Sarah Baxter

Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Oman is portrayed as an irresponsible escalation of the Iran conflict and a betrayal of a key regional ally. Oman has sought to mediate the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while Iran has rejected Trump’s demands for surrender and threatened to shift to a fully offensive posture after the expiry of a 60-day agreement. The commentary argues that Trump’s threats, economic pressure campaign and claims that the strait could become US territory are undermining diplomacy, damaging American alliances and deepening the wider geopolitical crisis.

The article condemns the Trump administration's mass-deportation policy through the case of Roberto Mosquera, a Cuban immigrant sent from the United States to a maximum-security prison in Eswatini despite having built a settled family life after serving a criminal sentence. It argues that secret deportation flights, detention in foreign facilities, prolonged custody and limited access to legal defense have created a shadow system resembling rendition. The piece also describes ICE's expanding detention authority and the targeting of Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, including ankle monitoring after the loss of temporary protected status. It concludes that the policy reflects a wider pattern of cruelty, secrecy and disregard for immigrant rights.

Eight UK railway routes are highlighted as bases for flexible walking holidays, combining train travel with station-to-station trails. The recommendations span Wales, Scotland and England, including the Heart of Wales Line, West Highland Line, Heart of Wessex Line, East Suffolk Lines, Settle to Carlisle Railway, Hope and Derwent Valley lines, Cotswold and Malvern Line, and Cambrian Coast Line. The routes provide access to mountains, coastlines, countryside, historic sites and industrial heritage, with practical information on walking providers, accommodation and route resources.

Walking routes in Scotland’s far north offer a quieter and more rewarding alternative to the busy North Coast 500 road trip. A guided HF Holidays tour through Sutherland and Assynt reveals remote landscapes, historic sites and challenging terrain with minimal crowds. Highlights include hikes over Ben Stack, visits to Cape Wrath and Sandwood Bay, and insights from locals concerned about increased traffic, short stays and environmental impact from the NC500’s popularity. The experience underscores that the region’s most memorable adventures are found on foot rather than by vehicle.

Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire is presented as a scenic, historic alternative to the busier Cotswolds, with honey-coloured stone buildings, medieval landmarks, the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal. The guide recommends Timbrell’s Yard for accommodation, local independent shops and bakeries, pubs and restaurants including Bunch of Grapes, and walking routes such as the 46-mile Walking Wheel. Nearby attractions include Bath, Farleigh Hungerford Castle and Iford Manor, while train, bicycle and canal-boat connections make the town easy to explore.

Dunster is presented as a remarkably well-preserved medieval village on the edge of Exmoor National Park, with a historic church, dovecote, priory remains, Yarn Market and Dunster Castle. Visitors can explore independent shops, pubs and restaurants, stay at the atmospheric Luttrell Arms Hotel or nearby Premier Inn, and enjoy coastal and moorland walks, wildlife safaris and views of Exmoor’s free-roaming ponies. The guide also highlights the village’s history as a former port, its museum’s doll collection and nearby attractions including Conygar Tower and the West Somerset Railway.

Bury St Edmunds is presented as a lively Suffolk market town where a largely intact medieval centre, the ruins of the abbey and St Edmundsbury Cathedral coexist with independent shops, strong food and drink options, and modern civic life. The guide recommends The Angel for accommodation, Pea Porridge and Maison Bleue for dining, and attractions including the Guildhall, Theatre Royal, Nowton Park and nearby Lavenham. Suggested activities include market visits, guided walks, countryside routes and trips to historic villages, while local history highlights the town’s major 1645 witch trials, Regency theatre and Greene King brewing heritage.

The 128-mile Llwybr Cadfan, or Cadfan Way, is a new pilgrimage route across North Wales linking Tywyn with Porth Meudwy and boat access to Bardsey Island. Developed through the Llan project and supported by existing transport and coastal-path infrastructure, the route combines historic churches, dramatic landscapes and Welsh religious heritage. The trail’s precise historical relationship to St Cadfan’s original journey remains uncertain, but its creators argue that modern pilgrimage offers an inclusive way to engage with faith, mindfulness and the cultural narrative of the land. The journey concludes with a weather-dependent crossing to Bardsey Island, whose history, wildlife and atmosphere give the pilgrimage its distinctive sense of mystery.

