Destinations
I have been lucky to travel to many countries over the years. On this page, you will find all the destinations I have written about so far. Every guide is based on my own trips and the time I have spent exploring each place.
For every country, I share simple travel guides, easy itineraries and honest tips. I write about what to see, how to get around and what is truly worth your time. I focus on real experiences, not rushed trips.
If you are planning a visit or just looking for ideas, you will find useful links for each country below. These lead to my full destination guides, where I share more detail on places, walks, attractions, and local experiences.
You may also find a small number of guest posts for some cities, written by fellow bloggers who share their own travel stories from those destinations.
Contents
Europe
Europe is the region I have travelled in the most. It offers a mix of history, culture, landscapes and easy travel between countries. Many of these trips we undertook were slow and unhurried, which made the experiences richer.
- Austria
- Channel Islands
- Croatia
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Austria
Austria is known for its alpine scenery, clear lakes and well-planned road trips. It is a great country for nature lovers and for those who enjoy slower, scenic travel. The landscapes change quickly, from mountain passes to calm lakeside towns.
Vienna, the capital, is rich in history, grand buildings, and classical music. Other popular places include Salzburg, known for its old town and setting near the Alps, and Innsbruck, which sits right in the mountains and works well as a base for outdoor activities.
One of my favourite experiences in Austria was driving through the Alps. You can read more about this in 'Driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road', which covers the route, viewpoints, and what to expect.
For more ideas, itineraries and practical tips, see my Austria travel guide.
Channel Islands
The Channel Islands offer coastal views, quiet beaches, and a much slower pace of travel. They are ideal for short breaks, coastal walks, and relaxed days by the sea. The islands feel close to the UK but have a very different character.
We have visited both Jersey and Guernsey on different occasions. Jersey is the larger of the two and works well for first-time visitors, with good transport links, sandy beaches, and scenic cliff paths. Guernsey feels a little quieter and more traditional, with pretty harbours, coastal forts, and great walking routes.
Jersey is easy to reach from the UK by ferry or flight. I share routes, timings, and practical advice in 'Travel to Jersey with Condor Ferries', which is useful if you are planning your own trip.
Croatia
Croatia combines historic towns, clear blue water, and well-protected national parks. It is easy to travel around, with short distances between places. This makes it a good choice if you want to see a mix of cities, coast, and nature in one trip.
Dalmatia is one of the most visited regions, with cities like Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar offering history, beaches, and island trips. Istria, in the north, feels more relaxed and is known for hill towns, food, and vineyards. Inland Croatia is greener and less crowded, with waterfalls, lakes, and forested areas.
One of the most popular natural sights is covered in 'Krka National Park', where you can walk along wooden paths and see a series of waterfalls.
You can find more destinations, day trip ideas etc. in my Croatia travel guide.
France
France offers a mix of lively cities, peaceful countryside, and varied coastal regions. It suits both relaxed travel and short breaks, whether you enjoy culture, food, or slow days exploring on foot. Each region feels different, which makes repeat visits easy.
Paris is the most visited city and is known for its landmarks, museums, and neighbourhood walks. Other popular cities include Lyon, famous for food, Marseille on the Mediterranean coast, and Nice along the French Riviera. Beyond the cities, regions like Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley are loved for villages, landscapes, and historic sites.
I have explored parts of France so far and will be adding more France guides over time, covering routes, places to visit, and practical travel tips.
Germany
Germany works very well for city breaks. Public transport is reliable, cities are walkable and trains connect major places quickly. It is a good country for first-time travellers in Europe.
Berlin is a great place to start, with its mix of history, museums, street art and green spaces. Other popular cities include Munich, known for beer halls and nearby alpine scenery, Hamburg with its harbour and canals, and Cologne, famous for its cathedral. Across the country, you will also find castles, old town squares, and scenic river valleys.
German food is hearty and comforting. Popular dishes include sausages, pretzels, schnitzel and regional specialities that change from place to place. For a simple itinerary, take a look at 'A Weekend in Berlin'.
For more destinations, check out our selection of German city itineraries.
