The Reading List

 

El Hierro

The smallest and most remote of the Canary Islands.

 

 

 

Hunan

The landscape that inspired James Cameron's Avatar.

 

 

 

The Gambia

Head upriver and discover the real Africa.

 

 

 

Georgia Music Trail

Hit the road Jack or take the midnight train to Georgia.

 

 

 

Shanghai by Rail

Climb aboard the fastest passenger train in the world.

 

 

 

North Sea Jazz 2019

Macy Gray is one of the highlights.

 

 

 

Colours of Ostrava Festival, Czech Republic

A diverse lineup including Portuguese Fado singer Mariza.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone

The Civil War is over, Ebola has been wiped out, now is the time to visit.

 

 

 

Botswana

A magnificent photo-safari.

 

 

 

Nevis Mango Festival

More than a hundred varieties of Mango grow on this Caribbean island

 

 

 

Kurent Festival, Ptuj, Slovenia

A good time is guaranteed for all at the Slovenian equivalent of Mardi Gras.

 

 

 

La Palma

One of the most unspoilt Canary Islands, La Palma is great for hiking and star gazing.

 

 

 

New Orleans

Jazz is just one of the many attractions of this famous city.

 

 

 

India by Rail

Let the train take the strain as you journey round the subcontinent and marvel at its wonders.

 

 

Tateyama, Japan

A ceremony along the road to Hell, or should it be Heaven?.

 

 

Alpe-Adria Trail

Europe's newest long distance footpath goes from Austria, through Slovenia, to Italy.>

 

 

 

North Sea Jazz 2017

Dianne Reeves, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Grace Jones are just some of the stars at this year's festival.

 

 

Brandenberg Alps

 

A four day hiking tour is a good introduction to the delights of the Tyrol.

 

 

Chernobyl, Ukraine

An easy day trip from Kiev, Chernobyl is a grim reminder of what happens when nuclear power goes wrong.

 

 

 

Norway

Hiking in Norway is the best way to see the fjords.

 

 

 

Rodrigues

Rodrigues is the little sister of Mauritius and is far from the madding crowds.

 

 

 

Camino de Santiago, Spain

After walking for a month on the Camino, there's a special mass for pilgrims in Santiago.

 

 

 

Bicol, Philippines

I go swimming with Whale Sharks in Bicol and live to tell the tale.

 

 

 

Lycian Way, Turkey

Turkey's first long distance trek takes over a month and you're welcomed with traditional hospitality on the way.

 

 

Vorarlberg, Austria

Chef Jeremias Riezler only cooks with ingredients he can see from the top of his mountain and the results are delicious.

 

 

Bruges, Belgium

Belgium claims to have invented French Fries and has a museum to prove it.

 

 

 

Alabama, USA

Alabama is a huge state, larger than England, and boast great musicians, a history of civil rights and the first Mardi Gras in the USA.

 

 

St Moritz Gourmet Festival, 2016

This year's edition of the Gourmet Festival invites Japanese chefs to show what they can do.

 

 

Cape Verde Island Hopping

Off the coast of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands offer unspoilt hiking trails, and it's also a good chance to meet the locals.

 

 

Sardinia

Centuries of invaders have left their mark on the food of Sardinia and it only became part of Italy in the mid 19th century.

 

 

A Taste of Slovenia

Slovenian food is influenced by Austria, Italy and the Balkans.

 

 

 

Where to Eat in Athens

Athenian food is far more than just kebabs and you'll soon become a fan mediterranean cuisine in its restaurants.

 

 

A Grizzly Time in Sonora Resort, BC, Canada

Wilderness travel doesn't always mean roughing it as a few days at Sonora Resort, watching Grizzlies and catching Salmon proves.

 

 

Kamloops, Shuswap and the North Okanagan, BC, Canada

British Columbia offers mountain biking, hiking and canoeing, with a houseboat stay on Shuswap Lake as a bonus.

 

 

Okanagan Wines from British Columbia, Canada

BC has some of the northernmost wineries in the world and growers in the Okanagan Valley don’t just have to contend with the climate, they also have problems with wild animals.

 

 

Walking the French Pyrenees the Easy Way

I've opted for a week's walking, staying at three comfortable hotels, with my baggage transported so I can travel light.

 

 

Southern Sicily

Pounding Inspector Montalbano's Beat.

