This was a trip of a lifetime through the Indian state of Rajasthan and a fantastic introduction to the history and cultural highlights to be found in this part of Incredible India. I made these travels back in November 2012 and the journey and positive memories of India have remained with me ever since. I would definitely suggest hiring a guide and driver for a trip such as this, if your budget stretches to it.

Here's the itinerary for a 6 day trip to the stunning Faroe Islands, which I visited in July 2018. It should have been a 7 day trip but alas poor visibility at the Faroe Islands meant that our plane did not depart Copenhagen on our first day! The Faroe Islands are a true paradise for lovers of hiking, dramatic scenery and nature. This trip to the Faroe Islands remains one of my favourite vacations ever for a number of reasons. Firstly, the scenery is simply stunning. Secondly, the remote location and island life holds a certain romantic feel. Thirdly, while you will certainly encounter other tourists on your trip, the Faroe Islands remain a bit of a hidden treasure and you will certainly find peace and tranquility on this trip. This itinerary is focused on short hikes (1-3 hours max), some sightseeing and a fantastic boat trip from Vestmanna to see the puffins flying from the cliffs. It should give you a great overview of the islands. Some personal means of transport is essential - and the small car we hired at the airport was perfect for summer driving. Weather in the Faroe Islands can be quite mixed - and although we visited in July, the temperature was around 12C during the day-time. Bring full waterproofs and dress in layers to allow for changing conditions. A good back-pack with hiking supplies like hats, gloves, plasters for blisters, snacks and drinks is essential. The currency is Danish Kroner (DKK), as the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The language is Faroese, but everyone we spoke with was fluent in English. We stayed in a self-catering AirBnb in the centre of the capital city - Tórshavn - which enabled us to try several restaurants for dinner in the evening. If you enjoy the scenery, geography and nature of The Faroe Islands, you may also want to check out our itinerary for Iceland

There's a good reason why Iceland features on many-a-traveller's wish list. With mountains, glaciers, glacial rivers, lagoons, moss-covered lava fields, water falls and hot-springs, Iceland cannot fail to inspire wonder and a closeness to nature. The most sparsely populated country in Europe (364,134 people in 2020, over 102,775 square km) is also a tourist hot-spot - so those seeking solace might want to ensure they cover some considerable distance from the capital, Reykjavik. The "problem" is that Iceland is mostly populated around its coastal areas - which is served by a long ring-road that stretches around the 5000km coastline. Therefore, tourist coaches tend to follow the coastline - stopping at all the highlights - such as the incredible waterfalls. If this is something you'll want to avoid, then we found we needed to drive at least 1.5 hours along the ring road away from Reykjavik along the south coast road in order to see fewer tourists. On our trip, we hired a car at the airport. I was intrigued with the offering of "sand storm" insurance when picking up the car! There were 3 of us - my wife and I and our then 2 year old son. We didn't see many (perhaps any) other travellers with kids on this trip - perhaps because we travelled at the end of May - outside of school holidays. We have therefore visited sights that did not require extensive hiking (the main "hike" being when we explored a glacier in the national park). If you don't want to hire a care while in Iceland, you can also take the Airport shuttle bus to Reykjavik. On our trip, we stayed at 3 different accommodation locations. On the first 2 nights, we stayed in Reykjavik - in an AirBnB apartment rental. Reykjavik a 50km (45 minutes) drive from the international airport - Keflavik (KEF). From Reykjavik, we explored the famous Golden Circle driving route - simply breathtaking. For our second two nights, we rented a cabin in an isolated spot along the south coast road. For our final night, we rented a hotel room very close to the airport, in order to catch an early morning flight home. We visited Iceland in May - and brought typical clothing for hikes in the northern latitudes - waterproof trousers and jackets, layers to remove such as fleeces and sweaters, hats, gloves, good walking shoes and hiking boots. Basically, stock up from your local hiking store, and bring a ruck sack for water, snacks and extra layers. If you're just driving along the south coast and parking at the main sights, you'll never be too far from your car. But if you're planning on major hikes, you'll need to be prepared for all weather types. Since the coast is 5000km in length, you'll need to plan your route according to your time available in Iceland. We stayed for a relatively short 5 nights - and decided to explore around the Golden Circle, then head along the south coast road route. We were driving for several hours every day, and on our last day of return, we were driving almost all day to get back to the Reykjavik area. If you were staying for 7-14 days, you'd have time to explore right around the entire coastland, if you wanted to. If a trip to Iceland is your kind of thing, you may also want to check out my travel itinerary for The Faroe Islands - where you'll find fewer tourists. In writing about where we visited in Iceland - I found myself wanting to use the same adjectives over and over again - magnificent, spectacular, incredible, breathtaking. Certainly, I've never seen geological activity such as the geysers and steam escaping from the hillsides - anywhere else. Simply beautiful - Iceland should be on every travellers dream-list. An incredible place for photography!

