Mary Novakovich

September is presented as an attractive shoulder-season month for travel, combining summery weather with lower prices. Recommended options include villas in Paxos and Mallorca, a narrowboat journey through the Cambridgeshire Fens, a Mauritius hotel break, a walking holiday along coastal Puglia, a Suffolk cottage stay, a luxury honeymoon itinerary through Venice and Slovenia, and a large villa overlooking the Bay of Cannes. Prices, availability and inclusions are provided for each offer, with savings highlighted on several packages.

September is presented as an ideal shoulder-season month for lower-priced holidays while retaining summer weather in many destinations. Recommended options include villas in Paxos and Mallorca, a narrowboat trip through the Cambridgeshire Fens, a Mauritius hotel stay, a self-guided coastal walk in Puglia, a Suffolk cottage break, a luxury Slovenia-and-Venice honeymoon itinerary, and a large villa near Cannes. Prices range from £639 per person for the Puglia walk to £12,016 for the Cannes villa, with several offers discounted from peak-season rates.

Travel writer Mary Novakovich recommends September shoulder-season holidays that offer warm weather and lower prices. Suggestions include a villa stay in Paxos, a discounted family villa in Mallorca, a narrowboat trip through the Cambridgeshire Fens, a Mauritius hotel package, a self-guided walk along coastal Puglia, a Suffolk cottage stay, a luxury Slovenia-and-Venice honeymoon itinerary and a large villa overlooking Cannes.

Travel editor Mary Novakovich recommends destinations and accommodation for July 2026, including villas in France’s Languedoc and Italy’s Puglia, a houseboat on the Isle of Wight, a Mauritius beach hotel, Greek island villas on Samos and a coastal retreat in Cornwall. For more expensive adventures, she highlights a Kenya safari combined with a Zanzibar beach stay and a tailor-made jungle and wildlife trek through Sabah in Borneo, providing indicative prices and booking details for each option.

A selection of June 2026 holiday ideas ranges from relatively affordable European breaks to high-end long-distance adventures. Recommended options include thermal-pool accommodation on Ischia, a beach stay in eastern Crete, Korčula in Croatia, a slow rail journey through Scotland, a self-drive boat trip in southern France and a gourmet hotel break in Shropshire. More expensive suggestions include a 10-day gorilla-tracking trip in Rwanda and a discounted 23-day tour of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with prices, departure dates and inclusions provided for each.

Croatian cuisine draws on the country’s Adriatic seafood, fertile agricultural regions and layered Roman, Greek, Venetian, Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and Ottoman influences. Regional specialties include grilled fish, buzara mussels, Mali Ston oysters, Hvar’s gregada, Vis pogača, Dalmatian soparnik, peka, pašticada and kulen. Croatia’s indigenous wines, including Dingač, Plavac Mali, Grk, Pošip and Bogdanuša, complement a food culture centered on seasonality, local ingredients and traditional preparation.

Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is presented as an ideal sailing and island-hopping destination, combining clear seas, secluded coves, historic villages and dramatic scenery. Suggested stops include Brač and Zlatni Rat, Šolta, Hvar and the Paklinski Islands, remote Vis and Biševo with its Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay, Omiš and Split, where Diocletian’s Palace provides a historic finale. The region is portrayed as an accessible getaway from the UK offering both relaxation and immersive outdoor and cultural experiences.

The article recommends May 2026 holiday options for travelers seeking alternatives to destinations affected by conflict in Iran, focusing on closer European destinations and routes farther west. Suggestions include a discounted villa stay in Corsica, a cultural tour of Puglia, guided walks on the Yorkshire coast, a Rhine river cruise, an all-inclusive stay in Grenada, a farmhouse break in north Wales, a luxury gulet voyage through the Dodecanese and a premium Rocky Mountaineer journey across Canada. Prices, departure dates, accommodation and package inclusions are provided for each option.