Italy
Italy sits in southern Europe and is known for its long history, varied regions, and strong food culture. It appeals to travellers who enjoy art, architecture, history and good food. Even busy cities feel rewarding if you slow down and explore on foot.
Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world, with sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City close by. Other popular cities include Florence, known for art and Renaissance buildings, Venice with its canals, and Milan for fashion and modern culture. Smaller towns and rural areas also offer a quieter side of Italy.
Food is a big part of travel here. Pasta, pizza, gelato and regional dishes are simple but full of flavour. In 'Exploring Rome on a Budget', I share tips and must-see sights in the capital city.
For more cities, itineraries, and practical advice, see my Italy travel guide.
Norway
Norway is ideal for nature-focused travel. Fjords, mountains, waterfalls and wide open landscapes define the experience. It is a country that suits slow travel and time outdoors, especially if you enjoy walking and scenic views.
Oslo, the capital, offers museums, waterfront walks, and easy access to nature. Bergen is often seen as the gateway to the fjords, while smaller towns feel calm and scenic. Much of Norway’s appeal lies outside the cities, in the dramatic landscapes and quiet fjord regions.
We visited Norway on a Fjordlands cruise from the UK, which was a unique way to see the country. It allowed us to experience several fjords and coastal towns without rushing. My favourite stop was Eidfjord and you read more about it in 'Exploring Eidfjord in the Norwegian Fjordlands'.
Poland
Poland offers a strong mix of history, culture and good value travel. It is often less crowded than other parts of Europe, which makes sightseeing more relaxed. Cities are compact and easy to explore on foot or by public transport.
Kraków is one of the most visited cities, known for its old town and castle. It is also the main base for visiting important historic sites nearby. Warsaw, the capital, blends modern buildings with carefully restored historic areas, while Gdańsk stands out for its colourful architecture and maritime history.
Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most important and sobering historical sites in Europe. Visiting is a powerful and emotional experience, and many travellers choose to include it as part of a trip to southern Poland.
Another major attraction near Kraków is The Wieliczka Salt Mine, which gives an insight into Poland’s industrial history.
For more travel tips and ideas, check out my Poland travel guide.
Portugal
Portugal is relaxed, easy to plan for and a country we keep going back to. It suits many styles of travel, from road trips and city breaks to slow coastal stays. Distances are short, which makes moving around simple.
Lisbon and Porto are the two main cities, both full of character, viewpoints, and historic neighbourhoods. The Algarve is one of the most popular regions, known for its beaches, coastal walks, and dramatic cliffs. The Azores are a quieter, more nature-focused option, with volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and peaceful hiking trails that are perfect for a slower pace. Inland towns and villages also show a different, calm side of Portugal.
We have spent time in different parts of the country, and it continues to draw us back. The Algarve is a region I cover in detail, with routes and travel tips in my '6-Day Algarve Itinerary'.
For more destinations, planning tips and travel ideas, visit my Portugal travel guide.
Romania
Romania offers mountains, wildlife, and historic towns, and it is still less crowded than many parts of Europe. It is a great country for slower travel, scenic drives, and time in nature. The landscapes feel varied and often untouched.
Bucharest, the capital, mixes grand historic buildings with a more modern side. Other popular places include Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara, all known for their old towns and links to Transylvanian history. Rural areas and mountain regions show a quieter and more traditional side of the country.
One of my favourite experiences in Romania was driving the Transfăgărășan, which I highly recommend. It is one of the most scenic mountain roads in Europe. Wildlife spotting is another highlight, and I share more about this in 'Romania’s Brown Bears'.
You can explore more destinations, routes, and travel ideas in my Romania travel guide.
Spain
Spain combines culture, food, and striking architecture, and it is another country we keep going back to. It is easy to travel around, and each region feels very different, which makes repeat visits appealing.
Madrid, the capital, is known for its museums, wide streets and lively atmosphere. Barcelona is a favourite for many visitors, with its unique architecture and coastal setting. Other popular regions include Andalusia, with cities like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba and northern Spain, which feels greener and more relaxed.
For more cities, regions, and planning tips, visit my Spain travel guide.