A 4 day road-trip around viking Denmark to visit some stunning archaeological sites, museums and reconstructions. If you're interested in learning about the vikings in Denmark, this would be 4 days well spent - although you'll also need to add an additional day to return on Day 4. A car would be the best way between the sites - as there are significant distances to cover. You'll also need to book accommodation along the route. I was inspired to write this itinerary after reading a superb book which introduced me to a number of the sites: Vikings - A History by Neil Oliver. Check it out if you can. Photo Credits: Image by Gary Chambers from Pixabay

With a 300 mile dramatic coastline, Cornwall in south west England is a beautiful and idyllic location to spend a week or more. Small fishing villages and long sandy beaches, with rolling waves on the north coast and a riviera feel on the south, mean that Cornwall has something for everyone. Cornwall is a long, vast county - so in this itinerary I have specifically focused on the west of Cornwall - where you'll find loads to do. You'll likely need to adapt this itinerary to adjust for the weather, and the tides (eg. for the trip to St. Michael's Mount). I lived in west Cornwall for 10 years, and still visit twice a year to see family. I hope you'll enjoy this itinerary - and can vouch for all of the activities I have included. You'll need a car to enjoy this itinerary - given the distances required to travel. Look for accommodation with parking - there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, hotels and campsites in the area. If you think you might want to visit the Isles of Scilly on a day trip during your stay, you can check out our itinerary here. *COVID-19* During the COVID-19 crises, the ticketed items here will require you to book ahead. Please visit the website for each activity that I have included.

Copenhagen - the Danish capital city with a population of around 800,000 people - is a haven of culture, nightlife, restaurants and picture-post card streets. If you've got 2 days to spend in Copenhagen, then there's plenty to see in the central district. I've been living in the Copenhagen area for the last 10 years - and when friends visit, these are the kinds of things I like to do with them. Perhaps the only omission from the itinerary that I could add would be a boat trip exploring the canals. My favourite is the boat rental company GoBoat. Alternatively, jump on one of the large canal boat guided tours - available in English and other languages - from Kongen's Nytorv. Be aware that Denmark is nearly a cashless society. I can hardly remember any times in the last 10 years when I needed cash. Danes generally pay for things with their debit cards, Apple / Google Pay, or with an online app available only to Danes called "Mobile Pay". Be aware that using foreign credit cards may attract a transaction fee - which you should be notified of. Most places will take cash, if that's what you have, but just be aware that you don't need it - even in taxis. Tipping in Denmark in restaurants and bars is discretionary - and very different to the tipping culture in, say, the USA. Staff are generally paid a good wage, and tips are generally used if service is very good, and is certainly not mandatory. It is not required or expected to tip many other professions that Americans may be used to tipping, such as taxi drivers. Getting around Copenhagen is easy. If you prefer public transport, you can use the Metro underground train system. Be sure to purchase a ticket before you travel from the electronic machines in the stations using your debit/credit card. Even though access to the trains is not gated, there are regular inspections on the trains, and fines are around 800 Danish kroner (DKK). If you're travelling further than the reaches of The Metro, you can use the train system - the "S Trains" serve the metropolitan area - you can find more information at the DOT - department of public transportation site. Another fun way to get around Copenhagen is via bicycle ("cykel") - just like the locals. There are many bike shops that will rent you a bike - alternatively you can pick one up off the street with an app on your mobile phone - from firms such as Donkey Republic. Be aware that Danes take cycling extremely seriously - and its important to obey the rules. Stick to the bike lanes where present, and slower cyclists should stick to the inside (right hand side). Expect a few speedy cyclists to speed past you on the left. Be courteous and always use hand signals when turning or stopping. Use the bell on your bike to warn others if you are about to pass them. You must not pass a red traffic light when cycling - or you may get a fine from the police. It is also illegal to cycle when impaired by alcohol. As a pedestrian on the streets of Copenhagen, you are well advised to stay out of the bike lanes! Wandering into a bike lane can be dangerous. Generally however, cars must stop for bikes on right hand turns, and bikes must stop for pedestrians. The weather in Copenhagen can be mixed. Expect temperatures in the summer months in the 20Cs during the day, and in the winter months between to 0-10C in the daytime. Denmark can often be windy - so you won't see many locals with umbrellas, unlike, say, London. Therefore, a foldaway water proof jacket could be a good idea, if showers are expected. If you've got additional time, you could take the train to Malmö - just across the Öresund strait. You can check out our Malmö itinerary. Photo credits: Nyhavn - Chris Lawton, unsplash.com