Machynlleth is presented as a lively and creative Mid Wales market town combining Welsh history, independent shops, environmental culture and a well-regarded comedy festival. The feature highlights accommodation, restaurants, pubs, galleries and local businesses, alongside nearby attractions including the Dyfi Biosphere Reserve, wildlife reserves, Aberdovey, Eryri (Snowdonia), Cadair Idris and Glyndŵr’s Way. Its growing reputation as an underrated destination is attributed to its cultural events, outdoor activities, sustainable ethos and distinctive local character.

Matsue, in Shimane prefecture on western Honshu, is presented as a cheaper and less crowded alternative to Kyoto. The city offers a preserved medieval castle, historic districts, shrines, gardens, links to Lafcadio Hearn, ancient Izumo heritage and distinctive local cuisine around Lake Shinji. The feature contrasts Matsue’s quieter, more local atmosphere with Kyoto’s record visitor numbers and rising accommodation tax, arguing that exploring Japan’s lesser-known destinations can provide a richer and more affordable experience. InsideJapan’s undertourism-focused tours and practical travel options via Izumo airport or Tokyo are also highlighted.

Seven new or newly completed long-distance hikes are profiled across Wales, continental Europe, Peru, South Korea and Australia. The routes range from the 134km Teifi Valley Trail in Wales and the cross-border Ardennes Tour to alpine, pilgrimage, Inca, coast-to-coast and Indigenous-led island trails. Alongside scenery and historic sites, the guide emphasizes rural economic benefits, dispersal of tourism, cultural heritage and lower-impact infrastructure.

A guide to 40 winter woodland walks and trails across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ranging from short accessible urban routes to strenuous hikes through ancient forests, hills and nature reserves. The recommendations highlight seasonal wildlife, historic trees, festive light trails, scenic viewpoints and nearby pubs, while each entry includes practical accessibility information and route lengths. Destinations include National Trust estates, RSPB and Woodland Trust sites, Forestry England forests, and landscapes such as Glen Affric, Sherwood Forest and the Mourne Mountains.

A rail journey from London to Luxembourg City provides a quieter alternative to crowded European Christmas markets. The trip combines the Winterlights festival with free public transport, historic sites including the Ducal Palace and Bock Casemates, the Grund and Kirchberg districts, and a winter walk from Stolzembourg to Vianden Castle. Local food, glühwein, Luxembourg pinot gris and crémant add to the appeal, while the country’s compact scale and relatively low visitor numbers make it an accessible, crowd-free festive destination.

Five British coast-to-coast walks are recommended for early autumn, when crowds have eased and conditions are often mild and dry. The routes range from Wainwright’s 190-mile Coast to Coast across northern England and Cornwall’s 87-mile Tamara Coast to Coast Way to Offa’s Dyke Path along the Welsh borders, the extended 117-mile Two Moors Way across Devon, and Scotland’s 134-mile John Muir Way. The piece highlights scenery, heritage, terrain, facilities and self-guided tour options, with prices ranging from £1,130 to £2,580 per person.

Bruton, a historic Somerset market town known for wool weaving and limestone cottages, has become a fashionable destination influenced by wealthy creatives, chefs and Hauser & Wirth’s nearby art gallery. The guide recommends its museum, historic lanes, walks and transport links, along with accommodation at Number One Bruton and local shops, pubs and restaurants including Briar, Da Costa and Matt’s Kitchen. Nearby attractions include Stourhead, while walking routes lead to Godminster and Batcombe. The town’s history also includes witch hunts, John Steinbeck’s 1959 stay and a geologically important railway cutting.

Aberaeron, a colourful Georgian harbour town on Wales’s Cardigan Bay, is presented as an appealing spring seaside destination despite ongoing flood-defence works. The feature outlines transport options, coastal walks, beaches and dolphin-spotting opportunities, while recommending local hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops and attractions including Llanerchaeron and the Wales Coast Path. A two-day itinerary includes a walk to New Quay, boat trips, seafood, fish and chips, and honey ice cream from The Hive.

