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Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

Taking the dragon on a cruise

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Yes, our friends at MSC have opened themselves up to hackneyed gags about taking the dragon on a cruise.

Only this is Asia where the dragon is venerated.

And MSC passengers should be fired up by the unveiling of a spectacular 12-metre sculpture.

Aboard its newest flagship, MSC World Asia, ahead of its launch in December.

Suspended 10 metres above the outdoor promenade, Dragon features nearly 700 mirrors and more than 3,000 LED lights.

Bright lights

Now MSC are known for being the bright lights of cruising.

With their iconic sparkling staircases and tens of thousands of genuine Swarovski crystals.

Now we don’t have to wait long to see the new feature for ourselves.

With MSC World Asia beginning its seven-night Mediterranean sailings from December 4.

A sample seven-nightMediterranean sailing from Genoa aboard MSC World Asia is available from €769pp.

Columbus crew

Now you’ll leave from Christopher Columbus‘s homestead for Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

Messina (Taormina) is your next stop for all things Sicilian.

Before you take in the harbour of delights that is Valletta in Malta.

And then a day at sea with on board activities.

Before you disembark in Barcelona and if you think that Columbus has been following you.

Well, there he is in Las Ramblas pointing you to the New Word… and your next trip?

Before cornering for Marseille and back to Columbustown in Genova and home.

Canada, Countries

Yukon’s light show… no colander required

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Right, now we’ve got the knack of this lunar lunacy let’s get closer to the sky with Yukon’s light show… no colander required.

But rather than standing on a hill with silly solar glasses or peer through a kitchen strainer.

Our friends in Yukon in the great Canadian western wilderness are inviting us to come and touch their sky.

On a six-day Aurora 360 Flight Package with Northern Lights Resort and Spa in February from £7735pp with Canada As You Like It.

Where you can witness the aurora borealis from 30,000ft aboard an Air North charter.

Room with a view

The Great Outdoors: Northern Lights Resort & Spa

Now what’s special about this big bird apart, of course, it flying above the Arctic Circle is its layout.

And the clue is in the name with every passenger on the Aurora360 guaranteed a window seat.

You’ll be staying in the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, arriving on February 4.

Before spending the final night at the Hyatt Place Whitehorse.

Those arriving on 6 February will begin with two nights at the Hyatt Place Whitehorse.

Before finishing their stay with three nights at the resort.

During the overlap between 6 and 8 February, the Aurora360 Flight will operate on the evening forecast.

To offer the strongest Northern Lights display, allowing guests on both departures to experience the flight under the best possible aurora conditions.

Five alive

Feast for the senses: Best local cuisine

The five-night package includes a guaranteed window seat aboard the exclusive Air North Aurora360 Flight.

Round-trip flights between Vancouver and Whitehorse, luxury accommodation, seamless airport transfers and daily gourmet meals.

Guests will also enjoy nightly guided aurora viewing around the resort bonfire, complete with professional photography.

An excursion to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

A snowmobiling adventure, the opportunity to meet Yukon sled dogs during the Husky Rush experience.

An Aurora Basecamp BBQ lunch with traditional maple toffee by the fire, and full winter clothing rental throughout their stay.

Red-hot chalet

Located just 20 minutes from Whitehorse, Northern Lights Resort & Spa offers guests the chance to relax in their own private chalet.

Enjoy local gourmet cuisine and watch the night sky ignite from around a fire pit or through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Whether staying in an Alpine Chalet or one of the resort’s iconic Aurora Glass Chalets, guests are immersed in peaceful wilderness.

And discover more about viewing the Northern Lights in the Yukon on Travel Yukon’s dedicated northern lights page on Travel Yukon’s website.

Book your place on the Aurora 360 flight with Canada As You Like It.

Seven days

Canada As You Like It offers a seven-night Yukon’s Northern Lights Resort & Spa Aurora360 holiday from £7,735pp.

Including return international flights, two nights in Vancouver, four nights at Northern Lights Resort & Spa, one night in Whitehorse.

And an exclusive Air North Aurora360 flight.

Guests can also upgrade to an Aurora Glass Chalet for a supplement of £745 per person.

So after bagging a solar eclipse this summer can you witness the Northern Lights up close in 2027?

Yes, Yukon.

Track your route

And to get there, you don’t have to be a tracker just track the routes.

Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and Edmonton take you to Whitehorse.

Plus seasonal routes to Toronto and Ottawa via Yellowknife.

