colder than your ex-girlfriend!” Which was rather handy considering that we had been enjoying a 72-hour heatwave in Switzerland’s fifth b…
P.ublished 9th August 2025
Europe
A Thousand Years Of History ...
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Poland is now becoming one of the most popular holidays destinations for both short breaks and longer stays. Poland is a country of contrasts. Zakopane with its mountains, Warsaw and Krakow bustling cities with strong cultural histories and the Polish Riveria with its white sands around Gdansk.
P.ublished 23rd July 2025
Weekend
Sweden’s Göta Canal And The Perils Of Padded Cycling Shorts!
It was a surreal if well-meant conversation: how thick did the gusset on my shorts need to be in order to withstand the rigours of Sweden’s Göta Canal tow path and the cycling trip I was about to embark on! Was it uphill? Downhill? Might I need waterproofs? Would the saddle be sprung or of firmer racing design?
P.ublished 12th July 2025
Europe
Granada : An Exquisite Andalucian Jewel
An historic, opulent gem in Andalucia’s crown, Granada embodies the energy and passion of Spain, elevating the buzz of a city break to new levels. While exploring the city’s architectural and cultural treasures without visiting the Alhambra would be like visiting Rome and giving the Colosseum a wide berth, Granada’s magic extends far beyond the palace walls.
P.ublished 11th July 2025
Europe
Alpine Forest Lodge Spa Escape In Italy
Discover an enchanting land of mountain views, verdant forests and peaceful pastures in South Tyrol. In the lesser-known mountains of Northern Italy, the intrinsic power of nature encourages you to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. One blissful forest spa escape on the Alpine slopes of Ritten near Bolzano offers total tranquillity.
P.ublished 30th June 2025
Europe
Ultimate Euro Supercar Tour
Challenging the notion that Switzerland is solely a winter retreat, Ultimate Driving Tours redefines luxury summer travel with its Swiss Supercar Tour – a curated journey that encapsulates a passion for the finer things in life.
P.ublished 28th June 2025
Europe
New West Yorkshire Airport Terminal Opens
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has this week announced the official opening and commencement of operations from its brand-new terminal. The opening marks the end of the first phase of the airport’s ongoing £100 million terminal expansion project.
P.ublished 20th June 2025
Deals
Deals-June 2025
POLAND: This 4* escorted tour from Riviera Travel, blends beauty with poignancy, offering guided exploration of Krakow’s centuries-old charm with the chance to reflect at Auschwitz and Birkenau. It departs from Manchester on 21st October. Price £749 per person. Kraków, one of Poland’s most enchanting cities, is steeped in history, culture and architectural beauty.
P.ublished 2nd June 2025
Europe
Airport ‘Seating’ Tours Iconic Yorkshire!
Leeds Bradford Airport has sent its new ‘terminal seating’ on an unprecedented tour of Yorkshire in celebration of its forthcoming expansion this summer. A new terminal is set to open imminently, providing 83% more seating for passengers along with uninterrupted views of the runway, bringing a new scenic perspective to the travel experience.
P.ublished 29th May 2025
Asia
Croatia’s Majestic Islands
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
With turquoise waters, Mediterranean sunshine, and scenic coastlines dotted with hidden coves, Croatia’s islands present an increasingly attractive alternative to more crowded destinations in the Mediterranean.
P.ublished 23rd May 2025
Africa
Get The JOMO Spirit
In a world dominated by notifications, fast-paced itineraries, and the pressure to always stay connected, a new kind of luxury is emerging in travel: JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Rather than over-scheduled itineraries or rushing through crowds, today’s mindful traveller is intentionally seeking out destinations that offer stillness, seclusion, and restorative experiences.
P.ublished 19th May 2025
Europe
Unlock Two Of Italy’s Best Kept ‘Private Retreat’ Secrets
Craft the perfect escape this summer by immersing yourself in ‘privacy’ at Villa Ardore and Palazzo Santa Croce, as part of a two-stop Journey into authentic Italy. Among the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, both destinations promise a deeply immersive Italian journey, where luxury and authenticity intertwine seamlessly.
P.ublished 15th May 2025
Europe
National Walking Month – Special Euro Offers
National Walking Month takes place this month, and with the welcome spring sunshine and longer days, walking specialist Inntravel is encouraging hikers to take to the trails with a special offer representing a saving of up to £300* on new bookings made by 25 May.
