‘There is bounty almost everywhere’: why you’ll always find me in the flea market on my travels

Forget sightseeing, secondhand shopping is now a major draw for tourists. A seasoned bargain-hunter shares her tips on picking up the best vintage finds when travelling abroad

‘Fabulous 50s dresses and even a kilt’: readers’ favourite vintage shops and markets in Europe

Our tipsters rummage through thrift stores and markets from Budapest to Bologna

Calabria comes alive with song and dance: how a new generation is revitalising southern Italy’s quiet villages

The small communes of Lago and Conflenti are putting themselves back on the map with a series of community-run music and food festivals

Share a tip on an a winter UK rural break

Tell us about your favourite winter holiday in the UK – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays stay

Autumn in Alentejo: ancient city sites and golden vineyards in Portugal

Despite its world heritage site status and plethora of tourist attractions, Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, retains a laidback charm and boasts wonderful food and drink

‘The Irish landscape whispers tales of the past’: a trip beyond the blarney in far-flung Donegal

Our writer explores the cliffs, beaches and villages of the Gaeltacht area of Donegal and sees the landscape afresh through the Irish language

Share a travel tip on a lesser-known corner of Italy

Tell us about your favourite under-the-radar spot in Italy – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

‘The silence allows me to hear every flurry of falling snow’: walking in Switzerland’s hidden valley

Laced with hiking trails, the remote Swiss valley of Lower Engadine is the perfect place to reconnect with nature

Sleigh rides, spas and snowshoeing: 10 of the best winter holidays in Europe

Ditch the skis – these winter breaks are all about stunning mountain scenery, cosy places to stay and fun activities

I skied up to the highest mountain hut in the Swedish Arctic. My reward? A whiteout …

An epic rail trip to Sweden’s Arctic north ends with a surreal skiing experience – and waffles for breakfast while sitting out a snowstorm

‘You don’t have to hurtle down slopes or dance like crazy at après parties’: readers’ favourite winter mountain holidays in Europe

The Alps, Spain’s Sierra Nevada and the national parks of Sweden and Albania feature among our readers’ treasured winter mountain breaks

‘The world’s most haunted forest’: twisted trees, UFOs and spooky stories in Transylvania

The native woodland of Hoia-Baciu in Romania is a place where the human imagination can run riot. A guided night tour is the perfect way to discover its otherworldly charms

The young local talent breathing new life into the Isle of Skye’s food scene

A new generation of chefs and distillers are showcasing the Hebridean island’s outstanding produce and creating jobs for fellow islanders

Kicking back in Catalonia: a new eco-retreat in Spain with yoga, ebikes and volcano hikes

Set within a volcanic nature reserve, this charmingly repurposed 17th-century farmhouse has all bases covered for a relaxing, rustic microadventure

Tell us about a historic stay in Europe, including the UK

Share a tip on accommodation that takes you back in time – the best wins £200 towards a Coolstays break