London - capital city of the United Kingdom - with a population of nearly 9 million people. Festivals, Museums, Theatre, Art, Night Life & Sport - London has it all! Would you like to see many of the highlights on a 2 day trip - mainly on foot? Read on! On this tour, we'll visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Tower of London & The Palace of Westminster / Westminster Abbey. We'll see Buckingham Palace and 2 Royal Parks. And we'll experience the wonders of the National Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Churchill War Rooms and the Natural History Museum. We'll view the city from the highest building in London - The Shard. And we'll get up close with Tower Bridge. Want entertainment? We'll be dropping by the West End including Leicester Square, Soho and Covent Garden. This is a tried and tested tour that I've done with friends & family - bring your best walking shoes :) You'll likely be tired from all the combined walking and culture at the end of Day 2 - however you'll definitely have made the most of your trip to London. I'm making the assumption that you're travelling to London on a Friday evening. If this is the case - I'd recommend heading to your accommodation, and dropping off your bags before heading out to a local eatery for refreshments. Make sure you're fresh for an early start the next day! I recommend booking a theatre performance in the West End for the end of Day 1. There are loads of theatres showing fabulous plays and musicals. You should book in advance - there are several online ticket sellers, such as: West End Theatre Bookings and London Theatre. To get around London, public transport such as the London Underground ("The Tube") or bus - is highly recommended. If you've got time ahead of arriving in London, you could check out the Visitor Oyster Card - which needs to be sent to your home address. Otherwise, a One Day Travel Card is available for purchase at London stations - giving you unlimited all day travel. You could also rent an official Transport for London Santander Bike - but London is not yet as advanced as, say, Copenhagen with its bike lanes - so you need to be careful. London weather can be variable (you can check the forecast with the BBC Weather site) - an umbrella or fold up waterproof could be advisable during the warmer months - although it can also get into the upper 20Cs on a hot day - and obviously dress appropriately for the winter which could be damp and cold. Photo Credits: Marcin Nowak - unsplash.com

A stunning virtual tour around cultural sites & national parks of Europe and North America Photo Credit: Bharat Patil

If you've got 3 days or more to spend in this bustling multi-national, 1100 sq km territory, then this itinerary should give you a great overview of some of Hong Kong's highlights. As a former resident of Hong Kong, I’ve taken many friends and relatives on this itinerary - and it has never failed to delight! Photo Credits: Florian Wehde, unsplash.com

Beat the crowds and start early in the north of the city. Check out the classic Little Mermaid statue and her genetically modified sister, before heading into the city centre via the Royal Palace and the Marble Church. Enjoy a lunch of Danish classics at the cafe of the Design Museum, before discovering everything there is to know about the history of legendary Danish design.