P.ublished 13th May 2025
Europe
Travel Health Concerns For UK Tourists
The number of UK holidaymakers applying for the Government’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has dropped for the second consecutive year, prompting concern that travellers may be putting themselves at serious financial risk if they need medical care abroad.
P.ublished 10th May 2025
Europe
N’ICE’ One – Reykjavik on a Budget!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Iceland has long topped the bucket list for travellers craving otherworldly landscapes, geothermal pools, and the magic of the Northern Lights. But it’s also gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in Europe to visit — particularly when it comes to food, drink, and accommodation.
P.ublished 1st May 2025
Europe
Award Winning Luxe Spas Without Price Tag
As wellness travel continues to grow in popularity, Lithuania is emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional spa destinations such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Germany—offering high-quality treatments, pristine natural settings, and exceptional value for money.
P.ublished 29th April 2025
Deals
It’s A Deal – Greece & Spain
Photo: Elena Dimaki on www.unsplash.com
Experience luxury for less in Crete. Superescapes.co.uk is offering a dreamy seven-night getaway to the five-star Elounda Bay Palace this May with half board and flights included.
P.ublished 21st April 2025
Europe
Adventures In Amsterdam!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
A different perspective at night
There is something eternally appealing about spilling out of bed three hours before your Amsterdam flight, top and tailing your packing, enjoying breakfast and then taking a gentle 15-minute taxi ride to airport check-ins, leaving plenty of time for a leisurely coffee ahead of take off!
P.ublished 19th April 2025
Europe
New Sweden Flights For Nordic Skiers
British skiers will have easier and more affordable access to Sweden’s premier Alpine Region of Sälen this December. EasyJet is launching weekly direct flights to Scandinavian Mountains Airport from both Manchester and London Gatwick. Prices start at £27.99. The launch marks the first time that Scandinavian Mountains Airport will be connected directly to the UK by a low-cost carrier.
P.ublished 16th April 2025
Europe
Airline Packing Hacks Too Good To Be True
Packing light for a holiday can mean cheaper travel – but some social media packing hacks could actually end up costing you more at the gate. Airlines around the world make over £26 BILLION a year from baggage fees alone, and a growing chunk of that is coming from passengers stung by hand luggage charges.
P.ublished 14th April 2025
Europe
Help! I’ve Broken Down In Europe!
Rental cars are cleaned and inspected regularly but, occasionally, still breakdown. Would you know what to do if you were on continental Europe? If you’re planning on hiring a rental car this summer make sure you know what to do in an emergency. It’ll help keep the stress levels down!
P.ublished 3rd April 2025
Deals
May Getaways: Sun, Relaxation And Adventure Await!
May brings warmer days, longer evenings, and two bank holidays – the perfect excuse for a well-earned break! Whether you’re seeking total relaxation or eager to explore somewhere new, there are some handy package holidays on offer, all departing from Leeds Bradford Airport.
P.ublished 26th March 2025
Europe
Hang On A Minute Lads – I’ve Got A Great Idea!
Got a passion for speed? A love of luxury? Maybe you are a devotee of that iconic British film The Italian Job in which some of the finest millionaire resorts in the world made it to the silverscreen? Well, if driving is your thing, a glass of Beaujolais is your number one choice, or the sweeping views of the Italian Alps lights your fire then look no further than Ultimate Driving Tours (UDT).
P.ublished 24th March 2025
Europe
Soccer Training Sardinia Style With Premier Stars
Chia Laguna Resort, on the picturesque south coast of Sardinia, reaffirms itself as a favoured holiday destination this year, with the launch of a series of Campioni Soccer Academies hosted by former Premier League stars. 2025 also sees the return of the Juventus Resort Experience and GZ19 Football Academy.
P.ublished 16th March 2025
Africa
Groundbreaking Adventure Tours From Native Eye
Some of what’s claimed to be the most ground-breaking small group adventure tours on the planet, are being offered by Native Eye, the specialist in unusual destinations. And many of them introduce travellers to tribal cultures as they make their way to areas where tourism is either unheard of or still in its infancy.
P.ublished 14th March 2025
Europe
First Look At New Leeds Bradford Airport Terminal Expansion
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released new visuals to showcase its transformative £100 million terminal expansion. The major redevelopment, set to be completed in time for this year’s summer holiday season, is designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.
