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

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)

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

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

INTRODUCTION Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and a gem of Europe with a medieval history stretching back over a millennium. It’s a place steeped in culture, with the city allegedly being founded in the 8th century. Through the ages, it has been the capital of the King of Bohemia and the residence of numerous Holy Roman Emperors. It is a city that holds an intriguing communist legacy with influences from multiple cultures and political regimes. Over generations, the architecture of the city has taken influence from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles – to name a few. Despite being relatively compact in size, Prague packs an incredible number of world-renowned sites into such a small area. From the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock to the Charles bridge and the Lesser Town with Prague Castle poised above – Prague has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many of the city’s features. Aside from its architectural beauty, Prague is also a hot-house for beer drinkers and ale aficionados – offering some of the best beer in Europe. Prague’s citizens allegedly consume more beer per capita than any other city in the world. Where else can you get a vast menu offering exclusively draft beers? No visit to Prague would be complete without tasting some of the local Czech cuisine. Munching on a donut-like pastry as you wander around the city streets or tucking into a bowl of goulash in one of the city’s numerous restaurants is quite the experience! Not to mention the famous beer snacks – pickled sausage, sauerkraut soup, bread dumpling soup – that should be eaten alongside your beer to help you soak up some of the drinks! This guide for 3 days in Prague provides you with a travel itinerary that includes all the best sites and top things to do in this wonderful European city. IS 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE LONG ENOUGH? Prague is a beautiful destination packed with historical and cultural sites. Despite this, for a capital city, it is relatively small. Even on foot the main sites of the city can be explored in a relatively short time. 3 Days in Prague is long enough to see the key highlights of the city. However, for those wishing to dive deeper into the wonderful array of museums, and explore the city’s hidden sites and backstreets, 4 days is a more suitable itinerary. The Czech Republic is much more than Prague alone. In the surrounding countryside and other settlements close by, there are numerous UNESCO sites well worth visiting in their own right. For example: 3 hours outside of Prague is Český Krumlov, a magnificent 13th-century castle that’s the highlight of South Bohemia; an hour east of Prague is Kutná Hora, a formerly prosperous silver-mining city with a stunning church and monastery; an hour south of Prague is Karlštejn Castle, famous for being the holding place of numerous royal jewels and invaluable artefacts over centuries. Spending 3 days in Prague allows you to see the best of this city, but to really get to know its past, and to discover the culture of the Czech Republic as a whole, you could do more wrong than extend your trip to include a 4 or even 5-day itinerary. GETTING TO PRAGUE Prague, like many cities in central Europe, is well-connected by railways. Many choose to visit Prague and a string of other nearby cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava, in one trip due to how well-connected they are. This is a popular city to visit for those interrailing around Europe. Prague has an international airport offering inexpensive flights from all across Europe and even long-haul intercontinental flights too. The airport is accessible by taxi, airport shuttle (must be pre-booked), or public bus. Bus 100 and 119 runs to Terminal 1 and 2 taking 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Prague can also be reached by bus with cheap bus services such as Flixbus linking transport hubs all over Europe. Busses run from the Praha Florenc bus station. TRANSPORT DURING 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE To put the size of the city into perspective, walking from one of the city’s most southern sites (Vyšehrad) to one of its most northern (Prague Zoo) would take you 1.5 to 2 hours. Walking from the eastern Powder Tower, over the river, and up the hill to the western Strahov Monastery, would take 40 minutes to an hour. It is a compact city which is of great benefit to those wishing to spend 3 days in Prague as you will seldom have to worry about transport. Walking around the city is far from grueling and in many ways is one of the joys of a visit to Prague anyway. Taking the time to admire the architecture of the old buildings, the cobbled streets, the marketplaces, and the winding Vltava river are all aspects that add to the experience. You are not limited to walking alone. There is a small 3-line Pražské metro service that can be used. Line A (green), Line B (yellow), and Line C (red). There is also a lovely tram service that operates at street-level with 34 lines stretching throughout the city. For those spending 3 days in Prague, there is a 72-hour ticket that can be purchased for 310 CZK (12 EUR) which includes bus, tram, and metro. This can be the perfect option if you’ve been walking all day and are wishing to get back to your accommodation. There are a number of short ferries included in the Prague transport system. However, it may be worth considering booking a place on a sightseeing boat trip along the river to see the best of Prague from its waters. WHAT TO EAT FOR 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE - Trdelník – originally from Transylvania, this tasty snack is a halfway house between churros and doughnuts. The batter is deep-fried, rolled in sugar, then dipped in chocolate and filled with ice cream. You'll see them rotating on hot rods in stalls all across the city. - Goulash – a thick meat stew that is served with vegetables and dumplings. Beef is the traditional choice of meat, but you may come across chicken and pork too. Occasionally the goulash is served in a bread bowl which is gradually consumed with the stew. What a fantastic invention! - Gingerbread – a spiced sugary biscuit made using ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Often