Oviedo

While Southern Spanish beaches are often far from relaxing, Asturias‘ calmer shores remain a haven of unspoilt sands. The area is also in prime position for immersing yourself in nature, thanks to the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range and some nine reserves designated as special by UNESCO. If you love the outdoors, Oviedo makes an intriguing city break destination, if you love cider, you’re also in for a treat, and if you love both, you just have to go and sample the famously locally produced brew and take in your majestic surroundings.

Vilnius 

Far from the packed squares and pavements of Prague, or Amsterdam, the Lithuanian capital brings a less frenetic change of scene. Here, pretty cobbled streets and intricate buildings mix with echoes of a more brutalist Soviet past. Once notoriously dubbed the g-spot of Europe by  tourism bosses, Vilnius remains a beautiful, quirky magnet for tourists, who may not have previously known where it was. Captivating in the spring sunshine, Vilnius packs some surprises —  where else could you find a statue of fictional mob boss Tony Soprano in pride of place at a railway station?

Rouen 

Often shunned by tourists in favour of Paris, Provence or the Loire Valley, the picturesque Normandy capital is for many, a hidden gem. Lovers of fine food and outstanding French gastronomy in particular find much to savour here. La Couronne restaurant continues to pull in discerning diners, after reportedly first opening in 1345, and carrying the honour of being France’s oldest inn. An unforgettable meal here will keep you talking for days. Rouen cathedral has been famously immortalised by Monet, but simply people watching outside its impressive spires can wile hours away. The city is also known for its grim place in history as where Joan of Arc was tried and executed, with  compelling reminders for history buffs.

Photo by me shows Rouen backstreets, taken spring 2024.

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Inexplicably, I’d decided to book more comfortable and inevitably expensive rooms as we went along, starting at the should-have-known-it-would-be-terrible seemingly massive bargain end.

A stay in a grubby Chattanooga motel, irritable from a nine-hour flight, followed by 120 miles in an unfamiliar (huge) hire car on daunting rush-hour highways, quickly proved a big mistake.

Thankfully our hit and miss bookings improved and by the time we got to nine nights in, NOPSI became an unforgettable highlight.

Built in 1927 and formerly used as the New Orleans Public Service Inc headquarters, NOPSI’s meticulously restored surroundings are a joy to spend time in. If you’re anything like me you may want to imagine prohibition era New Orleanians paying their electricity bills at the desks in its grand lobby – a bit reminiscent of a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life – erm, but not in a bank and almost 20 years earlier.

Stepping into the roomy foyer, with its marble floors and vaulted ceilings, subtly decorated with pristine pale colours, I couldn’t help but give a big ‘wow’ and smile.

Where is it?

Baronne Street, in the Central Business District.

What’s nearby?

Within walking distance of the iconic French Quarter and Bourbon Street. A fantastic deli around the corner which drew us back a few times. We enjoyed heading out towards the Mississippi for predictable but loved time on a steamboat . My partner also visited the World War II museum easily from here.

Rooms

There are 217 rooms on nine floors. The view from our small standard double was underwhelming as we looked out directly to an office building across the road. Other rooms have a more enticing view – of the city’s skyline. Furnishings were understated and great quality.

Food and drink

Public Service Restaurant

Chic is the word I am looking for. Also, costly to us. We didn’t eat here, preferring to explore more down to earth cafes and restaurants.

Plenty of locally sourced options. Has proved a favourite haunt for locals as well as tourists so don’t let my reluctance to splash the cash put you off if you want to savour a distinguished dining experience.

Henry’s Gin Bar

Yep – gin, gin and more gin. (I don’t like gin.) Also cocktails, other spirits and soft drinks of course. A stunning feature of the lobby with a relaxed atmosphere.

Above the Grid

Cocktails, drinks and light snacks at the rooftop bar. Diet Coke for me – really pushing the boat out.

Fitness facilities

A well-equipped fitness centre. Rooftop pool. (It was gorgeous and I was there like clockwork each morning.)

Service

Really lovely at every encounter. Remarkable.

Did we pay our way or was it a hosted/press trip?

We were on holiday and paid our way.

What we loved

Beautiful decor. Great service. Overall ambiance and attention to detail.
I was sometimes the first up and swimming in the rooftop pool and lounged around it, a lot. I even convinced my ‘ants in his pants’ partner to sit and do nothing much but read a book in the 32-degree autumn heat for a whole day, which, take it from me, is unheard of.