A selection of April 2026 holiday deals covers skiing in Tignes, a shoulder-season resort stay in the Maldives, Orthodox Easter in Crete, narrowboat cruising in Cambridgeshire, a fly-rail tour of Polish cities and a Peak District cottage break. Higher-priced options include a 15-day wildlife and birdwatching tour through Sri Lanka and a fly-around safari visiting Namibia’s Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park. Prices range from £706 per week for the Derbyshire cottage to £6,795 per person for the Namibian safari, with inclusions varying by package.

A selection of March holiday deals covers late-season skiing in Livigno, beach and island breaks in Thailand, Dominica and The Gambia, off-grid and walking holidays in Herefordshire and Sussex, and higher-priced guided tours through South America and South Africa. Prices range from £529 per person for a UK walking break to £4,999 for a 16-day South African tour, with packages varying in their inclusion of flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities.

A range of February holiday ideas is presented, covering skiing in St Anton, affordable sunshine in Lanzarote, coastal breaks in Devon and Pembrokeshire, an all-inclusive Maldives resort, Nice’s carnival, and luxury adventures in Greenland and Southeast Asia. The recommendations include specific travel dates, accommodation details and package prices, ranging from £315 for a domestic cottage stay to £6,390 for an 18-day Singapore-to-Bangkok rail holiday.

Antwerp is presented as an unusually enjoyable Christmas-market destination, combining lively but manageable markets across Grote Markt, Groenplaats and Hendrik Conscienceplein with abundant food, drinks, gifts, entertainment and festive attractions. The city’s cultural appeal strengthens the case for a visit, with notable museums and exhibitions devoted to Magritte, fashion, Rubens and printing history. Although the temporary Rubenshuis setup is underwhelming during renovations, Antwerp’s markets, museums, restaurants and convenient transport links make it an appealing winter city break.

A range of January 2026 holiday ideas is presented, from skiing in Saint-Gervais and beach breaks in Mauritius and Grenada to a coastal stay in Cornwall and a countryside escape in the New Forest. Longer and more expensive options include a 13-night tour of Guatemala and Belize, a 20-night self-drive journey around New Zealand’s South Island, and an expert-led cultural tour of Oman. The recommendations include indicative prices, departure dates, accommodation details and package inclusions.

A travel guide recommends ten European Christmas-market destinations for 2025: Budapest, Zagreb, Lille, Berlin, Vienna, Bruges, Copenhagen, Basel, Strasbourg and Birmingham. It highlights each location’s atmosphere, food, crafts, entertainment and nearby attractions, and provides expected opening dates and hotel suggestions. The markets generally run from November through late December or early January, with experiences ranging from traditional German and Austrian festivities to ice skating, light trails, concerts and socially responsible shopping.

The article recommends a range of December 2025 holiday options, including Christmas markets and culture in Rome, festive villages in Cyprus, a guided walking trip on the North Yorkshire coast, skiing and New Year celebrations in Mayrhofen, and a beach break in Goa. More expensive options include a country-house rental in Derbyshire, a 17-day Australia itinerary covering Sydney, the Sunshine Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, and an 11-day luxury rail tour through China. Prices, dates, accommodation and package inclusions are provided for each trip.

A selection of November 2025 holiday ideas covers early-season skiing in Val Thorens, city breaks in Seville, coastal and countryside stays in Norfolk and Fife, beach and cultural trips in Mexico and Gozo, and higher-budget adventures combining a Botswana safari with Mozambique beaches or walking Japan’s ancient trails. The recommendations include example prices, accommodation details, departure dates and package inclusions, ranging from short domestic breaks to a £9,550-per-person luxury itinerary.

A seven-night Cruise Croatia voyage aboard the 36-passenger My Wish explores Dubrovnik, Mali Ston, Korčula, Hvar, Brač, Split and Šibenik, combining secluded swimming stops with regional food and wine experiences. Highlights include Ston oysters, Zure Winery’s indigenous grk, Vina Tomić’s Dalmatian wines, local peka dishes, grilled food, seafood and Croatian desserts. The cruise is presented as a comfortable and intimate way to experience Dalmatia, with recommendations for affordable restaurants and practical details on fares, flights and accommodation.