 

 

 

Luxury Islands, Maldives

Are these resorts the ultimate hideaways?

 

 

 

Hidden Depths of Champagne

In the south of Champagne they don't make the bubbly but there's much to see

 

 

 

Brescia, Italy

Roman remains are just one of many attractions in this North Italian city.

 

 

 

Gstaad, Switzerland

Mountain biking, hiking and even a country music festival are some of the reasons to visit.

 

 

 

Dolomites, Italy

Hiking the classic Alta Via route from mountain hut to hut.

 

 

 

Abruzzo, Italy

Walking hard but sampling the best of the region's food and wine.

 

 

 

Lake Garda, Italy

Fish and Chefs is a festival which highlights the lakes gastronomy

 

 

 

Deauville and Trouville

A new direct flight makes this part of Normandy easily accesible for a long weekend.

 

 

 

Rouen, France

A new Joan of Arc Museum makes Rouen a place be.

 

 

 

Guernsey Food Festival

Now an annual event, Guernsey showcases its food, including its own coffee planation.

 

 

 

El Nido, Philippines

Stunning limestone cathedrals rise up out of the sea and make this an extraordinary destination.

 

 

 

Le Marche

Artists have created art walks including glorious hilltop towns with visits to organic wineries.

 

 

 

FIT Cuba

Cuba is extending its tourism offer and wants everyone to know about it

 

 

 

St. Lucia, Caribbean

Spend a week immersing yourself in the gastronomy of the Caribbean.

 

 

 

Sicily Wines

With the perfect climate and volcanic soils, Sicily is a wine continent all on its own.

 

 

 

Manila Fusion

Madrid Fusion brought its festival to the Philippines and it's now here to stay.

 

 

 

Lisbon Fish and Flavours Festival

Being right on the sea, Lisbon is a mecca for fish enthusiasts.

 

 

 

Eat Essex

Essex is known for many things but not, until recently, its food. That's about to change.

 

 

 

Madrid Fusion 2015

China was the special guest this year, and proved that their new wave cuisine is something to be reckoned with.

 

 

St. Moritz Gourmet Festival

To celebrate 150 years of British tourism, the chefs this year were all from the UK.

 

 

 

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is known for sand, sea and fun, but it's also good for hiking.

 

 

 

Star Wars, Tunisa

In the south of Tunisa, on the edge of the Sahara, are the locations where Star Wars was filmed.

 

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is less well know that the Caribbean but it's worth it to get off the beaten track.

 

 

Postojna Cave, Slovenia

Going underground in Europe's largest cave system.

 

 

 

British Virgin Islands

The BVI are all clustered together so you can get an idea of sailing the Caribbean by taking the ferries.

 

 

Alentejo, Portugal

The largest region in Portugal, the Alentejo, has traditionally been the poorest but now it's firmly on the foodie map.

 

 

Seattle, USA

Go to the East of Washington State, and you'll find the desert transformed by vineyards producing excellent wines.

 

 

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

After the war, the city of Jaffna, and its peninsula, is now safe for travel and there's even a new railway line.

 

 

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, in the 19th century, with its mountain air and spa waters, attracted some of the 1st tourists to Switzerland.

 

 

Hartz Mountains, Germany

Witness to important stages of human history, the Harz Mountains, in the heart of Germany,has a clutch of cultural treasures recognised by UNESCO.

 

 

Vilnius, Lithuania

Around 2 hours from London, on a direct flight, Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, is good value, and take a hot air balloon over the city.

 

 

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar are the traditional reasons for visiting Emilia-Romagna but, lesser known, are its forests and hills.

 

 

North Sea Jazz, Rotterdam

Now in its 38th Year, North Sea Jazz never fails to please and, this year, with Stevie Wonder and Pharrell Williams topping the bill, it was better than ever.

 

 

A Taste of the Azores

Chefs from England, Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, America and Canada serve up their interpretations of modern Azorean cuisine at 10 Fest Azores

 

 

MarrakChef, Morocco

4 top international chefs, from France, Belgium, Spain and the UK, gather in Marrakech to create new dishes inspired by the cuisine of Morocco

 

 

Istria, Croatia

Istria is rich in truffles, olive oil, seafood and wine so it's no surprise that the cuisine is so distinctive.

 

 

 

Tyrol, Austria

The idyllic Alpbach Valley is home to authentic Tyrolean cooking, using local ingredients, and mixing tradition with new tastes and inspirations.