Eight European rail-and-walking destinations are recommended, including the Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland, Norway’s Bergensbanen, Sweden’s Kinnekullebanan, Italy’s Cinque Terre railway, Luxembourg’s rail-connected trails, the French Riviera, northern Spain’s Cercanías AM network, and the Centovalli Line between Switzerland and Italy. The routes allow travelers to combine scenic train journeys with hikes, often using stations to access sections of longer trails, and include practical information on operators, accommodations, route difficulty, and organized self-guided tours.

Basel is presented as an ideal European city break because of its position where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, its multicultural atmosphere and its combination of historic architecture, food, nightlife, art and outdoor activities. Highlights include the old town, fondue at Restaurant Löwenzorn, Rhine ferry crossings, Fondation Beyeler, the Rehberger-Weg trail and Vitra Campus. The city’s borderland setting enables easy trips by tram or e-bike into France and Germany, while attractions such as the Dreiländereck, Holzpark, Markthalle and Theatre Basel reinforce its cosmopolitan character.

A travel guide highlights eight newer or less familiar hiking routes across the UK and Europe. Featured trails include Italy’s Cammino Retico, Wales’s Llwybr Cadfan pilgrimage, Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Mallorca’s GR-226, the King Charles III England Coast Path, Guernsey’s occupation-themed routes, Scotland’s developing Rhins of Galloway Coast Path, and seven new routes in northern Ibiza. The routes combine scenery, wildlife, cultural heritage and religious or wartime history, while several are intended to support tourism beyond peak seasons and encourage exploration of less-visited areas.

A collection of 40 Boxing Day walks across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ranging from short accessible riverside and woodland strolls to longer countryside routes. The suggestions combine market towns with historic sites, stately homes, canals, lochs, nature reserves and winter scenery, while providing distances, terrain and accessibility information. Several routes include seasonal attractions such as Christmas decorations, festive lights, steam trains, ice skating and wildlife spotting.

Sixteen UK walking routes are recommended for autumn, each paired with a nearby pub, inn, hotel or brewery. The routes span English, Welsh and Scottish landscapes, including vineyards in Kent, Loch Lomond, the New Forest, Pendle Hill, Speyside and the Wye Valley, and range from short accessible trails to strenuous 20km hikes. Highlights include seasonal scenery, wildlife, historic sites, waterfalls and whisky-country stops, while accommodation and dining options are provided for each destination. Most routes cross uneven ground, farmland or stiles and are not fully accessible, although the Blickling Estate trail and part of the Craigellachie-Dufftown route are suitable for wheelchair users or buggies.

Guernsey’s ambition to become one of the world’s happiest and healthiest places is assessed through its peaceful communities, scenic landscapes, active-travel initiatives and local food culture. The island offers low crime, accessible cycling, wild swimming and strong community ties, but faces high house prices and residents leaving for cheaper alternatives. Nearby Sark provides an even slower, car-free way of life, although its small-island challenges remain. For visitors, beauty, community and outdoor activities make both islands compellingly restorative.

Bungay in Suffolk is portrayed as the center of the Black Shuck legend, linked to a 1577 account of a devil-like black dog appearing during a storm and attacking worshippers in Bungay and Blythburgh. The town’s Black Shuck Festival combines folklore, theatre, music, crafts and well-being activities, using the creature both as a symbol of local East Anglian identity and as a metaphor for confronting depression and personal difficulties. The feature also highlights Bungay’s historic buildings, haunted pubs, independent businesses, surrounding countryside and accommodation.

A curated guide to 25 coastal walks across Britain, highlighting routes in England, Scotland and Wales for their scenery, wildlife, history, accessibility and local character. The walks range from short outings such as Dinas Oleu and the Valley of Rocks to longer routes including Canna, Elie to Crail and the Ceredigion Coast. Attractions include cliffs, beaches, wildlife reserves, castles, industrial heritage, archaeological sites, literary connections and opportunities for food, pubs and public transport access.

Seven affordable walking destinations are recommended across Europe. Options include free or low-cost accommodation on Sardinia’s Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, Denmark’s public shelters, Herefordshire’s church sanctuaries, inexpensive mountain huts in Czechia, a self-guided coastal trip in Portugal, wild camping in Norway, and free bothies in Scotland. The article emphasizes ways to reduce costs through free stays, camping, public transport, affordable food, and budget accommodation.