Switzerland
Switzerland is scenic, well organised, and a country I have visited several times while exploring different regions. It is known for its mountains, lakes, and tidy towns, and it suits train travel, walking, and slower stays. The scenery is a big part of what keeps drawing me back.
Bern, the capital, has a compact old town and a relaxed feel. Other popular cities include Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, each offering a mix of history, lakeside walks, and easy access to nature. Basel is another highlight, known for its museums, riverside charm, and cultural events. In the French-speaking region, the Canton of Vaud and the city of Lausanne are perfect for lakeside walks, historic streets, and scenic views over Lake Geneva. Smaller towns and villages often feel just as rewarding as the larger cities.
One town I really enjoyed was Gruyères, known for its medieval streets and setting. I explain why in 'Why You Must Visit the Historic Town of Gruyères'.
For more destinations, routes, and travel ideas, visit my Switzerland travel guide.
United Kingdom
The UK has been home for nearly 20 years. Over that time, we have travelled widely and explored much of the country. It is easy to get around, and every region feels different.
England offers a lot of variety. London is packed with history, museums, and well-known sights. Cities like York, Bath, and Oxford are rich in heritage. The countryside is just as rewarding, especially places like the Peak District and the Lake District.
Scotland feels wild and dramatic. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have strong character. The Highlands are some of the most scenic areas in the UK. Glencoe stands out for its views and walking routes.
Wales is smaller but full of natural beauty. Snowdonia has rugged mountains and quiet paths. The coast is just as appealing, with long walks and peaceful towns.
Northern Ireland is often overlooked. Belfast has changed a lot in recent years and is worth visiting. The Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast are key highlights.
Walking is something we love. And you will see that I regularly share walks we have enjoyed across England, Scotland and Wales. Some favourites include the 'Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk', the 'Foggintor Quarry Walk', the 'Milldale to Dovedale walk in the Peak District' and 'The Lost Valley Walk in Glencoe'.
For a wider overview, visit my United Kingdom travel guide.
Vatican City
Vatican City is small but packed with history and art. Planning ahead makes a big difference. I share what to expect in Visiting the Vatican.
Asia
Asia offers rich culture, history, and strong local traditions. Travel here often feels deeper and more rooted in everyday life.
India
India is where I was born and where I spent nearly 30 years before moving to the UK. It is a huge country, and every region feels different. Travel here is busy, colourful and full of contrast.
The main cities are spread across the country. Delhi mixes history with modern life. Mumbai is fast-paced and known for food and film. Chennai and Bengaluru are key cities in the south. Kolkata is rich in culture and traditions. Each city has its own rhythm.
India has many well-known tourist regions. Rajasthan is popular for forts, palaces, and desert towns. Kerala is known for backwaters, greenery, and calm travel. Goa attracts visitors for its beaches and relaxed feel. The Himalayas draw people for nature, temples, and mountain views.
Food is a big part of daily life. Every region has its own dishes and flavours. Street food is popular everywhere and worth trying.
Culture and religion shape everyday life. Temples are found in every part of the country and are still active places of worship. Some are small and local, while others are large and famous. Visiting temples gives real insight into Indian life.
Festivals bring everything together. They are loud, joyful, and deeply traditional. I have written about Bommai Golu during Dussehra and the Festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu, both of which are close to my heart.
You can find more travel tips in my India travel guide.
Turkey
Turkey sits between Europe and Asia, and you can feel this mix everywhere. Many traditions, food, and landscapes lean more towards Asia, which is why I include it here. It feels familiar but also very different.
Istanbul is the main city most people start with. It is full of history, mosques, and busy streets. Cappadocia is known for its rock landscapes and hot air balloons. Antalya and the south coast are popular for beaches, ruins, and warm weather.
Historic sites are a big draw. Roman, Greek, and Ottoman remains are spread across the country. One standout site is the Roman Theatre of Aspendos in Antalya, which is incredibly well preserved and easy to visit.
Food is simple, fresh, and very good. Meals often include bread, vegetables, cheese, and grilled dishes. Street food is everywhere and easy to enjoy while exploring.
Turkey works well for relaxed travel and short breaks. It offers history, scenery, and good value. More destinations and planning tips can be found in my Turkey travel guide.