Autumn in Madrid: why Spain’s capital is city-break gold
The searing summer over, it’s back to business as usual in Madrid – which means dazzling blue skies and a bounty of cultural events
‘Like it had been put on Earth specially for me’: readers’ favourite European city breaks
From the later summer glow of Marseille to polar nights in Tromsø, our tipsters choose their favourite cities
‘I stayed in a manor fit for a Baltic baron’: exploring Latvia’s pristine coast and forests
West of Riga lies a wonderland of empty beaches, ancient castles and charming mansions for the price of a B&B
Savouring delicious food and autumn sun in Croatia
Kvarner is a European Region of Gastronomy for 2026, and the laid-back islands of Lošinj and Cres are great places to explore its cuisine
They were lost in the wild and on the verge of death. This is how they survived
Thousands of search and rescue missions are conducted in the US each year. Who perishes, who gets found, and why?
Deserted islands, seagrass meadows and endless ocean: kayaking in Sweden’s new marine national park
In Nämdöskärgården, in the Stockholm archipelago, low-impact tourism is helping visitors appreciate the region’s fragile ecology and ocean conservation efforts
Tell us about a great trip you’ve had since hitting 60
Share your favourite travel experience as an over-60 – the best wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
The Exmouth factor – exploring the south Devon beach town by bus, train and on foot
Easy to reach by rail and a seafood-lover’s paradise, Exmouth is a perfect place for decompressing, with walks and boat rides on the doorstep
Six of the best stress-free European breaks by train
From a Dutch beach break to a forest lodge near Paris, there’s no flight or car required on these relaxing jaunts
Vast and spectacular: a five-day hike to Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge in Nitmiluk national park
Walking the rocky and remote Northern Territory terrain, Tegan Forder finds lush ravines, undulating trails, delicate native flowers and stunning sunsets
Six of the best stress-free UK breaks by train
From a posh Scottish bothy to a new budget hotel in the Lakes, there’s no driving required on these relaxing jaunts
‘Hop on the boat and wake up in Spain’: readers’ favourite ferry breaks from the UK
From Rotterdam to Bilbao, our tipsters recommend the best trips by ferry
Biometric checks to visit EU could take nine months to fully enforce
Though registration kiosks are due to open in UK in two weeks, system may not be fully enforced for nine months
Fresh perspectives: the best outdoor art trails in the UK this autumn
Free walking routes connect sculptures, murals, soundscapes and more in locations across the country – from butterflies in Brontë country to ceramics in Stoke
‘Immortalised by Monet’: the enduring seaside charm of Trouville, Normandy
The impressionist painter was much taken by the stylish villas and unique light of the French port, which 150 years on still refuses to be outshone by glitzy big sister Deauville