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.
​
Sometimes the best travel companion doesn't need a passport – just a lead, a tennis ball and the promise of a new adventure.

Slow travel has changed the way many people explore the world. Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, more travellers are choosing to stay longer, connect with local communities and experience destinations beyond the popular highlights.

We completely understand the appeal. Having travelled extensively and spent 15 months living on the small Indonesian island of Gili Air, we've discovered that some of our most memorable island holidays have come from places with fewer crowds, more opportunities to connect with local people and the freedom to get off the beaten track.

Whether you're looking to escape the crowds, travel more sustainably or simply enjoy a more relaxed holiday, we believe small islands offer some of the best slow travel experiences in the world.

Watching your dog race across the sand for the first time is one of those travel memories you'll never forget. We still remember our first beach adventure with our own dog; charging through the waves, enthusiastically digging holes in the sand and enjoying the freedom of somewhere new. A beach holiday can be just as exciting for them as it is for you.

While a day by the sea may seem effortless, beaches come with their own challenges. Hot sand, strong currents, unfamiliar wildlife, sunburn (for your dog, not just you!), and even drinking seawater can quickly turn a fun day out into an unexpected trip to the vet.

Fortunately, a little planning before you leave home goes a long way. Whether you're driving a few hours or setting off on a long-distance road trip, preparing your dog for the journey is just as important as planning your time at the beach.

From finding a genuinely dog-friendly beach and choosing the right place to stay to knowing what to pack, these practical tips will help keep your four-legged travel companion safe, comfortable and happy throughout your holiday.

I saw a photo years ago of an ethereal shrine in the sea that looked as if it were floating.

It was Itsukushima Shrine, home to Japan's famous floating torii gate and one of the country's most iconic views.

That image stayed with me for years, until one day I found myself standing in front of it, wondering how something so familiar could feel so unreal.

Located on Miyajima Island, just off the coast of Hiroshima, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Japan's most popular day trips. But when we were planning our Japan itinerary from Osaka, we decided not to do what most visitors do.

Deciding to stay overnight on Miyajima Island completely changed our experience.

We wanted more than a photograph. We wanted to immerse ourselves in the island and experience a side of Miyajima that many day-trippers never get to see. Spending the night at a traditional ryokan became one of the highlights of our entire Japan trip.

This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Miyajima Island from Hiroshima, including Itsukushima Shrine, the famous floating torii gate, tide timings, and why staying overnight completely transforms the experience.

Taipei surprised us.

For a busy capital known for night markets, neon lights and the Taipei 101 skyline, we found something we did not expect at all: green spaces filled with birdsong, wildlife, and places that made us slow our pace without trying.

One of the biggest surprises was how easy it is to escape into the mountains at Maokong, just a short MRT ride and gondola trip from the city.

Between sightseeing, eating our way through street food stalls and wandering busy streets, we discovered quiet corners where squirrels darted through the grass, koi carp glided beneath lily pads and hillside tea houses looked out over the city skyline.

If you’re looking for peaceful things to do in Taipei beyond shopping and skyscrapers, these were the places we actually visited to step back from the noise and reset.