A guide to 13 boutique hotels and guesthouses in Dubrovnik, covering historic Old Town properties, hillside villas and stays around Gruž, Lapad and Babin Kuk. The recommendations assess location, design, service, facilities and suitability for different travellers, highlighting options for families, couples, beach access, views, self-catering and adults-only stays. Practical advice covers the best seasons to visit, transport, currency, flights from the UK and ways to compare hotel rates.

Six October holiday ideas span sunny Mediterranean destinations, an autumn Lake District break, a Southwold stay and an 11-day guided tour of Vietnam. The recommendations include self-catering villas and cottages in Crete, Menorca, Windermere and Suffolk, a Dubrovnik trip timed to the Good Food Festival, and a discounted Vietnam itinerary covering Hanoi, Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hue and Saigon. Prices range from £518 for a five-night Suffolk stay to £2,590 per person for the Vietnam tour.

Dubrovnik offers a broad range of beachfront hotels, concentrated around Ploče, Miramare Bay, Lapad and Babin Kuk. The guide reviews 11 properties, emphasizing their rocky or pebbly beaches, bathing platforms, pools, spas, sea views and access to the Old Town. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is selected as the best five-star option, Sunny Dubrovnik by Valamar as the best for pools and families, Hotel Splendid as the affordable choice, and Rixos Premium as the recommended family hotel. Croatia has no legally private beaches, and swimming shoes are advised for the area’s rocky coastline.

Dalmatia is presented as a leading beach destination, offering varied coastlines, clear waters and options ranging from family-friendly beaches to secluded coves. Croatia’s coastal waters were ranked the cleanest in Europe by the European Environment Agency, with more than 99 per cent of tested Croatian beaches receiving an excellent rating. Recommended locations include Zlatni Rat, Murvica, Punta Rata, Stiniva Bay, Stončica, Dubovica and Velika Duba, spread across Brač, Vis, Hvar and the Makarska Riviera.

Dubrovnik is presented as a strong family holiday destination because of its clear Adriatic waters, accessible coves, pools, children’s facilities and convenient bus links to the Old Town. The guide recommends 11 hotels across Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž and central Dubrovnik, highlighting Valamar Tirena for its extensive children’s entertainment, Bokun Guesthouse for a quieter stay, Hotel Excelsior for luxury, and other properties for their beaches, pools, spas, sports facilities and proximity to the Old Town.

A selection of March holiday ideas is presented across Italy, France, England, Morocco, Tenerife and Wales. Recommendations include a coastal walking trip in Puglia, late-season skiing in Samoëns, a Peak District cottage stay, a Moroccan High Atlas and desert tour, a Tenerife villa holiday timed around carnival season, and a Pembrokeshire Coast stay in a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Prices, inclusions and booking conditions are provided for each option.

Eight quieter alternatives to major European ski resorts are recommended for February half-term and Easter 2025. The destinations include Ruka in Finland, Jasna in Slovakia, Le Grand-Bornand and Les Carroz in France, Baqueira Beret in Spain, Alpbach in Austria, Mürren in Switzerland and Monterosa Ski in Italy. The article highlights each resort’s snow reliability, terrain, village character, activities for non-skiers and package prices, while noting that late Easter dates may limit options at lower-altitude resorts.

The article recommends February 2025 holidays across a range of budgets and travel styles, including warm-weather breaks in Cape Verde and Sri Lanka, skiing in Italy, winter culture in Vienna, coastal walking in Sussex, and a large rural rental in Wales. It notes that travelers should avoid school half-term price increases where possible and provides departure dates, accommodation details, inclusions and prices for each option.

Amiens is presented as an unexpectedly attractive Christmas destination within easy reach of Calais. The city combines northern France’s largest Christmas market with the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the atmospheric Saint-Leu quarter, the Hortillonnages waterways and floating gardens, museums linked to Jules Verne, and a strong food scene featuring ficelle picarde, local cheeses and regional produce. Practical advice covers accommodation, boat trips and transport via Le Shuttle.

