Can an Austrian hostel give a luxury ski chalet a run for its money?
Ski accommodation can be prohibitively expensive, but a cosy youth hostel puts the Montafon resort and its glorious runs within reach for those on a budget
On the trail of the Romantics in the Welsh borders
The ruins of Tintern Abbey have inspired artists and poets. Now, the restoration of a historic inn has given visitors a perfect base for exploring this corner of Monmouthshire
Totally Med: exploring Menton, where the French and Italian rivieras meet
Feted for its warm winters and famous lemons, the seaside border town has attracted artists and writers from around the world
Share a tip on a trip to France
Tell us about your favourite break in France, whether it was in the town or countryside – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
Five of Europe’s best accessible island escapes
From the Venetian lagoon to the sparkling Med, these island getaways offer a welcome change of pace just a short hop from the mainland
‘I have the island to myself’: how to be a castaway in Cornwall
Book an overnight stay in the cosy smuggler’s cottage on Looe Island and you get to enjoy this marine nature reserve after the day trippers have gone home
Pristine waters teeming with marine life: a deep dive into the Greek island of Alonissos
Divers come for one of the world’s most significant marine reserves, but there’s plenty to do on land too – from hiking trails and beaches to seafood tavernas
‘No cars, unspoilt beaches and seabirds rule’: readers’ favourite European island escapes
From the rugged north of Scotland to the glittering Aegean, our tipsters recommend islands for slowing down, lazing around and taking in nature
It takes a village – the pioneering tourism project breathing new life into India’s mountain communities
Over the past 21 years, Village Ways has been leading low-impact tours of remote communities in the foothills of the Himalayas, supporting traditional ways of life and offering a rare glimpse of pristine landscapes and wildlife
My stay in Switzerland’s oldest mountain inn – where winter sports aren’t allowed
Perched high above a frozen lake, Grimsel Hospiz in the Bernese Oberland offers an unusual winter escape, with gourmet food, a hot tub, star-filled skies and no distractions
Seven of the best music festivals to visit by train from the UK
From jazz in Rotterdam and hip-hop in Paris to brass bands on the beach in Blackpool, the Guardian’s music editor chooses the best European festivals that can be reached by rail
Tell us about your favourite UK spring activity or day out
Share a tip on a fun, family day out that celebrates the arrival of spring in the UK – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
10 of the best affordable family adventures in Europe
From packrafting in Luxembourg to cycling in Slovenia and eclipse-spotting in Spain, here are some great ways to get the kids into the wild
‘Children see magic in the smallest adventures’: exploring Scotland with my four-year-old
On a tight budget, we stayed in a bothy, climbed a mountain, looked for Nessie and – best of all – made memories that money can’t buy
‘Incredibly liveable and creatively buzzy’: Bret McKenzie’s guide to Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara
The Flight of the Conchords comedian shares the New Zealand capital’s best coffee, nature spots and the pastries he’ll queue out the door for