 

 

West Sweden

Fresh from its waters, or newly harvested from its fields, the produce of West Sweden is the perfect fodder for the Nordic Food Revolution.

 

 

Gulet Cruising in Turkey

For the ultimate cruise experience, charter Carpe Diem 1, a luxury gulet, and explore the Turkish Turquoise coast, going wherever you fancy.

 

 

Smooth Jazz Festival at Panama City Beach, Florida

Now in its 16th year, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival now attracts close to 25,000 spectators, to groove beside the white sands of Panama City Beach, Florida.

 

 

Tirana, Albania

Long seen as one of the severest former communist countries, Albania has now emerged from the darkness and is a surprisingly attractive tourist destination.

 

 

Washington DC, USA

Most people go to the US capital to see the monuments but you can also eat well if you know where to go.

 

 

Davos & Klosters, Switzerland

Ski where the Royals go, but don't expect to bump into them on the slopes.

 

 

 

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a startling mix of old and new, and the food is delicious.

 

 

 

Zimbabwe

The country is now emerging as a major tourist destination with breathtaking game reserves.

 

 

 

Cartagena Music Festival, Colombia

Glorious classical music in beautiful colonial city.

 

 

 

Bohol,Philippines

Bohol is recovering from a double whammy, earthquake and typhoon.

 

 

 

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The volcanic soil is responsible for the island's unique wines and cheeses.

 

 

 

Restaurant Week in Valencia, Spain

Famous for its Paella, Valencia has much more to offer and, during restaurant week, it's excellent value.

 

 

Baku, Azerbaijan

At the crossroads of Central Asia, Baku is changing fast but still retains its Asian charm

 

 

 

Isles of Scilly, UK

These are Prince Charle's private islands and well worth a visit for their food and stunning views.

 

 

Riding the Gourmet Gravy Train in Quebec

Charlevoix is a gastronomic dream and now you can explore by train.

 

 

 

Swaziland, Africa's Only Kingdom

Swaziland, tucked between Mozambique and south Africa, is a tiny country but well worth a visit.

 

 

Royal Clipper Cruise from Rome to Venice

Cruising under sail makes all the difference.

 

 

 

Gastro Peaks, Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy

The tiny valley of Alta Badia, in heart of the Dolomites, has a trio of Michelin-starred restaurants, in a distance of just 7 km.

 

 

Arts in Vorarlberg, Austria

Situated on the edge of Lake Constance, Vorarlberg is the most Western state in Austria and offers a fine mix of culture and nature.

 

 

 

North Sea Jazz 2013, Rotterdam

Probably the biggest jazz festival in the world, North Sea Jazz takes place in July over 3 days in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

 

 

Under the Midnight Sun in North Norway

North of the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun in Norway makes it the perfect region for summer outdoor adventures.

 

 

A Taste of Benelux

Six days on the rails, sampling culinary delights in 3 Benelux cities, Luxembourg, Antwerp and The Hague.

 

 

Wild Times in the Faroe Islands

Almost in the middle of nowhere, the 18 Faroe Islands lie in the inhospitable North Atlantic, halfway between Norway and Iceland.

 

 

Poznan Poland

Wielkopolska, Greater Poland, occupies almost 10% of the country, and its capital, Poznan, makes a great base for exploring this historic region.

 

 

2nd International Tourist Summit, Jerusalem, Israel

The summit highlights technological innovation and explores the challenges facing Israel to increase tourist numbers by 500%.

 

 

Basilicata, Italy - the Land That Time Almost Forgot

Matera is one of the world's oldest towns and boasts traditional festivities reaching back to pagan times, as well as excellent food and drink.

 

 

Adristorical Lands in Italy and Croatia

For centuries the Adriatic has been a major highway and the Abruzzo and Le Marche regions of Italy share history and art with Croatia.

 

 

Finger in the Pies in Paphos, Cyprus

Greek Orthodox Easter is not just a religious festival, but also a time for baking special breads and pastries.

 

 

Dordogne, Castles in the Air

In this part of South West France you'll find fairy tale castles, perched precariously on limestone cliffs, overlooking the Dordogne River.

 

 

Sustainable Tourism in Catalonia, Spain

The County of Berguedà in Catalonia, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is leading the way in Spain in promoting Eco-Tourism.