What weren’t we so keen on?

There wasn’t anything really negative. I’m sure some people would prefer to be away from a flourishing business district with a busy pavement outside, but that’s not something the hotel can control.

Cost per night

From $110 a night per person (prices checked June 2024) booking direct from hotel.

Find it on Google Maps

More information: https://www.nopsihotel.com/

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Other activities they’ve missed out on include camping (32%), eating a meal cooked on a camp stove (39%), or going crabbing in rockpools (41%). Shockingly, 39% of urban children only visit the countryside a maximum of three times a year.

The research, commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club, coincides with new Club president, Hamza Yassin launching an initiative to provide people with essential wildlife and camping experiences.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe-xEOmWkoE?si=QMAF7vbDAm0Ru_mJ&w=560&h=315]

Wildlife cameraman and Strictly champion Hamza, who introduced more than 40 first-time campers to the countryside and British wildlife, said: “I love going camping, connecting with nature and experiencing wildlife.”

“It’s something I believe all children should have the opportunity to do because let’s face it they are the future when it comes to protecting our natural world.”
“It was great to be able to introduce families to the joy of camping and show how it really puts you on nature’s doorstep giving them the chance to learn about the incredible outdoors and all the benefits it can bring.”
The study also discovered that 63% of parents whose child has visited a rural area believe their youngster would like to experience it more.

According to a survey, 46% of parents said their children often express an interest in visiting the countryside. However, 54% of those who don’t visit rural areas as much as they would like to cited ‘lack of time’ as the biggest reason for this.

The OnePoll.com data also revealed that 36% find distance the biggest barrier. Despite these challenges, 55% of all parents claim their child prefers being outdoors rather than indoors and 31% believe them to be very interested in nature and wildlife.
Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, which is launching a competition to win camping experiences and equipment, commented: “Spending time in the outdoors through camping can be an amazing experience for children, giving them a sense of wonder and freedom.”
“It’s a great way to connect with nature, see wildlife up close and learn skills such as map reading, cooking and pitching a tent. It’s beneficial in so many ways. The research shows that unfortunately not all children have easy access to the wonderful outdoors for various reasons, which is something we wanted to change through our work with our new president, Hamza.”
The research also discovered that a whopping 88% of parents believe it is important for their son or daughter to experience the great outdoors, with 87% wishing they had more outdoor learning opportunities at school.
However, a worrying 54% of parents who think their child doesn’t spend enough time outdoors often fret that they could be missing out on essential childhood experiences.

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The move is part of the airline’s efforts to expand its presence in India, bringing its total weekly flights across the country to 63, spanning five key cities.

British Airways currently operates 56 flights a week, including three daily flights from Mumbai, double daily from Delhi, and daily services from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The new flight will be serviced by the advanced 787-8 aircraft, featuring Club World, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller cabins.

Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, said: “This marks a significant milestone for British Airways as we commemorate 100 years of operations in India. The introduction of a third daily flight from Delhi underscores our commitment to providing convenient travel options between India and London Heathrow, as well as access to our extensive global network spanning over 200 destinations.”

Moran Birger, Head of Sales Asia Pacific and Middle East at British Airways, highlighted the airline’s enduring relationship with India, cultivated over a century, and emphasized their dedication to enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience. “As we embark on this historic year, we remain steadfast in our mission to elevate the travel experience for our passengers. We look forward to welcoming travellers on board our new flights and continuing to uphold our legacy of excellence,” Birger added.

The daily flights from Delhi will offer favourable arrival times at London Heathrow, facilitating seamless onward connections to British Airways’ vast network, which includes 26 destinations in the US alone.
Photo by Maahid Photos on Unsplash

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Tags: Delhi, Heathrow, IndiaEditBA unveils planned launch of daily Delhi-Heathrow flights for 2025
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The 3,000-guest vessel set sail on an historic maiden voyage on 3 May before returning to her homeport of Southampton on 24 May to begin her celebratory British Isles Festival voyage – which included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool.

And the luxury cruise brand can now report it booked more guests in May than any equivalent period on record, with Queen Anne Europe itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests.