The Makarska Riviera combines pine-lined beaches and historic coastal towns with the dramatic limestone mountains of Biokovo Nature Park. Highlights include hiking or driving to Sveti Jure, the Skywalk Biokovo observation deck, Makarska’s beaches and heritage, Brela’s Rock of Brela, and adventure activities such as rafting, kayaking and ziplining around Omiš and the Cetina River.

Brač offers far more than its famous Zlatni Rat beach, with pine-fringed coves, sailing harbours, historic stone architecture and villages such as Pučišća, Škrip, Sutivan and Milna. The island’s traditions include manual stone-carving and olive-oil production, while local food features cheeses, pršut, tapenade, bread and extra-virgin olive oil. Views from Vidova Gora take in Zlatni Rat and neighbouring islands, and the town of Bol attracts windsurfers and visitors to its summer seafood festivals.

Bad Gastein offers much more than downhill skiing, making it appealing even to visitors recovering from injury. Highlights include panoramic mountain walks and the Stubnerkogel suspension bridge, forest bathing in the Gastein Valley, thermal pools at Alpentherme and Felsentherme, historic Belle Époque architecture, and the reopened Grand Hotel Straubinger with its rooftop spa and restaurant. The destination combines outdoor scenery, wellness and Austrian cuisine within easy reach of Salzburg.

The piece recommends March 2024 holiday options across warmer destinations and late-season ski resorts, noting that Easter falls late in the month and should limit the impact of school-holiday pricing until around 29 March. Suggestions include a group villa in Mallorca, a cottage in the Cotswolds, skiing in Les Menuires and the wider Les 3 Vallées, a quiet Cornwall break, a spring trip to Cyprus, and a nine-night full-board stay in the Maldives, with prices and booking details provided for each.

A selection of October 2023 holiday ideas covers cultural travel in Brasov and Jordan, wildlife and beaches in The Gambia, guided walking in England, coastal hiking in Portugal, and cottage stays on the Kent coast. The recommendations emphasize milder autumn weather, seasonal scenery, new flight connections and package details, with prices ranging from £580 to £1,500 per person for several organized trips and £827 for a three-night Kent cottage stay.

September is presented as an appealing time for warm-weather holidays without the peak-season crowds. Recommended options include a lakeside cottage in Keswick and a food-focused hotel break in Shropshire, alongside overseas trips to Mauritius, Corsica, Dubrovnik and Tuscany. The guide provides accommodation details, travel dates and package prices, including discounts and upgrades.

Mary Novakovich explores the Annecy Mountains and surrounding French Alps during a summer trip undertaken with a damaged knee. She focuses on slower-paced and more accessible activities, including swimming in Lake Annecy, a boat tour, accessible nature trails, sightseeing in Annecy, local restaurants, cheese tastings, museums and gentle mountain walks. The trip highlights Talloires, La Clusaz and nearby mountain passes as destinations offering scenery, food and cultural experiences without requiring high-adrenaline activities.

A selection of August holiday ideas is presented across Italy, Portugal, England, France, Suffolk and Greece, with options ranging from villas and beach apartments to guided walking tours, self-drive boating and rural cottages. The recommendations include indicative prices, availability, departure dates and package inclusions, encouraging travellers to book ahead to avoid seasonal price increases.

Cambridge is presented as a culture-rich, highly walkable and bike-friendly destination centred on its historic university colleges, museums and River Cam. Highlights include the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, punting, extensive green spaces and the Botanic Garden. The guide recommends hotels ranging from the riverside Varsity Hotel & Spa and historic University Arms to the affordable Orlando, alongside diverse dining in areas such as Mill Road, independent pubs and wine bars, and specialist shops. King’s College Chapel is identified as the city’s architectural highlight, while late spring and early autumn are suggested as especially attractive times to visit.

