Author: Mary Novakovich

9 cable cars from around the world

When Sarajevo’s Mount Trebevic cable car reopened in April 2018, the Bosnian capital became the latest city whose urban gondola is much more than just a tourist attraction. We’ve come up with aerial links that have reshaped and revitalised cities around the world, along with those that have brought a much-needed boost in visitor numbers.…

The best ski festivals in Europe this winter

You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy some of the biggest festivals ever seen on snow. From music and comedy to film, there’s something to keep everyone entertained in the mountains this winter – both on and off the slopes. Here are nine of the best ski festivals in Europe. 1.…

The 10 best beach holidays in Europe

For a relatively small continent, Europe has some extraordinary coastlines. Their variety is dizzying, from sheltered rocky coves fringed with olive trees to vast stretches of soft sandy beaches. Whittling down the list for possible beach holidays on this continent can be tough, so here are a few places that will get you in the mood for lazy…

The 10 best scenic train rides in Europe

Easier than a car and more comfortable than a bus, taking the train is one of the best ways to experience Europe’s most picturesque regions. Sit back and admire spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers and incredible feats of engineering – here are 10 of the best scenic train rides across the continent. 1. West Highland Line, Scotland Settle…

9 great family vacation ideas

It’s easy to be daunted by the endless choices on offer when planning a trip with kids. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of family vacation ideas that will get everyone – even jaded teenagers – excited. For adventure: India In the spirit of the latest The Jungle Book movie, take the kids on a tiger safari in India’s…

13 of the most bizarre foods from around the world

What makes a food strange? After all, plenty of people shudder at the thought of Scottish favourite haggis, while others wouldn’t touch escargots or frogs’ legs (all of them delicious, by the way). But some of the world’s most bizarre foods really do need a strong stomach – and preferably a weak sense of smell.…

8 reasons why Belgrade is Europe’s hidden highlight

Serbia’s capital is always on the move – a constantly changing scene of new bars and restaurants alongside old favourites. After a scorching hot summer, temperatures are now perfect for getting the most out of the city’s lively café culture and Eastern Europe’s best nightlife. Here are a few reasons why Belgrade is a hidden…

The Junction: a night in Toronto’s hippest neighbourhood

After 150 years of boom and bust, Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood is being redefined. Mary Novakovich takes to its bars and restaurants to discover what’s hot about the city’s hippest neighbourhood. Things weren’t looking too promising when the taxi dropped us off on a dusty road with a railway on one side and grim-looking industrial units…

Ten hours of beauty from Podgorica to Belgrade

Travel writer Mary Novakovich is awestruck by the beauty of mountains and rivers on a ten-hour-long stuffy train ride from Montenegro‘s capital to Belgrade. “You’re taking the train to Belgrade? It’s at least 10 hours – if you’re lucky. Why don’t you fly?” The friendly barman in Virpazar in southern Montenegro had a valid question.…

Up and coming: Savamala, Belgrade

On a walking tour through the city, travel writer Mary Novakovich discovers regeneration in one of Belgrade‘s oldest neighbourhoods, Savamala. From buzzing clubs to a new four-star hotel, Savamala is picking itself up after years of leaving its buildings to decay.  Heavy lorries rumble noisily past, adding to the dust rising from the road works…