We’re driving from Beirut to the ruined Roman city of Baalbek, shadowing Syria’s war torn border into Hezbollah territory, a journey defined by its panoply of imagined risks. In newspaper reports about Lebanon, death morphs into mercenary configurations, stretching beyond car accidents into kidnapping and mortar attacks and bombs. Images that taint adventure and raise … More The Journey to Baalbek, Lebanon
Going to the Isle of Wight is like stepping into a holiday drawn from fading seaside postcards. An enclave of convertible cars, thatched cottages, guest houses and chalky cliffs – hallmarks of a sophisticated past – have been preserved long enough to feel fashionable again; Queen Victoria’s preferred holiday destination remains a tranquil place for … More Isle of Wight
Tiree is the catwalk model of Scottish islands: slim, blonde, gorgeous and so lacking in lumps and bumps that clouds drift over her admiringly, and burst on the mainland. White sandy beaches – draped with rock pools and seaweed – flounce around a twinkling sea. Designer crofts pout next to country roads, with roofs so … More Tiree
So here we are, hot and humid. It’s May in Sri Lanka. Not the best time of year to visit this beautiful island in the sun. Everybody is waiting for the monsoon rains to arrive, and they will – but just not yet. There’s a full moon this week, celebrated as quite an important Puya … More Full Moon in Sri Lanka
Sahara, aged 5, shares her thoughts on Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto, the teleferique to Our Lady of Lebanon and Baalbek’s Roman ruins. There is some caves in Bayreuth. You can go in two caves and the second cave that you can go in you can go on a train or you can walk cos it is … More An Amayzing Cave That Looks A Bit Liyke Goo
The sea has nibbled Cornwall into intriguing coves, ideal for smugglers and cool cafes. England’s spiky heel is a hilly, curvy couture of palm trees, high hedges and beaches. When the sun’s shining and you can find somewhere to park, there’s nowhere hipper for an English beach holiday. And when the wind’s gusting, you’re never … More Cornwall, England
Fifty-five hours third class across Siberia was a mistake. At Irkutsk train station, I was told, in Russian, that spacious, comfy second class was full. My booking whittled down from three beds to two. I asked, in English, about first class. The girl answered in Russian. I booked in Russian. Took the tram back to … More Across Russia Third Class
If you like drinking tea from a bowl surrounded by mountains, horses and alpine flowers, Kyrgyzstan is a dream destination. A land of warm hearts, soaring skies and dodgy toilets, Kyrgyzstan is bliss on horseback. … More Kyrgyzstan
Barra is a full stop at the end of the Outer Hebrides. Its hilly core slopes down to sea kayaks, surf and Vatersay’s cliffs. Carved into dinky bays by the Atlantic – as it dashes from America to Scotland – its white, sandy beaches are the perfect retreat from technology, speed and bustle. It’s a … More Barra, Scotland
Sicily is the centre of the world. It’s where sun meets sky and Rome meets America. It has oil, fruit, sunshine, sea, history and an independent spirit. It’s self-sufficient and autonomous and, every so often, a greying gent with dark shades and a jacket too heavy for the warm sunshine walks past and it feels … More Sicily
You Can't Take A Baby 