Into the Peruvian Amazon: ‘I’m going to show you good things. Let’s start with an anaconda’

On the third leg of his South American trip, our writer heads to the remote city of Iquitos and braves a swim in the Amazon – despite the fearsome reputation of the local fish

How a solo retreat helped relight my creative fire

It felt selfish, but at home I couldn’t finish a thought without being interrupted by my kids – so I packed my bags and headed to the coast

Retro Paris: stepping back into the 70s

Take a nostalgia trip at a newly-opened hotel in the bohemian heart of the French capital

The British experience of the Mediterranean, 1976

Was this the reason why we set up the Common Market?

Alternative Greece: six of the best holidays beyond the sunlounger

From wildlife spotting to wine tasting and cargo boat sailing, discover new ways to explore the mainland and islands

Our epic family adventure hiking through Greece’s Vikos gorge

A rail trip across Europe to the spectacular Zagori region of Greece is the perfect bonding experience for the writer and her 11-year-old son

‘We loved pitching in an olive grove’: readers’ favourite campsites in Europe

From the shores of an Alpine lake to the banks of the Dordogne river, our tipsters share their top spots for a holiday under canvas

Rail route of the month: Nantes to Quimper, France – a Breton classic

In Brittany, modern regional trains with huge windows invite you to soak up the views. Our author’s final piece in her series takes in the line to Finistère

How I conquered the Isle of Man’s summit trails

With huge views taking in four countries – on a good day – the Isle of Man’s fells and peaks offer walkers a true sense of untapped adventure

Tell us about favourite escapes near European cities – you could win a holiday voucher

Share details of a brilliant, relaxing area on the doorstep of a city in Europe – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

From face-plants to flying across the lagoon: how I learned to kitesurf in Sicily

The coastline near Marsala is the perfect spot to practise your Superman moves on a residential kitesurfing course

Tell us about your favourite quiet corner of France – you could win a holiday voucher

Share your holiday discoveries on the less-known bits of France – the best tip win £200 towards a Coolstays break

The lost temples of Lake Titicaca: exploring the less developed Bolivian shore

On the second leg of his Amazon adventure, our writer looks at how tourism is supporting locals in an area of remote beauty and rich cultural heritagePart one: the alternative Machu Picchu

10 stunning hotels on Albania’s Riviera

Albania’s unspoilt Ionian coastline offers blue seas, picturesque villages and chic places to stay at great prices

‘The merry fellowship of bothies’: hiking in the Scottish Highlands

A hike between bothies – one old, one new – in the Cairngorms fosters a sense of community among strangers sheltering in the Highland wilderness