Trekking the Sabine Hills: in praise of Italy, summer and freedom
Author Tim Parks recalls dawn starts, oven-hot air and the chorus of cicadas that accompanied his trek through the hills north of Rome
‘The best meal of my life’: readers’ travel tips
The most memorable eating experiences are often as much about the moment and the unlikely location as the food itself – as these delicious encounters prove
Life after lockdown in New Zealand: a night out in Wanaka
After a strict seven weeks of confinement, the atmosphere in the resort town’s reopened bars varies from restrained to raucous
Don’t stand so close to me: top tactics for Covid-era socialising
From dining mannequins to tables with bumpers, restaurants and attractions around the world are using creative ways to ensure guests keep their distance
10 of the best chance encounters: readers’ travel memories
Jamming with Buddhists on a gong, divine detours and spectacular hospitality … our tipsters share their most memorable unexpected discoveries
How much do you know about the world’s drinks? Take a shot at our quiz and find out
You may now be a Zoom-drinks expert but can you tell a Tom Collins from a caesar or the origin of the caipirinha?
A local’s guide to virtual Venice
Venetian photographer Giacomo Cosua takes us on a tour of La Serenissima, through films, music, books, podcasts and virtual reality
How well do you know the foods of the world? Take our national dish quiz to find out
Are you hot stuff or just cold leftovers? Find out in our food and travel quizathon
10 of the best travel podcasts
From a walk along Watling Street to exploring space or the music of west Africa, these podcasts will take you out of your living room and into another world
Five of the best new UK hostels – reviewed
Take a city break in style – but still on a budget – at these hostels with great design (and decent grub) in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool and London
Trippin’ out on olives: a food lover’s guide to the Peloponnese
In the new Trip to Greece series Coogan and Brydon (plus Jagger, Caine and friends) are on an odyssey that takes in this peninsula’s superb food. Here are our highlights …
A sunny trip through art history in Perpignan and Collioure
This sheltered spot in south-west France attracted artists from Matisse to Picasso. We tour the ancient city, and nearby Vermillion Coast, that inspired them
Wine, cycling, art, cuisine: village life and a cool guesthouse south of Bordeaux
The former tasting house in Sauternes, noted for its luscious dessert wine, is now a stylish B&B – and a great base for a heady cycle tour of the area
Five holiday regions of France you may not know
At more than twice the size of the UK, France has lots to offer beyond the Riviera and the Loire valley, such as these lesser-known destinations of wild coasts, rugged hills and chateaux galore
10 great restaurants near stations in Europe: readers’ tips
From dumplings and sauerkraut to paella and pizza, superb meals can be had by walking a few minutes from the station … but allow for the waddle back to take a bit longer