 

 

Springtime in Luxembourg

Echternach is only 35 km from Luxembourg city and the three circuits that make up the Mullerthal Trail offer great hiking.

 

 

Lisbon Fish Flavours Festival

Peixe em Lisboa offers cooking classes, wine pairings, chef demonstrations and tasting dishes provided by top Portuguese restaurants.

 

 

Ghost Busting in Oxford

Oxford Castle has been here since Saxon times so it's the ideal place to go ghost hunting.

 

 

 

St. Kitts, West Indies

St. Kitts is one of the most unspoilt islands in the Caribbean and it's beautiful.

 

 

 

Winter Sports in St. Mortiz, Swizerland


It's not all downhill on the slopes here- they even play cricket on the frozen lake.

 

 

Panama Coral Islands

The Caribbean coast of Panama is dotted with hundreds of islands, all picture-postcard perfect.

 

 

 

Mil Polleras Festival in Panama

The Pollera is the national dress of Panama and every year, in Las Tablas, there's a festival for women to show off their best.

 

 

Tasty Walks in Guernsey

In March and April 2013, Guernsey is offering a programme of 34 guided walks showcasing the island’s best sites and scenery, followed by a three course meal.

 

 

Festival of the Sahara, Douz, Tunisa

On the edge of the desert, in the south of Tunisia, tribesmen gather to race their camels.

 

 

 

Ski Oregon

Oregon is all about the great outdoors and, as you'd expect, this North West corner of the USA is home to some of the best skiing on the continent.

 

 

Secrets of Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On the Scottish island of Islay, Bowmore is one of eight distilleries still producing the quality"hard stuff".

 

 

Bordeaux Wine Adventures

In Bordeaux you're spoilt for choice -on one side of the river, it's Saint-Emilion, on the other it's Margaux.

 

 

On Safari in Malawi

Not for nothing is Malawi is know as "The Warm Heart of Africa" and it's certainly a destination for Africa for beginners.

 

 

Rhino Conservation in South Africa

South Africa is now focusing on responsible and sustainable tourism, particularly for its safaris. It's the first destination in the world to offer "Fair Trade for Tourism".

 

 

White Truffle Hunting in Le Marche, Italy

If you're going truffle hunting then the best chance of finding any is in Acqualagna, in Pesaro-Urbino Province, as it supplies two thirds of the Italian market.

 

 

Cézanne And The Past – Museum of Fine Arts Budapest

This fascinating exhibition displays almost 100 works by Cezanne as well as 40 pictures by artists who influenced him, including Raphael, Michelangelo, Poussin, Chardin, Goya, Delacroix and Courbet. It runs until February 2013

 

El Salvador

In El Salvador they say the country is so tiny that nothing is more than 40 minutes away. Whether it's volcano, beach or capital city, all are close.

 

 

Honduras

Honduras is very much off the beaten British tourist track yet it boasts fantastic Mayan sculptures at Copan and the lush tropical island of Roatan.

 

 

Gard, France

The Gard region of France is frequently overshadowed by its Provencal neighbour, but the Camargue and Cevennes both offer unique culinary gems.

 

 

Hiking in the Valais, Switzerland

Most people see Switzerland as a winter destination, a place for winter sports and apres-ski, but it's also glorious for walking all year round.

 

 

Eat My Turku, Finland

The Finns have come up with a novel food walk - a different course in each restaurant and it's very good indeed.

 

 

Stately Home Film Locations, Derbyshire, UK

See the places where movies such as The Duchess, Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre were shot - and sleep in the same bed as Keira Knightley...

 

 

Bristol Ballooning

The Bristol International Balloon Festival is now its 34 year and the weather was perfect this summer.

 

 

Mahindra Homestays in India

Fancy travelling around India with the minimum of hassle? Then stay in a homestay and meet the locals.

 

 

Casablanca, Morocco

More than just an old movie, Casablanca and Rabat make great weekend destinations.

 

 

 

Mauritius

The South coast of Mauritius is completely unspoilt and has the last remaining rain forest on the island.

 

 

Yukon, Canada

Although the Klondike gold rush is long over, Yukon offers a fascinating glimpse of bygone times.

 

 

Gourmet Adventures in Vaucluse, Provence

It's the power of the sun that imbues traditional ingredients with that unique Provencal taste.


