Lions are a big draw to Africa for almost everyone, but are sadly seriously endangered. Simply by travelling to Africa on safari you are helping these huge, beautiful creatures; 90% of the conservation work in Africa is done by tourism groups through the money raised by a percentage of your...

Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday for some): what’s not to love? The simple joy of eating freshly cooked English pancakes topped with sugar and lemon, rolled into a cylinder and cut into four easy to eat scrumptious segments. And gone in seconds … Well, that’s how we do it, because...

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect paradise that has sandy beaches, adrenaline-rush activities and spectacular sights, Saint Lucia has it all.  The sandy Caribbean beaches are not all the island has on offer as an emerald blanket of rainforest sweeps over much of the island including the majestic Pitons; Saint...

As I zoomed up the M1 my mind was on the coming weekend. I was going to the Traverse Bloggers Conference in Newcastle and hoping for an enjoyable and informative time.  Musing on the rapid changes seen in the world of travel blogging, social media and life in general and...

Holidays are a time to relax and unwind, a time to let the stresses and strains of everyday life fade away into the background as you enjoy a well-earned break. This isn’t always easy with the kids in tow, of course, and making sure they’re happy and looked after can...

Whilst many people head off for some winter sunshine, why don’t you buck the trend and discover the joys and delights of the UK in winter?  You’re guaranteed not to get too hot (unless you go too close to one of those pub fires) or have to expose more flesh...

When it comes to the most romantic cities in the world, perhaps only Paris can compete with the image that Rome carries in the hearts of lovers all over the globe.  Choosing hotels in Rome is not easy thing to do when there is so much to do and see...

David Hockney looking at a picture of fellow Yorkshireman Alan Bennett – photo Salts Mill You may have heard of, or even been to see, the new David Hockney exhibition at Tate Britain in London. One of this country’s most loved and respected artists, Hockney was born in Bradford in 1937,...

It looked a lot bigger than I had imagined. It also looked a lot prettier, covered in views of Canada’s splendid scenery. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Once you get on the road, you’ll soon forget its size and be enjoying yourself behind the wheel.” I was at the Cruise Canada pick-up centre...

With his hands clutching his long, flowing coat tightly around him, Sir William Hillary (1771-1841) stands high above Douglas Harbour, ready to face everything the weather can throw at him.  As founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution he was well aware of the changeable  meteorological temperament of his home,...

In this article in the World Travel Blogger series, photographer Angus Matheson describes The North Coast 500, a memorable road trip he did with his wife in the Highlands of Scotland. North Coast 500 – the greatest motoring adventure in the British Isles North Coast 500 In 2015 the North Coast...

The Toy Train to Shimla As we clattered along the narrow track, the mountains gradually emerged like shy ballerinas peeking out from behind a curtain of lush green foliage. Glimpsed intermittently at first, the foothills of the mightiest mountain range on earth rose amidst tiny hamlets and towering pine trees....

In our latest ‘World Travel Blogger‘ article, Canadian writer Cindy Baker shares her favourite things to do the beautiful city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal. The clatter of old trams, the smell of sardines on the grill, the haunting melancholy of fado music. In Lisbon, these traditions combine with a...

Barry McCann explains the history of a northern tradition that dates back centuries and illustrates it with some of photos from this year’s celebrations. Mayor of Preston in Guild Hall Procession There is a saying in Lancashire that goes “Once every Preston Guild” which is probably unfamiliar to anyone outside the county....

“No offence, but I want to be THERE, not here.” This was the response from Amber, a participant in one of my recent ‘Introduction to Travel Writing’ Workshops. The group had been given a table covered in travel magazines and I was asking them what had made them choose the one...