P.ublished 10th March 2025
Europe
New Trio of Camping and Motorhoming Guides
As the motorhome lifestyle continues to soar in popularity across the UK those considering this unique, convenient and adventurous means of travel may welcome the contents of Tom Lewin’s three informative and insightful guides.
P.ublished 5th March 2025
Europe
Italian Challenge to Bradford’s City Of Culture Status!
If Bradford’s new draw as the UK’s 2025 City of Culture proves overly chilly this Spring, you can always jump on a plane to discover Agrigento in southern Sicily, Italy’s City of Culture for this year.
P.ublished 25th February 2025
Europe
Savvy Driving In Euro Low Emissions Zones
The picturesque town of Sóller in Majorca is the latest holiday resort to implement low emissions zones in order to safeguard the area against non-resident traffic. But, it’s not the first part of Europe to do so with different countries having different rules for this aspect of the law and rules can change depending on where you go.
P.ublished 22nd February 2025
Europe
Dutch Pedal Power Gives Way To Sweden
Sweden´s Scenic Göta Canal Cycle Route has been named 2025 Cycle Route of the Year at one of the Netherlands’ premier trade fairs. Fiets- en Wandelbeurs, Utrecht’s annual cycling and hiking fair, carries a lot of weight.
P.ublished 22nd February 2025
Europe
Idyllic Slow Living Sardinia Style
Five-star eco-conscious Italian boutique hotel, Le Dune Piscinas, reopens in Sardinia for its second season on April 18th, following its successful 2024 debut.
P.ublished 19th February 2025
Americas
In Love With Yourself On Valentines Day!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!
P.ublished 12th February 2025
Europe
LBA Announces Direct Route To Swiss Alps
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is heralding the launch of easyJet’s new service to Geneva, which has now taken to the skies. The new route adds another European destination to the airport’s winter offering, building on the recent success of easyJet’s latest route to Paris, its long-standing Belfast connection and Malaga and Palma launching from the end of next month.
P.ublished 3rd February 2025
Europe
Florence City Spa Escape
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Revitalise your mind, body, and soul with a luxurious city spa escape at one of Florence’s most beautiful boutique hotels, La Gemma. Located just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, the famous Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery, La Gemma Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the iconic delights of one of Italy's most iconic cities.
P.ublished 30th December 2024
Deals
Sani / Ikos Hospitality Group – 20% Off For 2025
Luxury Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts have launched a joint holiday campaign slashing costs to their Greek and Spanish properties next year. They are offering a rare combined discount via Early Booking Offers and Holiday Special Offers with up to 20% off stays booked before 31st January 2025. It is available on bookings made for five nights or more via preferred tour operators.
P.ublished 20th December 2024
Europe
A Treat Of A Retreat!
Looking for the ultimate wellness escape in 2025? Then, Mallorca’s The Deià Retreat may be worth considering. Set in the breathtaking hills of Deià, this luxury resort promises an enriching experience for those looking to reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
P.ublished 18th December 2024
Europe
Manchester’s Airspace Management Set To Improve
The risk of mid-air collisions over Manchester will soon be reduced thanks to UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) airspace amendments. The CAA has green lighted an change to what is currently known as the Manchester Low-Level Route (MLLR). This has now been reclassified and replaced by a ‘Class G’ airspace Restricted Area known as the EGR323 North West Transit Corridor.
P.ublished 7th December 2024
Europe
Sweden Applies For Its Own Trademark!
Sweden is stepping up to protect its identity and has applied to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to protect its name from international duplicates that might confuse unsuspecting travellers wanting to experience the original Sweden. It is calling on people around the world to support its application to prevent travel mix-ups by signing and online petition.
P.ublished 6th December 2024
Africa
In Search Of ‘Cultural’ Madeira
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
....don't we all!
If you fall into the trap of summarising Madeira as, ‘that place with the downhill wicker sledges and wonderful Botanical Gardens’, then you come dangerously close to insulting the entire arts fraternity on what is, perhaps, one of the most culturally savvy islands south west of Lisbon.
P.ublished 23rd November 2024
Europe
Easyjet Announces New 2025 Spanish Routes For LBA
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Staff at LBA celebrate the new easyJet routes to Palma and Malaga - photo credit Roger Moody
Just when you think summer is over, easyJet has brought a touch of Spain to Yorkshire by announcing new routes to Malaga and Palma from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) starting late March next year.
P.ublished 20th November 2024
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