Boasting vibrant cities, countless historical treasures, lush rolling countryside and, of course, the 2012 Olympic Games, there’s much to love about England. The ‘scepter’d isle’ of Shakespeare’s Richard III is now a thriving modern country, with cosmopolitan cities and gorgeous rolling green countryside. The capital, London, has earned itself a deserved reputation for being at … Continue reading »
Top 10: cities to cycle
Want to see a new city and get fit at the same time? Then try doing it by bike. Producing a fraction of the carbon generated by tour buses and hire cars, the greenest way to see a city is definitely by bicycle. And giving the planet a helping hand isn’t the only reason to … Continue reading »
Opera, wild swimming and saunas: Lake Saimaa has them all
With its ultra-clean water and unspoilt countryside, Finland’s Lakeland is a paradise for nature lovers and foodies alike. Finland might be better known for snow, Santa Claus and 24-hour winter darkness but as I discovered during a stay on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the reality is somewhat different. For one thing, it was distinctly … Continue reading »
The Really Wild Show: desert adventures in Namibia
From the endless red dunes of the south to the teeming game reserves of Damaraland, Namibia is home to some of the world’s rarest animals and most spectacular landscapes earts in mouths, we watch as a group of elephants emerge from a clump of euphorbia bushes onto a patch of gently waving grass. Shining emerald … Continue reading »
Top 10: eco-friendly UK hotspots
Forget France; the UK is home to some of the coolest holiday spots on the planet. Whether you want scenery, natural phenomena or a dose of eco-luxury, there’s a British break to suit you Not only does the UK boast some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, it also has wildlife watching opportunities galore and … Continue reading »
Going Dutch in Maastricht
Limburg’s capital boasts hearty local food, historic monuments and wonderful walks – all just a short train ride away Disembarking at Maastricht’s tiny station after a 20-minute train ride from Liège, I was heartened to discover that gloom, Euro or otherwise, wasn’t on the agenda. I’d been flicking through the grim headlines in the Economist … Continue reading »
Top 10: European national parks
From the volcanic caldera of Mount Teide to the craggy tors of Dartmoor, Europe’s national parks combine stunning scenery with wonderful flora and fauna. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN], there are a staggering 113,000 national parks worldwide, which cover approximately six per cent of the Earth’s surface – an area … Continue reading »
Lions and luxury on South Africa’s Eastern Cape
Pristine wilderness and eco-friendly lodges have made the Kwandwe Reserve a key stop on South Africa’s Garden Route. At first glance it looks like an innocuous grey rock surrounded by a cloud of shimmering green leaves. Then it moves. ‘There it goes,’ says Mike, the ranger charged with showing me around the Kwandwe Reserve. ‘Check … Continue reading »
Capital Cool: Copenhagen goes green
Cutting edge architecture, miles of cycle routes and green spaces galore have made the Danish capital a hotspot for green travellers. If you thought doing local, seasonal food Danish-style meant 101 ways to cook herring, then think again. I’m sitting in the brasserie at Nimb – a white Moroccan style confection in the middle of … Continue reading »
Top 10: water inspired breaks
The summer downpours might have put you off water for life but that doesn’t mean a watery getaway isn’t worth a look. Here’s 10 of the best According to a survey conducted by travel booking website, Travel Eye, Orlando is the world’s most popular holiday destination, closely followed by Sydney. Other hotspots making the top … Continue reading »
Glorious Garda: olives, red wine and a biomass boiler by Italy’s largest lake
From wood chips to lights that turn themselves off, Lake Garda’s Lefay Resort and Spa offers an unusually green experience to travellers. What’s more, says Ruth Styles, the views of the lake and mountains are sensational Standing looking up at the tall silver cylinders softly rumbling in front of me, it felt as if I’d … Continue reading »