Culture Liverpool estimates that more than 50,000 people attended Queen Anne’s naming ceremony, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated over 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “We’re delighted to see such strong booking momentum in response to the successful launch of Queen Anne. This record-breaking booking period is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome so many new guests on board Queen Anne and the rest of our iconic fleet in the future.”

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If you’re someone who hates long-haul flights, have a fear of needles, or simply can’t afford the hefty flight-tickets to the other side of the world, then the classic Southeast Asia or Australia trips might not be for you. But does this mean you have to miss out on the incredible experiences these locations are known for?

Jessica Bollinger, travel expert at youth and gap year travel agency KILROY says absolutely not. “There are a world’s worth of destinations you can go to for those unforgettable experiences that might feel too far away,” says Jessica.

“Destination dupes are often recommended to travellers as a quieter, less-visited alternative to popular, over-crowded places. Take, for example, Bali and Lombok – Lombok is a great ‘dupe’ for Bali and receives less than a fifth of the tourist numbers that Bali receives each year. With over five million tourists visiting Bali annually, overtourism is a very real concern, and encouraging more travellers to visit Lombok as an alternative goes some way in helping to relieve some of that pressure.

“A great way to help combat overtourism is to look for locally run accommodation options outside of the tourist hotspots, and to participate in community-based activities such as cooking classes and cultural exchanges. Travelling off-season is also another good option for travellers who are looking to save money and help reduce overtourism when destinations are at their busiest.

“I’d say that shunning all social media travel trends and purposely seeking out niche destinations is the surest way to avoid overtourism. For example, if you search for #DolomitesHiking on Instagram, 5,148 posts appear, whereas the lesser known, but equally impressive #BalkanHiking has only 192 posts, making it a great choice if you’re searching for a quieter spot.”

Here are four destination dupes you can visit on your gap year:

Island hopping bliss 

“If island hopping in Thailand is one of the activities on your bucket list, but the 12-hour flights make what should be feelings of excitement turn to dread, then Greece is the perfect dupe. Sailing through blue seas to the next remote island isn’t as far away as you might think. It’s 4 hours away, to be precise. A short flight to the Greek Islands will have you in heaven as you spend a few days relaxing on the white sandy beaches, taking a dip in the tranquil Mediterranean Sea, before catching a ferry to your next stop.

Flying to Mykonos will give you plenty of options for your next destination, whether that’s Paros, Naxos, Milos, or one of the many less-frequently travelled islands that are home to an abundance of hidden beaches and crystal-clear coves.”

Jungle adventures to embrace your inner Tarzan

“If you’re on the search for Thai-style jungle trekking and waterfalls, but a fear of needles makes what should be a dreamy trip sound like a nightmare due to the required vaccinations for Diphtheria, Hep A, Hep B, Rabies, Tetanus, and Typhoid, then don’t worry.

The Greek Island of Crete requires no vaccines for entry, and is home to the Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe, making it the perfect destination for those wanting an adventure through nature. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous scenery, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the river and waterfalls that accompany the trail. Make sure to pack plenty of waterproof suncream and some sturdy hiking boots because the gorge is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale and can take up to 8 hours to complete.

Deep sea dupes

“Australia has a huge variety of activities on offer, from rock-climbing and camping to surfing and deep-sea diving. However, the average flight to Australia sits at around £1200, which can be a heavy blow to your bank account. But if you’re searching for an adrenaline-boosting holiday, there are plenty of destination dupes with a much more digestible price-tag.

“Diving on the Great Barrier Reef is world-famous, but it’s not the only location with amazing scuba-diving. Egypt is a great destination dupe that has a breathtaking underwater world to discover. With calm sea conditions and a plethora of wildlife, wrecks, and coral reefs to explore, diving in Egypt is an adventure you won’t want to miss out on. The affordable price tag of a flight to Egypt makes the destination even more attractive, sitting at around £450 for a return flight, meaning you’ll have more funds to spend on a deep-sea dive adventure.

Catching the views of a lifetime

“Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an adrenaline-rush experience that’s hailed as a must-do activity when visiting Australia. But if you’re searching for that rush slightly closer to home, then Porto (pictured above)  is the perfect destination dupe. The Portuguese town is home to the Arrábida Bridge, which offers a near-identical experience to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll be attached to a harness as you ascend to the top, so you’ll be perfectly safe, and rewarded with breath-taking views across the town of Porto when you reach the summit of the arch. Nothing more than a 2-hour flight and nerves of steel is required for this bucket-list activity.”

