Away with Gina Chick: ‘I like to travel with a parrot. I get to feel like a pirate’

In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about travel, the Alone Australia survivalist reveals what roadkill squirrel tastes like and why she likes to bring out her guitar in airports

From world’s ‘roughest wilderness hotel’ to a cosy Cotswolds hideaway: 10 adventure stays in Europe

These retreats are the perfect base for an active break exploring Europe’s great outdoors

25 of the best hotels, B&Bs and chateaux in France

From country houses and mountain chalets to seaside chambres d’hôte and cool city pads, our France travel expert picks her favourite boltholes

‘It smells of salt marshes, maritime pines, peace and quiet’: readers’ favourite travel discoveries in France

Our tipsters share their French delights, from fresh oysters and mountain trains to surf beaches and pretty harbour towns

A frozen, protected wonderland: slow adventure in the less visited French Alps

At the gateway to the Vanoise national park, new cabins make a great base for a wild winter retreat that’s laid-back but packed with activity

Winter waterway: a cosy off-season trip on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

A centrally heated boat proves perfect for a quiet Pennine cruise but canal maintenance and stormy weather mean plans have to be flexible

My journey into the fairytale world of Maramureș – the Romania time forgot

A German couple who renovate abandoned wooden houses and rent them out offer a window on to a traditional way of life in the north of the country

Tell us about a trip to Morocco

Whether you hiked the Atlas Mountains or enjoyed a beach or city break, share a tip on your favourite Moroccan find – the best wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

Flight-free to Tunisia: London to Tunis in two days by rail and ferry

This epic but comfortable and surprisingly quick journey sets you up perfectly to explore Tunisia’s ancient sites, cuisine and medinas

Away with Kumi Taguchi: ‘I am really comfortable and happy travelling on my own’

In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about travel, the TV presenter recounts a meal in Japan that took a dark turn – and reveals the most ‘magical place’ she has ever visited

Reach for the stars: the best dark-sky destinations in Britain

This month is viewed as galaxy season in the northern hemisphere, so seek out wide open spaces around the country to gaze up into the heavens, undimmed by light pollution

For a front row view of all humans, book a seat on a long-distance train

With the little homes the passengers build for themselves out of laptops and crisps, it’s microcosmic

Heavenly stays: 10 of the best monastery breaks in Europe

From frugal retreats to luxury escapes, these convents and monasteries offer peace and spectacular locations for all faiths

To Big Sur, with love: a monastery stay on the northern California coast

High above the Pacific, a hermitage offers a world without distraction, where silence, serenity and joy reign supreme

‘We were inspired, recharged and nourished by nature’: readers’ favourite wellness trips

From mindful walking in the Yorkshire Dales to a Buddhist retreat in Japan, our tipsters have found inner peace and rejuvenation all over the world