 

 

On Safari in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

South Africa is now focusing on responsible and sustainable tourism, particularly for its safaris. It’s the first destination in the world to offer “Fair Trade for Tourism”.

 

 

Greek Orthodox Easter in Mount Athos

Mount Athos is an independent Monastic state, home to 20 monasteries and 2000 monks. What's Easter like there?

 

 

Running With the Wine Horses, Murcia, Spain

Every year the Caballos del Vino fiesta, in Caravaca de la Cruz, celebrates the occasion when intrepid Knight Templars, , brought wine to besieged thirsty Christians.

 

 

Sri Lanka's Unspoilt East Coast

With the dawn of peace, the beautiful East coast of Sri Lanka is finally open to tourists and it’s achingly beautiful.

 

 

Gourmet Hiking Without Luggage, Luxembourg

In the wooded hills and valleys of the Ardennes, in Luxembourg, you walk from hotel to hotel without your bags and enjoy nature unencumbered.

 

 

Åland Islands

Scandinavian sunshine on an unspoilt archipelago of 6500 islands between Sweden and Finland


 

Bach in the GDR with Johann Sebastian Bach

Eisenach, Leipzig and Dresden, in former East Germany, are all hangouts of the great JS.

 

 

 

Arctic Flavours of Lapland

A five day culinary break in Kuusamo is the perfect opportunity to sample the wild produce found in the arctic lakes and forests of Lapland, prepared with true Scandinavian simplicity.

 

 

Pho Restaurants - Vietnamese Food Bites Back

Now with six branches in London and Brighton, Pho focuses on a small number of Vietnamese street foods and prepares everything on the premises from the highest quality ingredients.

 

In Parma Serves Up Highest Quality Italian Ingredients

Italian products are usually top notch, but the In Parma restaurant, in London's Fitzrovia, choses the best of the best.

 

 

Comptoir Libanais, South Kensington, London

Now a mini-chain of Middle East café/restaurants across London, Comptoir Libanais certainly brings home the Baklava.

 

 

Spotlight on Italian Charcuterie at Cantina Del Ponte, London

Claudio Gottardo, head chef at Cantina del Ponte, is celebrating Italian charcuterie in a series of monthly menus from the north, central and southern regions.

 

 

International Festival of the Oasis in Tozeur,Tunisia

A year after the Jasmine Revolution, Tunisia celebrates its new freedom with a festival on the edge of the Sahara.

 

 

The Peacock at Rowsley in the heart of the Peak District

This 17th century Derbyshire hotel, once the dower house for Haddon Hall, is full of old world charm, yet its facilities are bang up to date. And the food is something else...

 

Z Hotel Soho

A brand new hotel concept, Z Hotels offer high quality short stay accommodation in city centre locations, at an affordable price.

 

 

Boisdale Oyster Championships in Canary Wharf

With 585 oysters sampled from 13 producers, Boisdale restaurants are proud to serve the prize winners on its “Six Medal Plate”.

 

 

New Cocktail Bar, The Lucky Pig opens in Fitzrovia

You have to search this place out, as it’s slightly off the beaten drinking track. The idea is to provide classic cocktails, old fashioned glamour, in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

 

Clarissa Dickson Wright Hosts British Food at the Savoy

It’s fitting that Clarissa Dickson Wright should host a dinner dedicated to English food at an establishment where a famous Frenchman, Georges Auguste Escoffier, revolutionised what Londoners put into their mouths.

 

Food Heroes of Liguria

Traditional Italian ingredients are getting a makeover – young producers are putting a new spin on old favourites and getting their products certified by the people that matter.

 

 

Gourmet Jersey

Not just Jersey Cream and Jersey Royals, Jersey Oysters and Scallops and fish are some of the best in the world.

 

 

Copenhagen Cooking

Once famous for sex shops, Copenhagen is now one of the foodie capitals of the world.

 

 

Kalishnikov AK-47 Thrills in Wroclaw, Poland

Every fancied being an assassin for sale? Here in Poland you get the chance to see if your skills match the job.

 

 

North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam

Simply the biggest Jazz festival in the world, and probably the best, certainly the most comfortable.

 

 

Cruising Down the Nile

Quiet times in Egypt after the revolution and no queues to see King Tut.

 

 

Flemish Primitives, Ostend

A gourmet food summit to celebrate the best of Flemish gastronomy.

