Stretch out summer: 10 last-minute UK beach breaks
It’s not over yet … These 10 idyllic beach stays around Britain offer September sun and no crowds
From a boozer to the Norfolk Broads: a riverside walk to The Ship, Reedham
A tiny railway halt is the gateway to an idyllic stroll ending at a flower-shrouded pub
Me, myself and Interrail – a solo train trip around Europe
What to do when you’ve bought two passes but your husband won’t go? Go anyway and have a fantastic time doing exactly what you want
At every turn Etna loomed, smoke hovering above the crater: a family rail adventure from the UK to Sicily
A family heads to Sicily and takes in Palermo, Catania and the circular narrow gauge railway around Mount Etna
‘Choose something you love, and go and do it’: readers on the joy of solo travel
From joining in a five-a-side football match in Lisbon to sharing a bird hide in Sweden, our tipsters find that going solo is enriching, not lonely
I walked 1,000 miles alone through Europe – and learned that fear is the price of freedom
I take risks on solo hikes, navigating animal traps and dangerous terrain. But for a woman, men are the biggest threat. I do it to be more open to the world, in the hope it will be more open to me
Perfect harmony – six musical holidays in Britain and Europe
Whether it’s gypsy jazz, the blues, folk or flamenco, these retreats cater for musicians of all levels looking to up their game – and have fun
Brora, the best British beach you’ve never heard of
With great water sports, coastal walks, wildlife and an ice-cream parlour, this idyllic spot in Sutherland is the perfect hangout – and no one seems to know about it
Open house days: 10 of the best UK architectural attractions to visit for free
In September, thousands of monuments, civic buildings and private homes throw open their doors to offer a rare glimpse of normally off-limits spaces. Here are some lesser-known treasures around the country
Tell us about your favourite European railway hotel and you could win a £200 holiday voucher
Share details of a lovely place you’ve stayed to break your journey – the best tip wins a Coolstays break
Train versus plane: with many domestic flights banned in France, we test its rail network
Visionary policy or pipe dream? An 18-day, 3,000km loop from Paris to the Atlantic and Mediterranean and back should tell us
Tranquil Turkey: soaking up the coast at a slower pace
Life moves at a gentler pace in the peaceful fishing villages of the spectacular Bozburun peninsula. By Annabelle Thorpe
In Sudan, I rode the roof of the train for three days: why rail is the best way to travel
Memorable trips in France, Sri Lanka, Canada and more underline just how superior the train is to taking a plane
Four long-distance, good-value rail trips from the UK to Europe
Our rail travel expert picks the best routes for exploring mainland Europe by train and ferry
My epic three-day trip from London to Morocco by train and ferry
Yes, flying would have cost less in time and money, but the train trip to Tangier via Paris, Barcelona and Madrid leaves this traveller richer in many other ways