Travelling with budget constraints or phobias takes a little more planning even for short trips. If you’re looking for frugal and fear-free travel for your gap year, our gap year planner can help you plot out the steps you need to take to organise the adventure of a lifetime, without the plan-xiety!

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Wild Camper Trucks are offering the chance to do just that thanks to a new addition they say is proving popular.

Their 4×4 vehicles are fitted with pods, as well as an outdoor cinema screen, so you can savour film night, off-grid.

A spokesman explained: “The screen is fitted to the vehicle to be an awning. When rolled up, it’s in metal casing running the length of the camper. You wind it down by hand. It’s 110″ corner to corner. You connect your phone to one of the projector/speakers, which is mounted on a tripod.”

Father-of-two, Andrew Clark founded Wild Camper Trucks, based in Kendal and Inverness, last year.

He said: “My love of the great outdoors began with Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and has now evolved into creating the ultimate wild camper truck experience. This business began as my side hustle but is quickly becoming my main hustle. The addition of the outdoor cinema to the already luxurious camper trucks just brings that extra wow factor. Whether it is nighttime Netflix or a romantic movie, this experience will make memories for life.”

The rooftop camping pods also have solar panels, heating, a king-sized double bed, a cooker and fridge, a hot shower, a loo and many other features. The additional trailer option allows up to five people to sleep in comfort – and dogs are welcome too.

Andrew says Wild Camper Trucks is ideally located for adventures in Scotland and the Lake District, and works with responsible wild camping location finders to ensure the best experience with minimal impact to local communities or the environment. The trucks can be collected from Kendal or Inverness, or delivered to UK locations for an additional fee.

Wild Camper Trucks hire starts at £140 per night, with a minimum of five nights booking. Find out more and start your adventure at https://www.wildcampertrucks.com/

Read about TV presenter Steve Backshall’s wild camper truck family adventure.

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My first nights spent in a tiny tent weren’t great – and on one memorable occasion, I snook home in the middle of the night because I missed my comfy bed too much – to return early early morning like I’d been there the whole time, cheerfully greeting my partner as he woke.

It’s fair to say I’m a convert now though. My last camping trip was lovely — complete with little twinkly lights and an actual foldaway bed in a much roomier, inflatable tent.

I hope to book for Cornwall later this year. I can now see the simplicity of pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars has an undeniable appeal.

So, for a newbie like me, where else are the recommended spots to visit?

A recent study, commissioned by the Expert Camper has identified the most popular British camping destinations.

Andy Halliday, owner of the site gives an insight into some of these destinations, highlighting what makes each spot unique and what activities await eager campers:

The New Forest: A timeless wonderland

Topping the list is the New Forest National Park, a vast expanse of ancient woodlands, heathlands, and picturesque villages.

This ancient woodland, established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror, is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.

“The New Forest is a true gem,” says Andy. “Its meandering streams, tranquil glades, and amazing wildlife create a serene setting that invites you to immediately disconnect from the digital world and embrace nature’s beauty.”

Campers can explore numerous walking and cycling trails that weave through ancient woodlands and open heathlands. The forest is dotted with charming villages such as Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, where one can enjoy traditional cream teas or hearty pub meals.

Activities like horse riding and wildlife spotting are popular, and the serene environment is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Lake District: A hiker’s paradise

Coming in a close second is the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning lakes, towering peaks, and charming villages.

It’s no surprise that this region is a favourite among hikers and nature lovers alike.

The area offers a plethora of activities, from hiking up England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, to leisurely boat trips on Lake Windermere.

For those keen on adventure, the Lake District provides opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking, and wild swimming. The local cuisine, featuring Cumbrian specialities like Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding, adds to the experience. Campers often find the tranquil, star-studded nights particularly magical.

“The Lake District offers a wealth of outdoor adventures,” says Andy. “From challenging hikes to serene lakeside strolls, there’s something for everyone. And what better way to end a day of exploration than by pitching your tent and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of nature?”

The Peak District: Rugged beauty and culinary delights

The Peak District, with its rugged landscapes and quaint villages, has captured the hearts of campers searching for the perfect outdoor escape.

Highlights include the famous Pennine Way and the scenic Dovedale valley.

