A different kind of girls’ weekend: adventure and creativity in Carmarthenshire
Curated getaways in south-west Wales offer wellbeing and crafty fun for groups of women amid beautiful scenery
Slow train to Turin: a winter journey through the Swiss Alps to Italy
By travelling during the day on scenic routes, travellers can soak up spectacular landscapes before taking in Turin’s cultural heritage
Share a tip on a sunny spring break in Europe
Tell us about your favourite early spring discoveries that offer sunshine without flying – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
My search for the perfect Danish pastry in Copenhagen
In a city packed with bakeries, how do you find the best? I risked tooth decay to locate the ideal blend of crisp pastry, an oozy centre and sugary cinnamon
Island-hopping in Sweden: an enchanted maze of tiny isles – only a bus ride from Gothenburg
From a bioluminescent nightime sea to rare wildlife, natural wonders are on tap in the Gothenburg archipelago
Walk this way: new Australian hikes to try in 2026
From accessible urban strolls to multi-day treks through world heritage-listed sites, walkers are spoiled for choice
What makes Finland the happiest place on Earth?
For the last eight years, Finland has topped the list of the world’s happiest countries. Our writer embarks on a tour to discover the Finns’ secret
‘We had Norway’s glacial lakes to ourselves’: readers’ favourite breaks in Scandinavia and Finland
Saunas, island hops, mountain hikes, great design and cosy cafes abound in our readers’ treasured memories of the Nordic countries
Sledges, bears and a hotel with Wes Anderson vibes: Switzerland’s quirkiest family ski resort
Forget flashy St Moritz or Zermatt, the unsung village of Arosa has childlike charm, with animal sanctuaries, cool accommodation and kid-friendly tobogganing
Protecting one of Europe’s last wild rivers: a volunteering trip to the Vjosa in Albania
Now a ‘wild river national park’, the Vjosa needs more trees to be planted to preserve its fragile ecosystem. And visitors are being asked to help …
Zoning in on Leith, Edinburgh – ‘It’s been a joy to watch the area reinvent itself’
The historic port district – and setting for Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting – has evolved into a cultural and culinary hub. In the first of a new series, a local resident visits the venues powering the resurgence
Tell us about your favourite romantic place in Europe
Share a tip on a romantic spot – whether city, hotel or mountain top – the best wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
Do writing retreats actually work? Reader, I finished my novel in style …
The distractions of daily life can make writing a book a frustrating task, so I sought boltholes offering creative support and solitude in inspiring landscapes
10 of the best retreats in Europe to soothe mind, body and soul
Change your life – or just kick back and relax – by connecting with nature, trying a creative workshop, or taking a yoga course somewhere beautiful
Could a surfing retreat in Morocco conquer my fear of the sea?
The process of learning to catch a wave is an all-consuming activity that can prove to be a powerful therapeutic tool