Author: Robin McKelvie

8 spectacular remote places in Scotland

Scotland’s cities offer myriad urban charms, but if you want to really get to the heart of the country, you need to get into the wild. Making up 69 percent of the UK coastline and boasting more than 800 islands, Scotland is home to some of the last great wildernesses in Europe. From the Highlands to the…

7 stunning European islands you’ve probably never heard of

We’ve all heard of the big hitters, such as Ibiza, Corsica and Sicily, but what about Europe’s lesser known islands? Have you ever dreamt of mixing it up with a windswept, heart-pumping hike on the remote hills of Foula? Or kicking through the sweeps of sand that pass for roads on La Graciosa? It pays…

Croatia: 10 tips for first-time travellers

Croatia is one of Europe’s rising tourist stars. This remarkable Adriatic country of 1244 islands, bear and wild boar inhabited forests and world-class vineyards is so much more than just a beach destination. To make sure you hit the ground running in this complex and diverse nation, follow our top ten Croatia travel tips. 1.…

7 must-visit places in Scotland you’ve probably never heard of

Scotland sports such a strong selection of tourist attractions – from castles and cabers to kilts and whisky – it’s easy to forget that there is much more to this land. Venture away from the cities and you’ll find rugged mountains, remote glens and mile-upon-mile of wave-lashed beaches. Ready to explore? Here are seven Scottish places that you’ve probably…

Star Wars locations: in the footsteps of Skywalker and Solo

Star Wars is back with a bang with the release of the barnstorming The Force Awakens. The seventh instalment in this epic intergalactic cinematic odyssey is destined to become one of the highest grossing films of all time. The good news is that if you want to follow in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Han…

7 of the best places to go hiking in Japan

Few countries in Asia boasts such dramatic natural diversity and such a range of hiking opportunities as Japan. Mountains make up two thirds of the country, with beaches fringing the coast and the balmy southern islands. There are active volcanoes to tackle, epic long-distance pilgrimage routes once smoothed by the feet of emperors, and steep…

8 budget airline travel hacks

It is no exaggeration to say that budget airlines have revolutionised air travel. Gone are the days when an air ticket was a luxury item. Today cheaper flights allow us to not only take a summer break from our routine, but also to enjoy mini-breaks throughout the year. Booking and taking a budget airline flight, though,…

A trip to remember: 7 uniquely Scottish experiences

There’s nowhere quite like Scotland. This epic land of mighty mountains, plunging glens and surging rivers offers a sweep of experiences that you just cannot find anywhere else. If you’ve ever wanted to have your own kilt fitted, canoe down a river fuelled by a wee dram or hop on Europe’s only scheduled flight to land…

Hedonism and history make Lisbon the perfect city break

It was not too long ago that Lisbon was often dismissed as the unfashionable capital of Portugal, the ‘Poor Man of Europe’. This was harsh on a city that spectacularly straddles the River Tejo with a flurry of old world architecture, rich African cultural influences and a notoriously wild nightlife scene. Today, savvy city breakers…

9 things you learn as a travel writer

As a travel writer you spend lots of time giving people travel tips on destinations, but also dispensing advice on how to make the whole experience run more smoothly. From a life working on the road you learn many lessons – lessons that everyone can benefit from. So join us now as we take you…

Dubrovnik: the star of the Croatian coast

Lord Byron wasn’t exaggerating through an opium haze when he eulogised Dubrovnik as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. This perfectly preserved baroque former city-state is utterly, charmingly unique. It is easy to see what so beguiled the Game of Thrones producers and UNESCO’s World Heritage committee. Now, the recent influx of cafés, bars and restaurants…

7 European cities you’ve not been to but must visit

We all know about the big European city breaks like Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam, but what about Maribor in Slovenia, Osijek in Croatia and Cadiz in Spain? If you’ve already been to all the big boys, or just want to venture off the well-beaten tourist track, it’s time to discover some seriously unsung cities. Here, we’ve picked…