A travel writer tests the EA350, a new backroad route through Norfolk and Suffolk, using Eddie, a camper-equipped 2014 Land Rover Defender. The journey takes in beaches, salt marshes, villages, the Norfolk Broads, nature reserves, historic sites, cafés and local pubs, with overnight stays at secluded Wild With Consent campsites. Despite heavy rain and the practical challenges of travelling in a large vehicle without conventional facilities, the route is praised for its scenery, varied stops and immersive off-grid experience. A three-night package with Defender hire costs from £875.

A cycling-sceptical writer travels through Denmark’s Fyn archipelago to experience friluftsliv, the Nordic enjoyment of open-air living. A leisurely four-day journey along the Castles Route, through Nyborg, Tåsinge, Langeland and Ærø, combines scenic cycling with castles, beaches, ferries, camping and nature-based activities such as swimming and sauna visits. The relaxed pace, peaceful landscapes and welcoming accommodations ultimately convert the writer to the pleasures of cycling and outdoor life.

Cannes can be enjoyed without a billionaire’s budget by staying at the affordable Villa du Roc Fleuri, joining a free Cannes Greeters walking tour, visiting the city’s film murals and free beaches, and taking a €15 return ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite. The island offers forest trails, secluded coves and a free underwater sculpture museum. Low-cost food options include a large pan bagnat from Philcat, while Astoux & Brun provides a more indulgent but relatively affordable seafood experience. The trip shows how visitors can experience Cannes’ glamour, film history and Riviera scenery while managing costs.

Ten European walking holidays are recommended for travelers interested in regional food and wine. The itineraries range from Piedmont and Sicily in Italy to Spain, Austria, Alsace, Portugal, Germany, the Dordogne, Slovenia and Switzerland, combining hikes with experiences such as vineyard visits, truffle hunting, cooking classes, cellar tastings, farm stays, cheese-making and Michelin-starred meals. Prices, durations, accommodation arrangements and tour operators are provided for each option.

The article recommends ten British walking experiences that combine scenic routes with local food and drink. Highlights include oyster foraging in Jersey, whisky distilleries in Speyside, Lancashire cheese country, coastal foraging in southwest Wales, Sussex and Herefordshire wine walks, a 51-pub Peak District trail, seafood and sweets along the Fife Coast Path, and food-focused walking around Helmsley and the Howardian Hills. Prices, route lengths and tour details are provided for many of the experiences.

Dresden is presented as an affordable and romantic city break destination combining reconstructed Baroque architecture, major art collections, local food and access to scenic countryside. The feature highlights Caspar David Friedrich exhibitions marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, works by Dresden-born artist AR Penck, inexpensive vegetarian dining, Meissen porcelain, the Wes Anderson-associated Pfunds Molkerei, and a day trip to Pillnitz and Saxon Switzerland. Practical information covers rail travel, accommodation, museum tickets and the Elbe paddle steamer.

The piece highlights 15 newly opened or soon-to-open walking routes worldwide, ranging from coastal paths and pilgrimage trails to wildlife treks and accessible urban walks. Featured developments include new sections of England’s Coast Path, Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail, New Zealand’s Hump Ridge Track, and routes in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and North America. Many trails are intended to support local communities, promote heritage or improve access, while several are being developed with measures to manage tourism and protect sensitive environments.

A guide to 41 short, family-friendly Boxing Day walks across England, Wales and Scotland. The recommended routes range from coastal paths and urban parks to forests, hills, nature reserves and heritage sites, with distances generally between one and six miles. Many suggestions include seasonal attractions, wildlife, cafés, pubs, accessible trails or festive events, offering low-effort ways to get outdoors during the Christmas holiday.

Port Erin is presented as a quieter Isle of Man seaside destination whose historic character is anchored by the 150-year-old Steam Railway. The guide covers ferry, bus and rail access, accommodation, coastal walks to Milner’s Tower and Fleshwick Bay, beaches and water sports, local food and drink, and cultural attractions including the Cregneash open-air museum. Highlights include Foraging Vintners, the sustainable restaurant Versa, and scenic excursions to the Sound Café and Calf of Man.