A curated guide to Milan hotels across different budgets and travel priorities, highlighting boutique stays, canal and city views, shopping locations, food, design, spas and hostel accommodation. Recommendations include Aethos Milan, Maison Borella, LaFavia Milano, Hotel Manzoni, ME Milan Il Duca, Hotel Viu Milan, Nhow Milano, Babila Hostel & Bistrot, NH Milano Palazzo Moscova, Enterprise Hotel and Vico Milano, with neighbourhood details and descriptions of their rooms, restaurants, bars and amenities.

Brijuni National Park, a group of 14 islands off Croatia’s Istrian coast, combines Tito-era presidential history with Roman and Byzantine remains, wildlife, beaches and cultural events. Visitors can explore Veliki Brijun by tourist train, bicycle, electric golf cart or on foot, while seasonal activities include theatre on Mali Brijun and outdoor film screenings. The islands are accessible by boat from Fažana and offer accommodation ranging from hotels to luxury villas.

Six March holiday ideas are recommended, ranging from walking and spring blossom in Madeira and late-season skiing in France to a beach break in Langkawi, a dog-friendly cottage near Edinburgh, a wellness retreat in Andalusia and a romantic rural stay in Suffolk. Prices, accommodation details, inclusions and booking conditions are provided for each option.

A selection of beach holidays for 2023 covers resorts and destinations in Mauritius, Fuerteventura, Croatia, Greece, Barbados, the Maldives, Cape Verde, Puglia and Corsica. The recommendations highlight beaches, pools, watersports, nightlife, local attractions and accommodation features, alongside package prices, departure dates and inclusions such as flights, transfers, meals and luggage.

A selection of eight cosy UK cottages suitable for Christmas breaks, ranging from one-bedroom romantic retreats to a six-person Scottish Borders cottage. The properties are located across England, Wales and the Isle of Wight, with features including fireplaces, historic interiors, coastal access, countryside walks, pet-friendly facilities and nearby pubs or attractions. Weekly Christmas rentals range from £740 to £2,269, with several properties offering discounts or additional benefits such as ferry savings.

A selection of late-availability December holiday ideas covers skiing in Kitzbühel, a quiet cottage escape on La Gomera, a Christmas stay in Suffolk, a pre-Christmas city break in Rome, a New Year cottage holiday in Cornwall and a winter walking trip to Madeira. The packages and accommodation options include prices, travel dates, transport arrangements and activities, with choices ranging from overseas escapes to UK self-catering stays.

A selection of last-minute November holiday ideas spans early-season skiing in Val Thorens via Orelle, walking and wildlife in Fuerteventura, a discounted cottage break in the Lake District, beach and cultural stays in Oman, cooler-weather beach resorts in Thailand, and an autumn food-focused escape in Shropshire. Prices range from £210 for a two-person UK hotel stay to £1,399 per person for a ten-night Thailand package, with inclusions varying from accommodation and meals to flights, transfers, car hire and Eurotunnel travel.

A selection of last-minute October holiday ideas spans warm Mediterranean destinations and quieter breaks in the UK. Suggestions include a sea-view villa in Crete, a self-guided walking holiday in Andalusia, a countryside boutique hotel in Sicily, a dog-friendly cottage on the Northumberland coast, a Lanzarote hotel package, and a rural cottage near Devon’s coast. Prices range from £394 for a week in Devon to £1,280 for a six-person Crete villa, with some offers including flights, car hire, meals or transfers.

A selection of last-minute August holiday ideas spans destinations in Greece, Spain, Scotland, Turkey, Slovenia and Cornwall. Options include self-catering apartments, villas, a narrowboat journey, a Slovenia tour and a countryside cottage, with prices and availability details for departures or stays throughout August.

A practical guide to visiting Croatia covers entry requirements, the best times to go, major destinations and lesser-known areas. It highlights Dubrovnik, Split, Istria, Zagreb, the Kvarner Gulf, the Neretva Delta, the Zadar archipelago and the Pelješac peninsula, along with activities such as exploring Plitvice Lakes, hiking and climbing in the Velebit mountains, attending music festivals and rafting. Advice is also provided on public transport, ferries, flights, costs, currency, weather and language.