consumed around christmas. - Palačinky – a sweet Czech pancake that is thin, like a French crepe. Often served at food markets and local restaurants, this tasty dish can be found all throughout the city. Although not as common, it’s possible to get Palačinky with savoury fillings such as meat, cheese, potato, and spinach. - Bohemian Sauerkraut Soup (Kyselice) – a thick soup made of meat, sour cabbage, and enriched with cream. - Traditional Beerhouse Snacks - local ham, salami, pickled wiener sausages, onions, and hard bread. Anything that goes down well with a pint of pilsner! - Svíčková – a very popular meal in Prague. The dish is composed of braised beef with vegetables, spices, and Czech bread dumplings (knedlíky). - CAFÉ ELEKTRIC – a restaurant serving easy-eat food and world cuisine - great for brunch. - Vinohradský Pivovar – restaurant and brewery serving draught beer and delicious Czech food. - Perníčkův Sen - for the best gingerbread in Prague! It has more variations of gingerbread than you could imagine. Some are dipped in chocolate, others sprinkled with dried fruit and nuts; some are decorated with icing, others come in different shapes and sizes. One thing's for sure, they're all delicious! - Lokál – a chain of Czech beer halls with 6 locations throughout the city. Serving traditional food, such as Gothaj salami, chicken paprikash, Prague ham with horseradish sauce, and Přeštice sausage – all washed down with a pint of beer. - Restaurant Mlýnec - for a fine dining experience and to sample some contemporary Czech food. Riverside views and live jazz most evenings. - Lehká Hlava - vegetarian food served in a rustic, old building with a quirky interior. WHAT TO DRINK FOR 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE? - Beer – Prague, and the Czech Republic as a whole, has some of the most delicious beers in all of Europe. From Bavarian-style Pilsner to fruity Weiss-beers, and hoppy amber ales. No visit to Prague would be complete without sampling some of these drinks from one of the many coveted beer halls dotted throughout the city. - Wine – 90% of the Czech wine is sourced from the region of Moravia, 150 miles outside of Prague. There are 2 Vinograf wine bars in the city that serve the best selection of Czech wine – well worth sampling. - Black Angel’s Bar – a sophisticated Bohemian cocktail bar on the edge of the Old Town Square. - Bugsy's Bar – a modern and stylish cocktail bar near the Old Town. - Lokál – a chain of Czech beer halls with 6 locations throughout the city. - Tretter's – an upmarket 1930s New York style cocktail bar. - U Kunštátů – a beer hall in an old stone building serving tasting flights of craft beer. - Prague Beer Museum – a pub where you can sample a selection of the 30 draft beers. There are a few to try from but the most popular is on the eastern riverbank by the Old Town Bridge. - Zlý Casy – a microbrewer with some of the largest beer selections in the whole of the city. WHERE TO STAY FOR 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE? In Prague, there are a huge range of options for accommodation such as hotels, hostels, apartments, boutique establishments, and B&Bs. Finding a place to stay won’t be a problem and you can be sure wherever you choose for your 3 days in Prague, it will be within walking distance of everywhere else. It’s more important to find the right neighbourhood in the city that suits you. The Old Town (Staré Město) is the busiest area of Prague with many accommodation options in what is considered to be the heart of the city. These hotels can be overcrowded and overpriced but if you want to be in the middle of it all, this is a good place to look. However, considering how accessible Prague is, you may want to look slightly further afield to find more reasonably priced accommodation that is just as charming and still within a stone’s throw of all the main features. Mala Strana (Lesser Town) is a quieter area of the city with a lower pedestrian footfall at night. It is filled with plenty of authentic local bars and restaurants whilst being within walking distance of the Old Town over the river. It is a charming part of the city and a wonderful place to stay but accommodation can be quite pricey. New Town (Nové Město) is another great option if you are more budget-conscious. Despite being built in the 14th-century, it is a hub for commercial tastes and is dominated by 20th-century architecture. It is centrally located and is a convenient alternative to the Old Town for a lower price. BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PRAGUE During the warm summer months, people flock to the city to make the most of the sun-basked streets and the mild, pleasant evenings. Accommodation and tourist sites become booked up and prices all across the city rise. Getting around without encountering any crowds is a difficulty. To maximise the good weather, but avoid some of the crowds of sightseers, it’s worth opting for the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn. In May and September, temperatures can still hover around 20 degrees whilst prices and visitor numbers are notably lower. If shopping is key to your visit, December may be the best time to spend 3 days in Prague. The city transforms into an old-style Christmas market with merchants selling hand-made souvenirs and authentic Bohemian trinkets. The general atmosphere in the city is magical with snow not unheard of. It is low season, with discount prices and thin crowds reflecting this. BONUS LOCATIONS (IF YOU HAVE TIME) - Jewish District (Josefov) – an old Jewish ghetto where resident Jews were forced to live from the 13th-century onwards. Over the years, this neighborhood grew, as Jews from many countries re-located to this district. There are numerous houses, buildings, and synagogues on display in this area. - Národní Museum – founded in 1818, the National Museum is actually a series of buildings located throughout the city with the most spectacular building on the edge of Wenceslas Square. - The Powder Tower (Prašná Brána) – a 15th-century tower gate on the eastern edge of the Old Town. It was originally constructed to mark the start of the Royal Route to Prague Castle. There is an observation deck 44 metres above the city. - Wenceslas Square – the second most famous square in Prague following the Old Town Square. It is actually more of an avenue, with the street lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. Photo Credits: Dmitry Goykolov on Unsplash

