Did you know that one in three Brits suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can be triggered by a lack of vitamin D that comes from the sun? For some it can be debilitating and they will need professional treatment, but for those who suffer from a more mild case of the ‘winter blues’ there are lots of things you can do to keep it at bay, including prescribing yourself a big dose of winter sun. During the heart of winter the UK gets just eight hours of sunlight (often fighting to be seen through…

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the UK, with the season bringing fresh blooms, greenery and warmer weather after a long winter. With a range of activities and attractions available, there’s something for everyone. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, the UK has a lot to offer in the springtime. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK in spring- updated for 2024! Top places to visit in the UK in Spring! 1 – Bath Bath is a beautiful city that’s perfect for a springtime visit. Known for its Roman…

Tired of Trondheim… bored of Berlin… vexed by Venice… numbed by Nuremberg? Maybe your travel pallet needs enlivening. Perhaps it’s time to take a novel look at some old favourites and what better to do that than with special events across Europe? Here are six picks for 2024 that’ll reinvigorate even the most jaded traveller. We’ve also included some ideas about how to enjoy them without breaking the bank – even the posh ones! So, if you want to find out how to soak up the glitz and glamour of the Venice Biennale without running up huge debts, then this…

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, has a rich history and some wonderful scenery. It was my temporary home for four days in April – a visit that reinforced my love of all things Italian, especially the food. I stayed in Cagliari – pronounced Calyari by the locals – a perfect base for exploring the southern half of the island. It was intensively bombed by the Allies during 1943, so much of what’s on show is pretty recent. But don’t let that put you off – there’s plenty to see and do. Getting from the airport is…

Madrid is a fabulous city – there’s so much to see and do, eat and drink, explore and enjoy. It’s a feast for the senses, soaked in history and overflowing with museums. It’s also an excellent base for wider travels thanks to its brilliant rail connections. However, there are few top tips you’ll need to know before you set off on your day trips from Madrid. Spain by train Spain’s capital sits at the heart of a national rail network that reaches into the four corners of the country. However, for my visit I decided to limit my out-of-town treks…