A selection of June holiday ideas highlights affordable shoulder-season travel before the school holidays. Suggested trips include a Corfu apartment stay, an Algarve villa with a private tennis court, a romantic Loch Ness cottage, a 14-day tour through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, a 15-day motorhome route through Atlantic Canada, and a North Devon cottage break. Prices, departure dates, accommodation details and included travel arrangements are provided for each option.

Six March holiday ideas are recommended, ranging from an autumnal self-drive tour of Australia and late-season skiing in Tignes to whale watching and beach relaxation in Cape Verde. Other options include a Copenhagen–Stockholm–Helsinki city itinerary, a cultural break in Marrakech, and a hiking and cottage holiday in England’s Lake District, with package prices and inclusions provided for each.

A selection of six December getaway ideas includes skiing in La Rosière in the French Alps, a beach holiday in Barbados, beaches and dunes in Fuerteventura, a rural cottage stay in the Scottish Highlands, an active winter holiday in Finnish Lapland, and a Norfolk countryside break. The recommendations provide accommodation details, activities, prices, departure dates and package inclusions, with several deals offering flights, transport or savings.

A selection of July holiday ideas is presented for British travelers, covering Malta’s Gozo, Mallorca, and destinations across the UK. Options include beach and hotel stays, a remote cottage near Loch Rannoch, a cycling trip along the Way of the Roses, a city break in Chester, and a walking holiday along the Northumberland coast. Prices, departure dates, accommodation details, and included services are provided for each suggestion.

A selection of early-summer holiday ideas for June includes a resort break in Madeira, a road trip through northern Iceland, a self-guided walk along Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, and UK stays in Devon, Cheshire and Kent. The recommendations highlight scenery, outdoor activities and accommodation features, with prices and inclusions provided for each itinerary.

A couple take a beginner-friendly narrowboat trip from Chirk Marina along the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. They navigate tunnels, aqueducts and locks, visit Ellesmere and Blake Mere, explore Chirk Castle and cross the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Despite initial nerves and poor weather, the slow pace, wildlife, countryside and waterside stops provide a relaxing post-lockdown holiday. Black Prince Holidays offers four nights’ boat hire from Chirk from £989 for two people, excluding diesel.

A selection of UK holiday cottages is recommended for spring and summer rural retreats, as domestic self-contained accommodation in England was expected to reopen from 12 April. The properties span Suffolk, the Cotswolds, the Scottish Highlands, Wales, Norfolk, Sussex, Pembrokeshire, Dorset and Cornwall, offering features such as historic settings, open fires, gardens, hot tubs, dog-friendly facilities, hiking access and coastal locations. Prices range from £344 for three nights to £2,556 for a week, with options for couples, families and large groups.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, regular walks through a Hertfordshire woodland became an essential source of exercise, emotional relief and connection for the author. Seasonal changes, wildlife, homemade decorations and messages from other visitors transformed the forest into a shared place of comfort, while a memorial to a stillborn child underscored its role as a refuge for grief and reflection.

A selection of cottages across England is recommended for a Christmas staycation, including properties in Dorset, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, the Lake District, the Cotswolds and Sussex. The recommendations emphasize scenic coastal or countryside locations, fireplaces, dog-friendly facilities and proximity to walking routes, with Christmas rental prices ranging from £500 to £970 for stays of roughly four to seven nights.

The article recommends six destinations for November walking holidays: La Gomera, the Lake District, the Peak District, Devon, Sweden’s Store Mosse area and the New Forest. It outlines the scenery, walking opportunities, accommodation and package prices available through travel providers, with options ranging from guided and sociable UK breaks to warmer or more expansive European trips.

The piece recommends UK staycation options for after coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease, including countryside cottages in Somerset, Scotland, Northumberland and Yorkshire, a narrowboat trip along the Llangollen Canal, and a guided cycling weekend in the Lake District. Prices range from £355 per person to £900 for a four-night boat rental, with booking availability subject to changing restrictions.