Lisbon ("Lisboa" in Portuguese) is the capital city of Portugal - and offers the perfect city break if you're looking for a combination of culture, architecture, history, culinary delights and a warm climate. In this 3 day itinerary, we'll not only explore Lisbon, but also the town of Sintra to the west - and experience the mountainous region that surrounds the city. The Iberian Peninsula, in south western Europe, hosts Portugal to the west and Spain to the east, as it stretches south towards northern Africa. The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon is beautiful with average daily highs of around 28C in the summer and 15C in the winter. Sitting just off the Atlantic ocean, on a natural estuary formed where the river Tagus (the Iberian Peninsula's longest river) meets the sea, Lisbon enjoys a gentle sea breeze to keep the summer heat at bay. As Europe's second oldest city (after Athens), Lisbon hosts plenty of historical sights. As a strategic location, Lisbon offered plenty - with Castelo hill offering the perfect place for a fortress. The Romans settled in Lisbon and built a wall around it to protect its citizens. In 711, Muslim invaders took Lisbon as their own - but let the local people retain their existing religions and cultures. The great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 destroyed much of the Islamic architecture, but you can still see evidence of it today in the Alfama quarter of the city - which survived the worst of the destruction. In 1108, the Norwegians raided Lisbon, but it was again taken by the Moorish in 1111. Lisbon finally became the capital city for the Portuguese in 1255. Around half a million people live in central Lisbon - but the city's entire urban area hosts 2.8 million - in this, the 10th largest city in the European Union. Despite the cataclysmic earthquake which razed much of Lisbon in 1755, a large variety of architectural styles can still be seen including Roman influence, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern. Getting around the city of Lisbon can be fun. The city is located on various different level due to its expansion up the hillsides. Walking the streets up and down the steep hills can be a little strenuous at times - but don't worry - the city's tram system (introduced in 1901) - with their iconic yellow cars - is here to help. Navigating the narrow streets, it's the tram system is a very popular way for tourists and locals alike to tour the city. Down toward the waterfront, the city becomes much flatter. Here, there are plenty of places to rent city bicycles with an app on your phone. Check out the distinctive red Uber bikes, for example. There are also plenty of electric scooters to rent - again with an app on your phone. The Lime scooters are a good example. For short distances, the scooters can be a good way to explore, but if going over all the little bumps becomes a little bone-rattling for you, or if you want to go longer distance, check out the bike rental. If you drink alcohol, then Portugal offers some excellent wines. Most famously Port ("Porto") - the Portuguese fortified wine - originates here. Look out for bottles labelled as Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) - which have many of the properties of a vintage, but are much more affordable. As you are walking around the streets of Lisbon, you may see vendors selling "Ginjinha" (sometimes "Ginja"). Ginjinha is a liquor native to Portugal - created from cherries, sugar and a aguardente base. Served in a shot glass for 1-2 Euros, you'll sometimes be offered this in a chocolate "glass". Fun fact: did you know that people from Lisbon are known as “little lettuces” or “alfacinhas”? Photo Credits: Dan Hill

A three-day itinerary that showcases the best that Siem Reap and the surrounding area has to offer! From world famous temples and khmer artefacts to the infamous Pub Street, this itinerary gives you a fantastic taste of Cambodian culture and its people. Having visited Siem Reap twice now, I feel this itinerary gives an excellent overview for those looking to make the most of their time in the area! (Photo Credit: Binh Dang Nam, unsplash.com)

Discover the charming villages, historic city of York and the natural beauty of Yorkshire's countryside in a 3 day tour around 'Gods own County'. Having grown up and lived in Yorkshire for a good part of my life, I have ensured you get to see the major sights, taste some good 'old Yorkshire grub' and visit a few hidden gems that many people miss! Saltaire's easy access from nearby cities Leeds & Bradford make the UNESCO World Heritage Site a great starting point. Travelling by car would be ideal for this itinerary, especially for the trip to Malham, though if you want to skip the Yorkshire Dales, then the other destinations are all well connected by local trains & buses.

Scotland's North Coast 500 is now one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. From vast mountains, deep sea lochs and pristine beaches it offers something for everyone. Beginning and starting in Inverness, this three day itinerary offers the best that the North Coast 500 has to offer and is not to be missed. Having travelled the route twice, I can ensure you that this is one trip that you'll never forget! (Photo Credit - Milada Vigerova via Unsplash)

Bilbao in northern Spain is a lush and rich city, 20mins by bus from the airport and with long distance but cheap coaches along the coast of Spain - to Santander and San Sebastian to name a few. It has the Guggenheim museum, a museum for art, beaches, a suspension bridge and fantastic array of eateries If you're also going to be visiting Santander on your trip to Northern Spain, you may also want to check out my Santander itinerary.

Explore the neon metropolis of Tokyo in three days, seeing quiet neighbourhoods, crowded temples and bustling markets. While there's enough in the capital to keep you busy for months, this three-day tour picks up the best of the city's neighbourhoods, with the freedom to choose which highlights you prefer, from museums to gardens to robot restaurants. Transport in the city is easy - the impeccably reliable train and metro networks connect each destination and many are within walking distance too. When you arrive in Tokyo pick up a Suica or Pasmo travel card (they're very similar so either will do) and use it to hop through ticket gates without the hassle of buying a ticket each time. They can also be used on buses - just remember to keep it topped up!