The area is rich in history, with stately homes like Chatsworth House and the spa town of Buxton nearby. Outdoor activities such as caving, climbing, and cycling, are popular. The local market towns offer delicious regional foods, including the renowned Bakewell pudding.

“The Peak District is a true gem for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and culinary delights,” notes Andy. “After a day of hiking through the rolling hills and exploring the limestone dales, you can indulge in the region’s renowned Bakewell tarts and locally brewed ales, creating a truly memorable camping experience.”

Other top spots

Beyond the top three, other notable camping destinations include Cornwall, celebrated for its stunning coastal campsites and surfing spots, and the Isle of Wight, which offers beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions.

Eryri, Snowdonia National Park, in Wales, attracts adventurers with its rugged mountain landscapes and opportunities for climbing and hiking, while Loch Lomond is ideal for water sports and exploring the Scottish Highlands.

Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons provide a serene escape with their rolling hills and dark sky reserve status, perfect for stargazing. Norfolk is famous for its expansive beaches and the Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes ideal for boating.

Dorset offers picturesque Jurassic Coast cliffs and fossil hunting opportunities.

Some favourite recommendations from more campers:

Claire Gwynne, Cheshire:

Simon Owen, Wolverhampton:

More great camping in Scotland

Stunning Scotland with its lochs, lush rolling countryside and rugged coastline, is a dream destination for campers from around the world.

There is a wealth of well-established sites, as well as picture-perfect spots where wild camping is allowed. And have you heard of a bothie? If you are up for a unique experience — you can opt to spend time in those scattered around the Highlands.

With so many fanastic places to choose from. the experts at Visit Scotland have provided an excellent guide that tells you all you need to know:

See all camping, caravan and holiday parks in Scotland.

These include:

Isle of Skye

Tiree

Cairngorms National Park

…And Wales

Family camping: In researching this article I have gained lots of lovely recommendations for both locations to visit and specific campsites to stay in. Watch this space for a feature on camping with children.

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Possibly, you may look into taking them with you — travelling by ferry or Eurotunnel is an option for many.

According to the Blue Cross, before taking your dog overseas, you should seriously weigh up how happy they will be on long car journeys and the heat in a sunny holiday destination.

You also need to consider:

• Is there dog-friendly accommodation?
• How much open space is there for them to exercise and toilet?
• Will you need to leave them to go out, in the day, at night, or both?
• Are you clear on where the nearest vet is?

So, it’s little wonder that so many of us opt to go without them.

Yet a new survey has shown Brits’ travel guilt over leaving dogs behind is rife:

• 80% of dog owners admit to feeling huge pangs of guilt when holidaying abroad

• Holidaying with the dog has increased 20% percent in last decade

• 62% say dog chit chat is a big part of their holiday

A poll and ‘travelling barometer’ developed by selfcatering.co.uk has shed light on some of the travel habits of UK dog owners, revealing the emotional challenges faced when leaving them behind.

According to the results, which sampled 2,000 individuals through the travel site, 40 percent  of the UK’s 23 million households own a pet and an overwhelming 80 percent of these pet owners reported experiencing acute feelings of guilt when they go on holiday without their furry companions.

In response to this, many dog owners are now thinking about changing their holiday plans to include their dogs.

The survey found that 37 percent of families now travel with their dogs, a significant increase of nearly 20 percent compared to a decade ago. This shift indicates a rising preference for pet-friendly holidays, with 85 percent of pet owners expressing a desire to opt for local staycations where they can bring their dog along, rather than traveling abroad without them.

Further highlighting the strong bond between pet owners and their dogs, 62 percent of respondents admitted that they talk about their four-legged friends every day while on holiday without them. This constant chatter about their pet underscores the integral role that dogs play in owners’ lives, even when they are miles apart.

The survey also identified the south-east as the most pet-friendly region for traveling, followed by the south-west and east of England. These areas are noted because of walking trails and dog-friendly pubs, making them ideal destinations for pet-inclusive holidays.

Richard Young, founder of selfcatering.co.uk, says: “Our findings highlight a significant cultural shift towards pet-friendly travel in the UK. With more facilities and accommodations catering to dogs and their owners, the trend of taking pets on holiday is expected to continue rising, ensuring that our beloved pets are no longer left behind when their families go on holiday.”

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