As well as northern connections to Dawson City, Old Crow and Inuvik.

Air Canada operates daily flights to Whitehorse from London via Vancouver.

WestJet provides seasonal service from London to Whitehorse via Calgary (overnight in Calgary required) from June to early September.

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Portustroll in shoulder-season

19th August 2026 funtime65

It’s a step change all right putting off a summer getaway for a Portustroll in shoulder-season.

But shoulder season, or autumn travel away from the burning summer heat, is this year’s travel trend.

And because we’re always ahead of the curve we’re lacing up our walking boots next month on the Portuguese Way for our Camino.

But more of that later we’ve got to get a shift on here to tell you of the walks you can enjoy this shoulder season.

The shoulder season in Portugal, the geographical shoulder of Europe.

Shoulder to shoulder with its Iberian neighbour Spain.

Bordering on the meticulous

Water way to go: Take in the surroundings

The charms of Alcoutim: The longest continuous border in Europe, dating back to 1297, gives the gentle stroller the chance to straddle two ancient nations.

You’ll start and finish your 4.6km walk in the Praça da República (Square of Republic).

The trail takes walkers through the border city of Alcoutim.

And reveals iconic landmarks, the Castle of Alcoutim, the ruins of the Old Castle, the Praia Fluvial, and the River Guadiana landscapes.

There is also the chance to cross over to the other side of the river and visit the Spanish town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana.

Stroll to the beach

Rota Vicentina Circular routes Amado (Rated: Moderate): OK, you start and finish at the Amado beach on this moderate 7.75km walk but you get the picture.

And you get to wash your feet in the Atlantic swell at the end on the beach which incidentally is Portuguese for beloved.

This coastal trail offers a blend of wildlife, rare flora and fascinating geology.

Hikers can spot native birds and wildlife, admire globally rare cliff-top plants, and explore landscapes shaped over 300 million years ago.

Hot foot in the Algarve

Rota Vicentina Historical Way Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo: And one for those British sitcom friends and you might not BELIEVE it.

But our Portuguese pals call this route 21.4km moderate.

You’ll start your journey at Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira and end, and say a prayer, next to the main church in Vila do Bispo

And, of course, the Algarve will show many of its dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains meet the coast.

Along the way, hikers can spot native flora, protected temporary ponds.

And a variety of wildlife, including rare birdlife and the endemic Triops vicentinus, an indigenous prehistoric tadpole shrimp.

All of which conjures up all that lovely seafood to keep you going on your travels.

Walk this way

Section 7 of the Via Algarviana Salir–Alte: And because we like a challenge, this, the seventh section of the Via Algarviana, is calling us.

You’ll start your 16.4km odyssey in the square next to the Mother Church of Salir.

And finish in the Fontes de Alte Natural Springs.

Now the terrain is rural paths, traditional villages, and farmland that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Along the way, walkers can admire old stone walls, water wheels.

And the impressive Rocha da Pena Protected Landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and local legends.

The route continues through the picturesque village of Benafim.

Before following the peaceful Ribeira de Alte to the scenic Fontes Grande and Pequena, ending in the charming village of Alte.

Walking season

On the road again: With your fellow walkers

Alternatively, visitors can visit the Algarve Walking Season website to find out about upcoming walking events.

And for a comprehensive guide to walking opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve.

Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features.

It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Food & Wine

Taking that Van der Valk in Old Amsterdam

15th August 2026 funtime65

If you’re like us, and we know you are, you’ll be looking for clues when you’re taking that Van der Valk in Old Amsterdam.

Now one of Amsterdam’s 165 canals looks like any other to this old clogger.

But we are determined to spot ours and George and Amal’s favourite hotel, the Dylan Amsterdam.

Before this run of the detective series ends.

The best place to start is Piet and his pals’ watering hole.

Hamburger Amsterdam Angus

The Café-Restaurant Scheltema near the Royal Palace in Dam Square.

Now far from it for us to tell the Dutch detective how to do his job or live his life.

But we reckon the rake-thin tec would be a little less surly with a good square meal.

And wonder why he and his pals are only ever seen drinking and never eating the de Langes’ sumptuous fare.

Of course, as Scots carnivores our eyes fixed on the Hamburger Black Angus at €17.75 and Steak Black Angus at €22.75.

Met spek, champignons & uien

While one of our defaults is to plump for the restaurant-brand.

And Steak Scheltema at €25.75 comes met spek, champignons & uien.

