Escapism
Basecamp Nordenskiöld is a five-bedroom cabin in the high Arctic of Svalbard, Norway. Reached by boat from the town of Longyearbyen, it is lit by candles (there's no electricity) and heated by wood fires. Guests can watch polar bears and seals, use the sauna, go on expeditions or just marvel at the view. A two-day all-inclusive stay, including pick-up, costs £640 adult, £382 child.
• basecampspitsbergen.com
Cheap date
Austria's Zillertal region is great in summer, with tons of activities. The tourist board's seven-night bike package costs from £266pp, including B&B accommodation in Mayrhofen, a six-day pass for cable cars, trains, buses and more, a guided bike tour, a day's bike hire, a day's guided hike, and a ticket for the Eagle's Stage bird of prey show.
• zillertal.at/en/summer/mountainsummer
Weird world
Going on holiday to escape the UK's downpours is the norm. But a new trip promises to whisk Brits away to even rainier climes. India-based sustainable tour company Greener Pastures has two monsoon experience trips: one is to Meghalaya, the rainiest place on the planet, and another to Assam's tea plantations, where rain fills the air with the scent of tea.
• thegreenerpastures.com
Where's hot now?
• 33C Tunis, Tunisia
• 27C Florence, Italy
• 25C Split, Croatia
• 24C Málaga, Spain
• 23C Bournemouth, UK
What's new?
UK food tour
The hit Peruvian restaurant Ceviche, in London's Soho, is taking its spicy fish dishes on the road, with a tour of Britain starting on 1 July. It will open pop-ups in restaurants in 10 destinations, including Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, North Shields, Loch Fyne and Edinburgh. Dinner costs £48pp including a copy of chef Martin Morales' recipe book, Ceviche Peruvian Kitchen, or £75pp including a cookery masterclass.
• cevicheuk.com
Portugal website
The Algarve isn't just about resorts and sunbathing. Holidaymakers looking to explore the rural side of the region might like to know about algarvenatural.pt, a website new for this season, which maps walks, nature activities and the most beautiful scenic spots, such as Praia dos Tres Irmaos.
London bar
Second world war warship HMS Belfast is opening an outdoor terrace bar this summer. Called Upper Deck, it is licensed until 10pm and offers views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Shard. There's space for 50 drinkers and diners, and snacks such as a British cheeseboard, cured meat selection or a Brixham crab sandwich are available every night. An on-shore cafe bar opened in April.
• iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast/eat-drink
Unrest in Turkey: What does it mean for holidaymakers?
As anti-government protests escalate across Turkey, is the country still safe for tourists? The Foreign Office says "further violent protests remain possible", and advises avoiding all demonstrations.
Hotspots are Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and the Besiktas area in Istanbul; the Kizilay district of the capital, Ankara; and the town centre and waterfront of Izmir. Demonstrations in Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum have mostly been peaceful. The FCO says protests usually begin in the afternoon/early evening and could disrupt transport (as could strikes), so leave extra time to get to the airport.
The FCO is not advising against travelling to Turkey – except for certain regions close to the Syrian border, as it has long done.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism says: "There are currently no problems with either transport or security in Istanbul [pictured] or any tourism regions and thus every sort of touristic activity is carrying on as normal." It added, "Flights in and out of Turkey are running as scheduled."
Andrew Lee of Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes said: "Foreign Office advice has not changed for coastal Turkey for many years, and it is entirely safe to travel as normal. Guests have continued to visit Istanbul as planned over recent days, simply avoiding the demonstrations."
A spokesperson for UTracks and World Expeditions said that if people cancel their holiday because of the unrest, they will not be offered a refund. "We are keeping a close eye on what the FCO says and at the moment our trips visit trouble-free areas, so there is no reason to cancel."
Snow watch
We'd left this slot for the winter, then heard that it was still snowing in the Alps – every day the week before last in Les Deux Alpes, the French ski resort. The glacier opens for summer skiing from 22 June to 31 August, and there's a snowpark and lessons for beginners.
• les2alpes.com, day pass €36
Travel trash
Can't bear drinking claret from a plastic cup? Handy for picnics, parties or long car journeys (not for the driver though), the Vino2Go is an insulated travel wine glass set within a stable cup, and with a slide-action silicone lid, price £14.99
• firebox.com