 

 

Thrills and Spills in Tenerife

Tower of Power at Siam Park Water Kingdom certainly gets the adrenalin flowing.

 

 

Fruit Route in South Africa

A tour round the best that the Cape has to offer.

 

 

Irish Luxury by the Lough

The Wineport Lodge is a gastronomic paradise in the Irish Midlands and rooms aren't bad either.

 

 

Singapore Fusion in Madrid

Singapore served up its unique take on Tapas at the Madrid Fusion gourmet summit.

 

 

Learn to Ski in Three Days in Austria

I said it couldn't be done, but the Austrians wanted to prove me wrong - who was right?

 

 

Spa Jordan

Jordan is famous for archaeological and biblical sites but now it's moving upmarket with luxury hotels and spas.

 

 

Cretan Diet Fights Back

Once famous as the place where people live longer, Crete is now throwing out fast food and going back to its olive roots.

 

 

Cyprus Blossoms

Famous for its raucous nightlife, Cyprus is moving upmarket, but don't disturb the locals...

 

 

Polar Bears on the Verge of Extinction

Every year Churchill, on the banks of Hudson Bay, sees Polar Bears gather, waiting for the sea to freeze over. With global warming, it's getting later every year and the bears are in trouble.

 

Lonely Thanet Guide

Not for nothing is Kent known as the Garden of England, and now restaurants are taking advantage and sourcing their food locally.

 

 

Born to be Wild

Foraging for plants and fungi in the beautiful Kent countryside with the chef from the Marquis Restaurant in Alkham.

 

 

A Basque Banquet at London's Wallace Collection

Three Michelin-starred chefs whip up a storm of new wave Basque cuisine.

 

 

A Fantastic Fish Restaurant in Ramsgate, Kent

Eddie Gilbert's is a fish and chip shop, wet fish seller, and gourmet restaurant.

 

 

Hotel Iberostar Astir Odysseus, Kos, Greece

Swim in the world's longest hotel pool and enjoy the view of Turkey.

 

 

High as Kite and Down with a Bump - Ballooning in La Rioja

The perfect cure for a Rioja Hangover, a champagne breakfast in the skies, then falling to Earth...

 

 

Fiesta de San Matteo in Logroño, Spain

Tapas, Music and Wine in week long festival to celebrate the grape harvest.

 

 

Carnivale in Viareggio, Italy

Italy's most spectacular carnival features giant floats and a masked procession.

 

 

Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, Italy

Listen to Puccini in the open air, right by his house.

 

 

Tampere, Finland

Spies, Sauna, Black Pudding and Tango.

 

 

 

Going Round the Big Bend - the Wild West of Texas

Rafting on the Rio Grande, riding the range and six shooting - every kid's cowboy dreams.

 

 

Canada's Nova Scotia - Lobster Feasts and a Tidal Bore

If you think of Canada as a land of snow and ice, think again. Nova Scotia is warmed by the Gulf Stream and its delights are accesible all year round - no stick in the muds here.

 

Starigrad Paklenica Music Documentary Film Festival

The world's first ever film festival devoted to music documentaries in Croatia.

 

 

Zadar, Ancient Dalmation Capital in Croatia

Everyone's heard of Dubrovnik but Zadar is another walled town surrounded by the sea and is Croatia's "City of Cool".

 

 

Thailand's Beautiful Region of Isan

After the recent demonstrations in Bangkok many tourists are heading to Isan in the North East, home to Khymer temples, Elephants and the Khao Yai national park.

 

An Appetite for Arthropods - Insect Feast in Thailand

I've always wanted to eat creepie-crawlies and finally found a stall offering 57 varieties in Thailand.

 

 

Schutzenfest Festival, Hanover

Beer and sausages with a big bass drum watching the world cup.

 

 

 

Cologne Luxury

An upmarket break in Cologne, a chocolate museum, and a whiff of the famous perfume.

 

 

 

Eco Tunisia

Environmentally aware in North Africa - no animals were harmed in the making of this article.

 

 

 

Carcassonne Cooking

Gourmet house party in South West France, learning to make the perfect Cassoulet.

 

 

Green in Provence

Organic France following an eco route in a hot air balloon.

 

 

 

Walking the Way of St James

On the pilgrimage trail in France to Santiago de Compostella.

 

 

A Tutored Tasting of Olive Oil

Olive oil is like wine, and should be treated with the same respect. Here's how you taste the difference.