This itinerary - penned for me by a local I sat next to on a flight into New York - gave me a wonderful insight into Manhattan - and New York City has since been permanently engraved into my mind as a great city of culture, history and entertainment. Since my first visit, I have been back on multiple occasions - with friends and family - and I always try to see as much as possible on foot - weather permitting. Getting Around On my trips to NYC, I've always enjoyed walking between destinations. It gives me a sense of how the city fits together, and I really enjoy the sights and finding somewhere new. However, if it's too far for you, you can check out transit options such as Subway, bus, tram and taxis on The Official Guide to New York City Where To Stay In New York City? When tourists refer to visiting New York City, they are often talking about Manhattan Island (22.8 sq. miles, population 1.6 million) - the most densely populated part. Manhattan Island consists of 3 areas: Upper Manhattan, Midtown and Lower. When I have been visiting as a tourist, I have always stayed in Midtown - since it is so convenient as a base for exploring. When I have been travelling for work purposes, I have stayed in Lower - in the financial district. Do invest time in researching which hotel you should stay in. Hotels are the usual option for most travellers. Which Time of Year Is Best To Visit New York? I've visited New York in the winter time when it has been incredibly cold with biting winds, I've visited on very hot summer days, and I've visited in-between, when the temperature has been just right for exploring. September was my favourite month for visiting New York. Photo Credits: 1. Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash 2. Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash 3. Photo by Cody Nottingham on Unsplash

Malmö (Malmo) is Sweden's 3rd largest city - and Scandinavia's 6th largest - with a population of around 317,000 people. Located just across the impressive 8km long Öresund bridge from Copenhagen, many Malmö residents commute daily across the water to the Danish capital for work. Despite being the location for gritty Nordic Noir TV drama The Bridge, Malmö is a very safe city, with a laid back vibe. It has a vibrant mix of plazas with bars and restaurants, shops and cultural attractions - such as 3 major parks, several museums, a castle (with a moat!) and a 700 year old church which could be mistaken for a cathedral. All this adds up to make Malmö perfect for a 2 day stay or weekend break - or even a day trip visit from Copenhagen (or vice versa!). For the itinerary I am presenting here, if you're staying in central Malmö, and you are of average fitness, you can travel everywhere on foot. Alternatively, you could rent a bicycle. If you're travelling from overseas, you may fly into Copenhagen airport - in which case there's a train that will take you directly to Malmö. Alternatively, if you can fly directly to Malmö airport, then it's even more convenient. On my last stay in Malmö, I stayed at the Clarion Hotel Malmö Live - a 25 floor building right in the centre of the city - which was perfectly located for exploring the city. How to Pronounce Malmö The Swedish ö letter (a completely separate letter to o) is pronounced a bit like the soft pronunciation of the phonetic "u" in British English - or a bit like a Brit would say the "Ea" in "Earth". Malmö is therefore pronounced a little more like "Mal-muh", and not "Mal-moh". Photo Credits: Photo by John Flygare on Unsplash

We love to discover our city like tourists so we decided to cover the highlights of our beloved Cairo in only 3 days. I have to say the schedule was fully packed but it was worth every minute. Cairo is a diverse city and there’s always something interesting for you to check out. The city is full of contrasts, so be prepared. In Cairo you will see old vs. new, rich vs. poor, chaos vs. peace, culture vs. nature, sand vs. water, green vs. blue and of course a lot of spices, flavors and the beautiful River Nile, the longest river in the world. Cairo, one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East, is more than 1000 years old. We decided to see the city in just 3 days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And here’s why: Friday and Saturday are weekend days and so the usually busy roads and driving jungle are calmer and traffic is way less congested. Sunday is still calm because some schools are off and as as well some shops too. This saved us plenty of precious time that Cairenes usually lose daily in traffic and commutes. We went sightseeing, we took our water bottles and some snacks for when thirst and hunger attacked us. We always had a caffeine fix before starting. Some tips: - Down Town area and Tahrir Square are the best spots for accommodation. - To get out of the airport; ask for Cairo Airport Shuttle Car or call an Uber. - Uber is the best way to move through the city. - The underground will be useful sometimes. - Spring and Fall are the best seasons to enjoy Cairo and spend less. Photo credit: Simon Berger on unsplash.com

Starting early at La Madeleine, this whistle stop tour around Paris is a great introduction for those who only have 1 day in the City of Love.