Now for thrillseekers who like to go blind on a foreign menu then there’s always the Kapucijners at €18.75.

Or Kalfslever at €20.50. Both met spek en uien.

Now fat as a laughing Frans Hal cavalier and lubricated by Piet’s favourite Amstel lager.

Watch an Old Master

For art’s sake: The Night Watch in the square

You can check out, as Piet does in his investigations, the Rijksmuseum.

And check out how Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch is a work in progress centuries after the Old Master put down his pen.

Following five years of research that began in 2019, the Rijksmuseum has launched a major restoration.

And they have carried out the work in full view of museum visitors.

In among the canals

Carrying on walking in Van der Valk’s footsteps you can’t, nor ever would want to avoid the Canal Belts.

A historic 14km network of waterways, known as the Grachtengordel.

Additional filming spots have included the Baruch Spinoza statue, the NDSM wharf and the Muziekgebouw concert hall.

Now back to scanning the scenes and trying to guess the killers as we vicariously enjoy awesome Amsterdam watching Van Der Valk.

Countries, Sustainable Tourism, UK

The Solar Eclipse straight outta Dirleton

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And as we all reach for the skies today my own little stars will be following the Solar Eclipse straight outta Dirleton.

On our doorstep in East Lothian, south-east of Edinburgh.

Where, whisper it, the villagers have the most sought-after accessory in the country, solar glasses for their Solar Walk.

With donations welcomed in support of Dirleton Primary School.

Of course, the more iconic megalithic sites on this island will be the focus of eclipse-seekers around 6pm today.

And so there will, of course, be tailbacks to Stonehenge and throngs at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

From another stone age

Whereas if you live in the south of England, or are just visiting, then we’d recommend Avebury on the Wiltshire/Berkshire border.

Where we watched, through solar eclipse glasses, the last time the Sun and the Moon did their thang.

No, of course time and tide waits for no one as another famous Scot once said and there have been some amount of moons come and gone.

Since we carried the Daughterie around in a backpack and the Son and Heir ran around our ankles there.

When New Age hippies and those new to their Age gathered around the older and more extensive stones in the village.

See you all in 2083

Flying high: My own little stars in Dirleton

With the next total solar eclipse in 2083 they might with medical advances still be here to see it.

While a generation not yet known may be the ones nipping around their feet.

Now if I manage to steer clear of going full Icarus and looking the sun in the eye I’ll be back later.

And hopefully somewhere where there are only dark skies… and I’d suggest somewhere up a mountain, say Mount Teide in Tenerife.

But remember too to take something warm to wear and not have to rely on a gallant Scot to lend you his jacket and shiver through the experience.

America, Countries, Sustainable Tourism

Harping on about underwater music in Florida

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And because we’re all in need of a smile these days that’s why we’re harping on about underwater music in Florida.

And the sonorous snorkelers who have just put on a coral concert for the ages.

Beneath the waves for the 42nd annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.

Ocean-themed favorites streamed through underwater speakers at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

As dancing mermaids strummed guitars, plucked harps and sounded trumpets.

And tropical fish swam through the melodies.

Between songs, divers heard reminders about protecting fragile coral reefs.

By respecting marine life, using mooring buoys, and practising responsible diving and snorkelling.

Manatees & other marine mates

We have seen first hand what is being done in the name of those who live under the sea.

And made some conservation chums along the way.

Such as JP, the manatees’ mate and penguins pal at SeaWorld in Orlando.

Of course, you don’t have to have fins for feet and be able to breathe underwater to help out our fishy friends.

Which is just as well for this landlubber who struggles in water.

Gulping most of it from the Red Sea to the Caribbean.

And for the most part missing out on swimming through the shoals.

Although with a deep breath I still managed to see Mr and Mrs Turtle on a couples holiday…

And to clarify, that was a humans break.

Turtle Girl Power

And talking of turtle power a big shout-out to Girl Power and her handlers.

This honey in a half-shell was rescued in the Keys around International Women’s Day last month.

And taken to The Turtle Hospital tangled in fishing line and covered in life-threatening tumours.

Four months later, she proved resilience can be stronger than any obstacles in her way.

“Girl Power was a long shot,” said manager Bette Zirkelbach.

With a satellite transmitter attached to her shell, Girl Power was released from Sombrero Beach in Marathon.

