England has 62 Anglican and Catholic cathedrals – that’s a lot; enough, in fact, for some to get lost in the throng. And Lichfield, although notable for being one of only three to have three spires, risks losing out to the major players such as St Paul’s, Canterbury, Salisbury and Westminster. So is Lichfield worth a visit? The short answer is ‘yes’. The city has lots to see, although its uneasy balance of historic architecture and modern concrete is sometimes a bit jarring. But don’t be put off by that. The best bits are outstanding, not least the cathedral itself.…

Discover why Tuscany’s Hotel Byron is the place for those who want to see and be seen… Italy is an ideal summer destination for travellers all over the world. Food, art, and romance are just a few of the factors that make Italy beautiful. However, those who search for the finer things in life will find some additional luxury and sophistication in the town of Forte Dei Marmi. Immersed in the affluent town is the Hotel Byron, offering everything from a comfortable bedroom with suave décor to fine dining experiences at the hotel’s restaurant. Staying at Hotel Byron You will…

Kraków is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. It’s not just the former capital of Poland (1038-1596), it’s also awash with history and culture… as well as some truly bizarre myths and legends. Importantly for a traveller on a budget, it’s also very reasonably priced. Tempted? I knew you would be. So let’s dive in. Getting around I flew there with easyJet from Gatwick, jumped on a train from Kraków airport into the city centre (they run twice an hour) and then walked. There are trams and buses but it’s all very compact so I’d recommend shanks’s pony. You’ll not…

Athens can lay claim to being the seat of democracy – it’s the birthplace of modern politics. Its cultural heritage is no less impressive – the philosophers of ancient Greece still hold sway over the world of rational thought. Then there’s the food – simple but oh so tasty. And… it’s also not an expensive city, it’s easy to get around and the locals are definitely friendly. For all those reasons, and more, I decided it was time revisit a city I’d not seen for around 40 years. What immediately became clear is that I should have come back sooner.…

Ateen-friendly weekend in Naples – our guide to entertaining a teenage boy in one of Italy’s more surprising cities! I normally travel alone – as much through choice as circumstances – but I recently offered to take my teenage nephew away for a few days. I wanted to expose him to a world of adventure: the European city break. His parents were suspiciously enthusiastic about my offer; the only question that remained to be answered was where we should go. After a little thought I selected Naples, the Italian city most commonly equated with rampant corruption, rubbish in the streets,…

Thinking about hiring a car for your Lanzarote holiday? Do it! As someone who recently explored this fascinating Canary Island by car, I can tell you it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your trip. Here’s why you should consider renting a vehicle during your stay. 1 – It’s surprisingly affordable One of the first things that struck me about car hire in Lanzarote was how remarkably cheap it is. With competitive rates from various rental companies, it’s an unexpectedly budget-friendly addition to your holiday that can actually save you money in the long run. 2 –…