Firstly, when planning your trip to San Francisco add on an extra day and be prepared to do lots of walking, as you will be covering a fair amount of ground! The weather is interchangeable so make sure you wear layers to account for sudden bursts of sunshine or an unexpected cold front and rain – all in one day. San Francisco has something for everyone, which can be problematic when trying to plan a trip. The City is steeped in history dating back from the Gold Rush of 1849 and has experienced earthquakes as well as several industry booms. All of which has shaped the City and its inhabitants. Contemporary San Francisco has become extremely expensive to live and thus seen a shift from gritty and colourful to high-end luxury. This is reflected in restaurants and places to stay. Ironically the City is also home to a large homeless population which is indicative of ‘gentrification’ processes whereby locals and low-income families are forced out of the City to make way for upmarket developments. An area often in the news is the Tenderloin District which should really be avoided, especially at night due to high levels of crime. TIPS - Using an interactive map (like Google Maps or MapMe) DEFINITELY makes life easier, especially for walking directions but be prepared to get lost and find all manner of sights and experiences along your way. - There are a lot of online resources for maps and transport information. - Should you wish to do a ferry trip, this is definitely something that needs prior planning to ensure you have enough time. - There are several hop-on-hop-off tourist bus companies who hits the hot spots. - Uber has become the fastest and cost-effective mode of transport. Maybe not the most adventurous way to explore the city, but an option for efficiency and for evenings. Cover photo credits Golden Gate Bridge: https://unsplash.com/@jbcreate_ City skyline: https://unsplash.com/@dbphotos_sf

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a well known tourist destination. From the indomitable castle in the city centre to food and drink options from all corners of the globe, it has something for everyone! Having been born and raised in Scotland's capital, I've compiled this two day itinerary for those looking to see the best that the city has to offer plus some hidden gems that will have you itching to return! (Photo Credit: Adam Wilson, unsplash.com)

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is filled with temples, shrines and winding streets just waiting to be explored. While it is mainly known for two of the most famous spots in Japan - the gold pavilion of Kinkakuji and the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha - there are incredible food markets, blossom-covered waterways and zen gardens to enjoy. The city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 2000 temples and shrines, so choosing what to see can feel a little overwhelming. This three-day itinerary mixes some of the most popular places with their lesser-known neighbours to give you a deeper understanding of the culture, history and everyday life of Kyoto. Kyoto has some great options when it comes to transport, with an affordable bus loop, bike-rental and a metro and train network to boot. When you’re exploring the West side, the bus may suit best, and trains and metro stations are more practical for the East, with walking in-between. You can purchase a ¥500 one-day bus ticket at Kyoto station and the city has a flat-rate bus fare of ¥230, so the pass soon becomes worthwhile. There are a number of bike-rental options ranging from hostels and hotels to specialist companies, and the grid-like layout of the city means it is easy to explore on wheels.