As the Turtle Hospital’s official competitor in the Tour de Turtles race, she will be tracked by Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Tour de Turtles

Off you go: Bette Zirkelbach and Jory Geib release Girl Power. (Natalie Danko/Florida Keys News Bureau)

As she journeys out to sea. Girl Power’s satellite tag will transmit her location whenever she surfaces

And that allows scientists to study her migration while giving us a front-row seat to cheer her on.

For roughly three months, she will compete against other rehabilitated sea turtles.

To see who swims the farthest in this year’s Tour de Turtles.

Africa, Countries, Deals, Europe

Why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta

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It’s this year’s must-visit destination with 60,000 clambering across the border… but here’s the real reason why everyone wants to go to Ceuta.

If you hadn’t heard of Ceuta before don’t worry, none of us had.

But truth is the Spanish enclave in Morocco has long been a day out for visitors to Fezland.

With a cursory glance at Get Your Guide opening up a host of attractions and activities for the city across the Gibraltar Strait.

Which despite being encircled by Morocco has been under Spanish rule since 1580.

Now you can reach Ceuta by land, by sea, by air and from either neighbouring Morocco or mainland Spain.

Boats and moats

Get Your Guide offers a new full-day Excursion to Cueta from Algeciras from £135pp.

You’ll ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar in the company of a licensed tour guide.

And lunch at a local restaurant, and a cruise tour on Europe’s only navigable moat.

And that will allow you to see the Royal Walls from a privileged perspective.

Visit the Casa de los Dragones which will doubtless appeal to Game of Thrones fans.

Walk through the historic centre, get an selfie with Hercules, and discover the mix of Spanish and Moorish cultures.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample Ceuta’s cuisine.

Before free time to stroll through the city center, relax by the sea, or have a drink at the marina.

A Spanish stroll

Now the bonus of being an enclave is the accessibility to Morocco.

And your friendly excursion specialists offers a two-continent African trip with a dip into Morocco. And all for £154pp.

There are pickups available from Malaga and other cities along the Costa del Sol.

You and your guide will travel to Algeciras for the 45-minute ferry ride across the strait of Gibraltar.

You’ll arrive in Ceuta before passing through border control into Tetouan.

You’ll spend five hours in Tetouan with a guide and take in the old Jewish quarter of Mellah and Hassan II Square.

You will also visit the souk of Tetouan and the Medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site… and shop til you drop.

Before you visit a Moroccan Berber farmhouse.

So, there you have it and now we get it, why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta.

Countries, Europe, Sport

Power to the padel and the new Wimbledon

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We always like to be there at the birth of a new phenomenon so we say power to the padel and the new Wimbledon.

It was lights out, all out, this past week as London took its place on the Formula 1-style Premier Padel calendar.

Padel, described to us in Portugal as the child that tennis and squash would have begotten, has taken Britain by storm this summer.

And 20,000 padel fans, new and old, have filed through Olympia to see padel’s finest put through their paces.

And with the type of flair and salesmanship you would expect from the Saudis who are championing the event.

Padel Pedro

Bat’s the way to do it: Champion padel players

Sela chief growth officer Luke Lloyd-Davies predicted: ‘My hope would be it could become a Wimbledon of padel.

‘It is all up for being shaped and discussed with Premier Padel and with the Lawn Tennis Association.’

Padel’s popularity has long been enjoyed in the Iberian peninsula.

Where it is even more popular than tennis and the second highest participation sport after football.

Padel’s beauty is, of course, in its simplicity.

Keeeeep dancin’: With Judy Murray in Portugal

With its underarm serve, smaller enclosed court and glass walls keep rallies alive longer.

The underarm serve, smaller enclosed court, and glass walls keeping rallies alive longer.

And making it simple for beginners including this tyro in Quinto do Lago in Portugal.

Armed then with the tennis skills passed on to me by Judy Murray (only the best).

Padel prices

Its accessibility too makes it a clear winner with Spain and Portuguese courts costing between €6 and €20.

Meaning at its optimum only €5 for the four of you.

Ideal for couples and families on holiday.

Compared to the £100 it could cost you around London.

Just a nod there to the padel people who are trying to hit me up here for a donation for a court around East Lothian.

Although they might want to sign me up as a professional.

America, Countries

The beginning of the US’s rail story

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And today’s question is where can you track the beginning of the US’s rail story?

Well, if you said Baltimore then first class, although to be fare (we can go like this all day) everyone travelled the same back in 1827.

Now our Baltimore buddies are preparing for next year’s bicentennial of American railroading in 2027.

