There’s a new travel trend appearing in the news: Tiny Tourism. But it isn't really new. At its core, it's simply a different way of experiencing a country: being a tourist without doing touristy things. Apparently, we've been doing it for years without knowing it had a name.

Travel doesn't always mean visiting every famous landmark or “must-see” place on Instagram and TikTok, nor does every minute of a trip need to be filled with activities. There is value in smaller, everyday experiences that can reveal something more personal. Essentially, it's a shift in mindset towards a slower, more immersive way to travel.

In Munich for Oktoberfest, we booked accommodation outside the centre and used public transport. In Amsterdam, we cycled to the supermarket and beach from our chalet in the woods. In Kyoto, instead of visiting famous temples, we hired bicycles and spent a Sunday cycling along the Kamo River, watching locals playing sports.

None of these experiences would appear on a typical list of things to do, yet they were the moments when we felt we were getting a real feel for everyday life.

Tiny Tourism isn't a new way to travel; it's about the intention behind how we travel. Sometimes, the seemingly ordinary experiences are the ones that make a trip more memorable. In this article, we will delve deeper into this subject.

Choosing the best places to visit in Asia can be difficult because there is no single type of Asian travel experience. Japan is worlds away from the Philippines, Thailand feels very different from Taiwan, and China offers a completely different scale of travel.

That diversity is what makes Asia such an interesting continent to explore. Depending on where you go, you can find ancient temples and historic cities, tropical islands and beaches, mountains and wildlife, incredible food and completely different cultures.

We’ve travelled extensively across Asia and know how varied the experience can be. So, rather than trying to name the best Asian country to visit, this guide looks at nine diverse destinations in Asia and what makes each one worth considering for your next trip.

Planning an engagement trip? Whether you're celebrating after the big question has been popped or secretly organising a holiday to propose, there’s more to think about than just finding a nice hotel and booking a romantic dinner.

An engagement trip is still a holiday, after all.

You may choose to return to a favourite destination you both loved, or explore somewhere new that you’ve always wanted to visit. There’ll probably be good food and a few adventures along the way, but more importantly, make time to enjoy being away together.

As the trip marks a momentous moment in your lives, adding a few personal touches can make it even more memorable. You don't need to spend a fortune; just doing something neither of you has tried before can create memories that will last a lifetime.
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If you're planning a romantic break together, here are some simple ideas to make an engagement trip extra special, whether you're travelling to celebrate your engagement or planning a surprise proposal abroad.

Dublin takes on a whole different vibe once the sun has gone down. Once the shops have closed, pub doors open, and the streets begin to fill with people heading out for the evening. By nine or ten, the city has a completely different feel from the Dublin you explored during the day.

While Temple Bar might be the first place that springs to mind when you think about Dublin nightlife, there’s considerably more to an evening here than crowded pubs and Guinness. 

From traditional music and late-night bars to good food and quieter Georgian streets, Dublin offers plenty of ways to spend an evening, whether you’re travelling with friends, celebrating a birthday, organising a hen or stag weekend, or simply looking for a good night out.

It’s exciting to wake up in a completely new destination. One morning you’re hard at work, the next you’re looking out at a beautiful view, and a few hours later you could be exploring a new neighbourhood, swimming from a quiet beach or sitting down for lunch in a quaint local restaurant.

That’s part of the appeal of cruising: you can experience several destinations in one trip. But when you only have a few hours ashore, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to see everything, following the crowds and spending most of your money in the businesses closest to the cruise terminal.

A different approach can make your time in port more rewarding – and more sustainable.

From learning about local customs and choosing independent businesses to buying from local artisans and avoiding unnecessary pressure on popular attractions, there are plenty of ways to make your visit count.

Because a cruise port isn’t simply somewhere your ship stops. It’s a place where people live, work and build their communities. And for us, learning more about the places we visit is what makes travelling so exciting in the first place.

Social media has made once-hidden corners of the world much easier to discover. But there is a downside: destinations once considered alternative choices are now dealing with huge visitor numbers, traffic and overcrowding.

Bali is an obvious example. It remains one of Indonesia's most popular destinations, but travellers looking for beautiful beaches, island life and a slower pace don't necessarily have to cross it off their list. Neighbouring Lombok and the Gili Islands can offer a very different experience.

That is part of the reason lesser-known islands are becoming increasingly attractive. You can still find sunshine, scenery, good food and plenty to do, without necessarily being surrounded by the same crowds. Choosing a less-visited destination can also help spread tourism beyond places struggling with overtourism, particularly when you support locally owned businesses and responsible operators.

So, what makes an island a good alternative, and how do you find one that suits your holiday? We look at what to consider before you book.

If you have ever searched for the best views of Mount Fuji, chances are you have already seen Chureito Pagoda.

The iconic image of a bright red five-storied pagoda standing in front of Mount Fuji has become one of Japan's most photographed scenes. It appears on postcards, travel brochures, Instagram feeds and bucket lists across the world.

And that usually makes me nervous.

There is often a direct relationship between a place's popularity and the size of the crowds. Some famous attractions are undeniably beautiful, but spending the experience shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of people can drain away the magic.

So, is Chureito Pagoda worth visiting? Or is it simply another victim of its own success? On our trip to Japan, we had to find out, and here we share our honest experience.

Landing in a new country should be exciting, not stressful. Yet for many travellers, the first challenge isn't finding the best café in Paris or admiring Rome's ancient landmarks; it's simply figuring out how to get from the airport to the hotel.

The same question comes up throughout almost every European itinerary. Should you catch the train, hail a taxi, book a private transfer or hire a car? The answer depends on your budget, how much luggage you're carrying, how much time you have and where you're travelling.

With Europe welcoming almost 800 million international visitors each year, airports, railway stations and cruise ports can become incredibly busy. Choosing the right transport for each stage of your journey can save time, reduce stress, and leave you with more energy to enjoy your holiday.

Rather than relying on the same type of transport throughout your trip, choose the option that best suits each stage of your journey. This guide will help you make the right decisions.

Saudi Arabia has become one of the Middle East's most exciting destinations, attracting visitors for world-class sporting events, ancient archaeological sites, vibrant cities and spectacular desert landscapes. At the same time, residents of the Kingdom are travelling internationally in greater numbers than ever, whether that's for family holidays, business trips or long-haul adventures.

Wherever your next trip takes you, finding the right booking platform can make planning easier and help avoid unnecessary stress if your plans change.

Choosing where to book your flights isn't always just about finding the cheapest fare. Payment options, customer support, airline coverage, flexibility and the ability to organise other parts of your trip can all make a significant difference. Here's what to look for before you book.

Planning a holiday when you have a dog can be bittersweet. Overseas trips often mean paying for kennels or pet sitters, and many owners admit they spend half their holiday wondering what their four-legged friend is up to back home.

If that sounds familiar, why not swap the airport queue for a dog-friendly holiday in the UK or Ireland instead?

From sandy beaches and scenic walking trails to cosy pubs, welcoming cafés and pet-friendly cottages, there's no shortage of incredible places to enjoy a staycation with your dog. Whether you're planning a romantic break, a family adventure or a solo escape with your favourite travel companion, you'll find destinations where dogs are genuinely welcome.

We've rounded up some of the best dog-friendly destinations across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, perfect for everything from weekend breaks to longer adventures.
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Sometimes the best travel companion doesn't need a passport – just a lead, a tennis ball and the promise of a new adventure.