A selection of March and June holiday deals covers beachfront stays in Sri Lanka and Tobago, late-season skiing in Saint-Gervais, a countryside cottage in Suffolk, and future trips to Croatia, Turkey and Ghent. The deals include flights, transfers, breakfasts or self-catering where specified, with prices ranging from £414 for a three-night Suffolk stay to £2,093 for a week-long Croatian villa rental.

A selection of February and May holiday deals covers skiing in St Anton, beach holidays in The Gambia, Thailand and Mauritius, a romantic Scottish Highlands cottage break, and walking holidays in Italy and Greece. Prices range from £309 for a three-night Scottish cottage stay to £1,025 per person for a six-night Cinque Terre walking holiday, with flights, transfers and meals included in several packages.

A selection of ten family holiday ideas for 2020 spans beach resorts, cultural city breaks, rural adventures and overseas tours. Destinations include Sardinia, Crete, Ontario, Brač, Rome, Mallorca, Île de Ré, Vietnam, Bodrum and the Isle of Wight, with indicative prices and accommodation or package details for each.

A selection of December and March holiday deals covers beach escapes in Barbados and Cape Verde, Christmas skiing in Austria and France, a cosy cottage stay in Cornwall, an Egypt tour featuring Cairo, the Pyramids, the Nile and Luxor, and a Malaysia trip focused on Borneo’s rainforests and orangutans. Prices range from £461 for a Cornwall cottage rental to £1,999 per person for the Malaysia tour, with package inclusions varying by offer.

The article recommends ten relatively affordable European ski resorts, highlighting lower lift-pass, equipment-hire, dining and accommodation costs. Suggested destinations include Livigno, St-Lary-Soulan, Alpbach, Val Cenis Vanoise, Bansko, Kranjska Gora, Passo Tonale, Ellmau, Arinsal and Les Carroz, with details on terrain, resort character, accessibility and sample package prices.

The article recommends European ski resorts suited to beginners, emphasizing gentle nursery slopes, manageable progression to longer green and blue runs, high-altitude skiing, snow reliability and beginner-friendly facilities. It highlights Courchevel, Cervinia, Montgenèvre, Alpe d’Huez, La Rosière, La Plagne, Valloire, Saalbach, Avoriaz and Saas-Fee, with each resort offering distinct advantages such as cross-border skiing, attractive scenery, après-ski, traffic-free villages or extensive beginner terrain. Holiday package examples and prices are provided for each destination.

A selection of November and February holiday deals covers warm-weather destinations including Cyprus, Morocco, Malta, Mexico, Goa and Tenerife, alongside a family ski trip to France. The packages range from budget city and beach breaks to all-inclusive and family travel, with prices and inclusions varying by provider; several offers include flights, transfers, meals or excursions.

A selection of October and January holiday deals covers warm-weather escapes in Crete, Dubrovnik, southern France and Kerala, alongside a Yorkshire cottage break. January suggestions include surfing in Fuerteventura and skiing in Fernie, Canada. Prices range from £255 per person for a Fuerteventura package to £1,379 per person for a Kerala tour, with inclusions varying by provider.

A guide to European food and drink festivals taking place in autumn, covering wine, oysters, chocolate, Dalmatian cuisine, white truffles, Espelette peppers, Galician seafood, regional produce, Tuscan food and chestnuts. Events are highlighted in France, the UK, Italy, Croatia and Spain, with dates, locations, culinary attractions and festival activities such as tastings, markets, cooking demonstrations, parades and live music.

A selection of late-August and November holiday deals covers Iceland, Greece, Devon and Croatia, followed by walking trips in the Canary Islands, a group tour of Argentina and Brazil, and a tailor-made tour of Lebanon. Prices range from £519 per person for a Croatian break to £2,295 per person for the South American tour, with inclusions varying from flights and accommodation to car hire, meals, guides and excursions.

The article highlights affordable July holidays in France, Montenegro, Kenya, Tanzania and Crete, including Alpine activities, Adriatic coastal stays, safari and beach packages, and villa rentals. It also recommends October trips to Mauritius, Cyprus and Tuscany, with package prices, departure dates and inclusions such as flights, transfers, meals, car hire and early-booking discounts.