With the B&O Railroad Museum, birthplace of American railroading, rebranding itself as the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation.

To tell the story of how a 13-mile line between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mill in Maryland kickstarted the networks we have today.

Of course, in the beginning they were horse-drawn cars which were then replaced by steam locos.

And then there’s its place in history as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site.

And for trainspotters

The announcement comes as the museum continues its transformative $38 million campus expansion.

The project includes new visitor experiences, expanded gathering spaces and an outdoor amphitheater.

And for trainspotters… 30 million archive documents, chronicling the history, development and impact of American railroading.

The expansion will culminate in the opening of Innovation Hall ahead of the nation’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of American railroading next year.

But it’s not just about looking back, the Innovation Hall will showcase the future of railroading technologies.

Visitors will explore engineering, automation, sustainability, freight systems, passenger mobility.

And emerging innovations shaping the next generation of rail transportation.

The train reigns

All of which shines a light on this much-overlooked mode of American transport.

With the car the king and residents of the big cities warning any and every visitor of the dangers of rail travel.

While because of the size of the country Americans take planes like we take trains…

My train set: Miniature rail in Colorado

Amtrak on the east coast, Chicago monorails, the Boston T, miniature versions.

And those who want the authentic beatnik experience bus it or bike it.

We say, though, let the American train take the strain and wonder at the classical stations.

And, of course, start in Baltimore.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Porchewgal the foodie’s haven

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And here’s somewhere to get your teeth into… Porchewgal the foodie’s haven.

Where it’s two full three-course meals and grazing with pasteis de nata and quaffing Vinho Verde every day.

Which is probably why Cristiano Ronaldo decamped to the Gulf to hone his body.

I partly blame José, who puts on tours de force in Portugal for visitors, and the pounds.

With no carnivore or piscavore left behind.

While Quinta do Lago serves up sustenance and sports in equally oversized portions.

Fado, footie, Fatima & food

There are, of course, other resorts available, although only one for Special One José.

For whom everything and everyone came from Coimbra, including, of course José.

And here we turn to management experts Amazing Evolution will keep you sated.

Portugal savours its traditions and, of course, when it comes to food, they are a cod-fearing people.

No visit to its ancient capital, Lisbon, is complete without trying bacalhau à Brás.

The much-loved salted cod, finely shredded potatoes and egg dish.

Or enjoying that warm pastel de nata fresh from the oven from the Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Beyond the restaurants, food lovers should explore the Time Out food market.

And neighbourhoods including Mouraria, Intendente and Príncipe Real.

Where independent cafes, wine bars and traditional taverns sit side by side.

We’ve got it Infame

Amazing Locations will put you up in 1908 Lisboa Hotel which is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon’s thriving culinary scene.

Their restaurant Infame, has become a destination for Lisbon locals and creatives.

Serving modern Portuguese cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients from local producers and the best cocktails and wines.

And get this… their dishes start from €15.

With rooms at 1908 from €140 per night.

Portugal’s take on a tale of two cities would, of course, be the capital and Porto.

Although Jose would have something to say about Coimbra.

Vinho Vici Verde

Hidden between Porto and the Douro Valley, Amarante is one of the north’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Set in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, at the heart of the town sits Casa da Calçada.

It is home to the Michelin-starred Largo do Paço.

Here, beautifully crafted tasting menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from northern Portugal.

Combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques.

And you can learn too about that great vinho gateway Vinho Verde at one of their estates.

Or enjoy leisurely riverside cafes.

Or wander Amarante’s historic centre.

Where independent bakeries, wine shops and artisan producers celebrate the flavours of the region.

Largo do Paco’s exclusive tasting menus start from €150.

Rooms at Casa da Calcada start from €230 per night.

Porklife

If you prefer pigging out on pork then Alentejo is the region for you.

Here it’s all about timeless recipes, exceptional local produce and slow, seasonal cooking.

Signature dishes include porco preto, the region’s prized acorn-fed black pork.

And açorda alentejana, a rustic bread soup flavoured with garlic, coriander and olive oil.

While you can learn about local vintages Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Antão Vaz from family-owned wineries.

You’ll be based near Montemor-o-Novo at Sleep & Nature.

Monte do Vagar Restaurant showcases regional dishes filled with artisan cheeses, traditional breads, olive oils and fine wines.

Main dishes at Monte do Vagar Restaurant start from €12. Rooms start from €115 per night.