The Isles of Scilly are located 25 miles (40 km) south west of Lands End - the most westerly point in England. The archipelago currently consists of some 140 islets of various sizes - 5 of which are large enough to be classed as inhabited islands. But the present geography is a relatively recent phenomenon as it is thought that the islands were connected as a single island as recently as 500 AD - prior to a rise in sea levels. There were 2,224 inhabitants of The Isles of Scilly as of 2019. The 5 inhabited islands are: St. Mary's (1,666), Tresco (180), St. Martin's (142), St. Agnes (73) and Bryher (92). The total land mass of The Isles of Scilly is around 6.3 sq miles. There are 3 main modes of transportation for tourists who wish to visit the Isles: boat, helicopter and plane. Isles of Scilly Travel operate the Scillonian boat and Skybus plane service, and Penzance Helicopters operate the helicopter service. This itinerary focuses on a day trip to The Isles of Scilly via the Scillonian III ferry (the most economical option). There's no getting around the fact that a day trip to The Isles of Scilly will require you to spend around 8 hours on the boat in total - around 6 hours of sailing time and 2 hours of check-in and boarding time. On top of this, if you suffer from sea sickness, you'll likely want to purchase sea sickness medication in advance. Given this, if you have the extra funds available, you could choose to fly over to the Scilly Islands. However, the boat offers great views along the south west coastline of Cornwall, and of the Isles of Scilly, along with the opportunity to see dolphins en-route if you're lucky. On this day trip, upon arrival in Hugh Town - on the island of St. Mary's, we opted for a walk to Peninnis Head, a stroll to the beach at Old Town, a visit to St. Mary's Church, and a roundtrip walk back to Hugh Town for refreshments. We found this to be a perfect itinerary for those wanting to explore the area around Hugh Town on foot. It'll give you enough insight to decide whether you'll want to come back to the Scillies for a longer stay in the future, or perhaps take a boat trip to explore other islands on your next visit. If you're looking for more information about further places to explore in the Scillies, you can check out their official visitor website.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK The South Downs National Park is one of 15 parks in the UK and the newest of these areas of natural beauty. This 1,600km squared spot was officially declared a National Park in 2010 and has quickly climbed to a position of prominence by now holding the status of most-visited National Park in the UK. It stretches from Winchester – the Saxon capital of England - and Petersfield in Hampshire to the soaring white cliffs of the Heritage Coast in East Sussex. The National Park is known for its magnificent rolling countryside, chalky geology, clear rivers, and pristine woodland. A significant portion of the South Downs National Park is lowland heath, a habitat classified as rarer than tropical rainforests! The area has an interesting history and has been inhabited by our ancestors for an estimated 6,000 years since Neolithic times. There are many Neolithic flint mines, old hill-top forts, and ancient Bronze Age burial mounds to discover. The towns and villages are quaint and picturesque with many fantastic spots to eat local produce and sample regional ales in the cosy pubs. Clearly, this is one of the UK’s favourite National Parks for good reason and it has a lot to offer for all. GETTING AROUND THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK A great way to experience this National Park is on foot or by bike - in some places you can also explore on horseback! There are 1,200kms of biking trails and 3,300kms of footpath for you to experience which is more than any other National Park in the UK. The stately home gardens, sweeping English heathland, bustling woodlands, and famous South Downs Way are best explored on foot. Ideally, to get between most locations, you’d go by car. This gives you the freedom to explore some of the spots that can’t be reached by public transport. Some A-roads run through the National Park (A3, A272, A27), but for the most part, you’ll be driving along idyllic country roads. A few of the bigger towns are accessible by train (Winchester, Petersfield, Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne), which provides easy access for those wishing to visit from London or elsewhere in the UK. There’s a well-established bus network throughout the National Park which links transport hubs and towns with the local sites. Buying a Discovery Ticket for £9 per adult per day (£7.20 for children) will grant you access to unlimited travel within the South Downs National Park. FOOD & DRINK IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK Around 85% of the South Downs is pastoral or arable farmland. This means the restaurants and farm shops are overflowing with top-quality organic produce from the local area. Look out for the farmers' markets in Petersfield, Winchester, Lewes, and many others to sample a selection of the goods on offer. The National Park is also the home to English sparkling wine which means there are 20 vineyards spread about the South Downs. There are also many fantastic pubs to try and more than 50 breweries, some of which offer tasting tours - such as the Langham Brewery near Petworth. WHERE TO STAY IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK As this is a lauded area of natural beauty, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the park is by staying at a campsite. There are numerous campsites dotted throughout the park and they range from comfy glamping to a more wild night pitching in the woods or on a farmer’s field. If camping is not for you, there are many cosy countryside inns and BnBs nestled in the picturesque countryside. If you’re looking for a more urbanised setting you can find hotels in all of the bigger towns and cities. WHAT TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK The National Park will be at its most busy during the summertime, on weekends, and during school holidays. I recommend visiting during shoulder season to get the most peaceful experience whilst also having reasonably good weather. Spring is an excellent time to visit with the flowers in bloom and the landscapes alive with the activity of wildlife. My favourite time of year to visit is in Autumn when you can experience a range of colour in the trees and frosty morning walks through the grassy vales. BONUS LOCATIONS This itinerary attempts to cover as much of the South Downs National Park as possible. But as it ranges hundreds of kilometers, from Hampshire through to Sussex, there simply isn't enough time to fit everything into 3 days. To really get the most out of the National Park you'll need to keep returning for multiple visits! Here are some other locations you might want to consider for future trips: -Walk around the Devil's Dyke. -Visit the historic cobbled town of Lewes. -Experience the enormous chalk hill stencil of the Long Man of Wilmington and the Litlington Horse. -Discover the wonderful natural landscapes of the Meon Valley Trail. -Spend the day immersed amongst exotic animals at the Marwell Conservation Zoo.