 

 

Food Matters in the Italian Region of Abruzzo

Abruzzo is one of Italy's hidden gems and home to gourmet delicacies made with the freshest of seasonal ingredients.

 

 

Cretan Diet is Recipe for Long Life

In the East of Crete, Greece's largest island, they're still reaping the rewards of the classic Mediterranean diet.

 

 

Italian Palace Opens its Kitchen for Gourmet Cooking Courses

In Carunchio, in southern Abruzzo, you can stay in a luxury Palazzo and learn to cook the region's gourmet delicacies.

 

 

Billy Bragg in Pressure Drop at London's Wellcome Centre

On the eve of the British election, this new play explores the politics of the far right in the East end of London.

 

 

Italy's Prosciutto di Parma & Parmigiano Reggiano

A gourmet tasting of classic Italian ham and cheese and the secrets of how they're made.

 

 

Cycling Chateau to Chateau in France's Loire Valley

There's a new bike route along the Loire river, which will ultimate provide 800 kms of cycle tracks, ideal for visiting the Chateaux.

 

 

Treading the Tapas Trail in Madrid

Madrid is one of the world's food capitals with more restaurants per head than any other city. What better place to go on a Tapas crawl?

 

 

International Gourmet Food Fair in Spain

The 24th Salon Internacional del Club de Gourmets confirms Spain's placae in the top rank of food destinations.

 

 

Volcanic Eruption of Sun Ra Arkestra

Icelandic volcano dust prevented the Arkestra from leaving Britain so they staged a spontaneous gig at Dalston's Cafe Oto.

 

 

Walking the Czech-Polish Friendship Trail

Following the Czech Polish Border with one foot in either country.

 

 

 

A Breeze in Belize

Belize offers "surf and turf" and a little local colour thrown in for good measure.

 

 

Madeira Walking Still Open for Business

A freak storm in February wreaked havoc with Madeira's infrastructure, but recovery has been swift, and most paths have reopened.

 

 

Top of the World in the Czech Republic

Snezka, or Snow Mountain, is the highest peak in the country and its well worth clilmbing.

 

 

La Gomera, Bashful Neighbour of Tenerife

It's a short hop to La Gomera from Los Christianos, but it could't be more different. Walking and peace and quiet is what this island has to offer, and great food.

 

Walk the London Loop in Easy Stages

The London Loop encircles Greater London, covering a distance of around 150 miles. It's like the M25 for walkers and is an easy getaway from the bustle of the big city.

 

Section 21 - Havering-atte-Bower to Harold Wood

Section 20 - Chigwell to Havering-atte-Bower

Section 19 - Chingford to Chigwell

 

Olives de Lucques - the Rolls Royce of Olives

Olives are not all the same - they vary in size, shape, taste and toughness. Languedoc, in SW France, is where you find the best olives in the world.

 

Britain's Best Pizza Expands

Long a beacon for foodies in Brixton Market, Franco Manca is now branching out all over London. The first new outpost is in Chiswick and the quality hasn't suffered one bit.

 

Taste of Greece Comes to London

London's Greek restaurants serve up Moussaka and Kebabs and not much else. The Greek National Tourist Organisation is bringing the authentic taste of Greece to Britain.

 

A Fishing Trip to London's Billingsgate Market

Early morning at Billingsgate reveals the tremendous variety of fish on sale. Scotland is safeguarding the future by ensuring its fishery is sustainable.

 

Madeira Walking Festival 2001

This year's walking festival held in Funchal was a great success in spite of the weather. Over 100 intrepid hikers set out every day for a week to tackle Madeira's mountains and valleys.

 

Gourmet Adventures in Greenland

Greenland is the home of wild food and you won't get it fresher anywhere. Whale, Seal, Musk Ox are all on the menu.

 

Pack Light For Travel Freedom

Tired of hauling huge suitcases when you travel? Well there's an easy way to limit yourself to just one carry-on bag using the ultimate lightweight packing list.

 

Free Tickets for London's Theatre, Film and Music

London is home to an exciting and vibrant arts scene, yet its one of the most expensive capitals in the world. Yet there is a way to get very cheap or even free tickets. Here's how.

 

Stars of Folk & Roots Gather at London's Roundhouse for a Mega Concert

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Froots magazine, many artists, including Bily Bragg, performed to pay their respects.