INTRODUCTION: Formed in 1991 after the disbanding of Yugoslavia, the country of Slovenia is a place of natural beauty and wondrous landscapes. It is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with deep caverns, limestone mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and sapphire rivers. Slovenia is a small country which makes it perfect to explore over a 7-day itinerary. Many of the country’s best sites can be visited during this time. Two-thirds of the country is covered in woodland and there are at least 10,000 caves – and those are only the one’s that have been named! There are many lakes to explore and the Triglav National Park is a highlight of the natural beauty. It is located in the north western corner of the country and rubs shoulders with the magnificent Julian Alps. Many of these spots can be explored on foot and the hiking opportunities are endless. Most travellers fly to the capital city of Ljubljana where they are charmed by its close-knit streets and a Art Nouveau architecture before they head out into the surrounding areas to explore the rest of the country. TRANSPORT: Ljubljana international airport takes flights from all across Europe and trans-continent. Some choose to arrive via train, particularly those making the most of the interrail routes that stretch across Europe. The Italian cultural marvel of Venice is only 2.5 hours by train; the valleys of Austria are 2 hours by train; and the Croatian capital of Zagreb is 2 hours by train. It's worth hiring a car to give you the most freedom exploring Slovenia as you will be driving to a number of different locations around the country. There are smaller side-trips to waterfalls and nature areas which will be much easier to visit with a car. If you wish to use public transport, there are bus links between many of the locations discussed in this itinerary. Tour operators such as Alpetour bus, Flixbus, and Nomadgo offer a good range of transport links. BONUS LOCATION: Although not included in this itinerary, you may want to spend a day or two visiting the Slovenian coast. There is one small section of the country that touches the Adriatic sea: the Slovenian Istria. It is 47 km long with 3 towns on the coastline, Piran being the most charming. The Piran Salt Pans are famous for harvesting salt and fleur de sel. The town is drenched with Italian-style architecture as it was part of the Venetian Empire for five centuries. Driving up the coast to the Strunjan Nature Reserve and Moon Bay is a wonderful excursion. Alternatively, stroll around the medieval city walls that were constructed to protect from Ottoman raiding parties. Visit Tartini Square and the Bell Tower viewpoint. Enjoy the azure ocean stretching out before you. Photos: Ales Krivec - Unsplash Erich Platzer - Unsplash Frantisek Duris - Unsplash Jaka Škrlep - Unsplash