Scotland has a myriad of enchanting towns and villages, but there are only eight cities in the country with Stirling – often nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ – being the smallest and the youngest one. While it may be petite regarding its size, it’s the best-preserved medieval city in Scotland where the country’s Wars of Independence were fought and won. The historic city is nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills and offers unobscured views of the surrounding countryside. Its core is packed to the brim with rather fascinating history, stunning architecture and captiv ..read more

If you are willing to briefly wander away from Lisbon’s famous yellow trams and impressive architectural gems and jump on a train – think of it as a micro-adventure – you can visit one of the most charming coastal towns where you’ll be warmly greeted by dazzling sea views and pristine sandy shores. Nestled between the lush Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and picturesque Estoril, Cascais is a fantastic place to visit as a day trip from Lisbon or even better – to extend your stay in Portugal for a couple of days to run around barefoot on sun-drenched beaches and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. In the ..read more

It’s that time of the year when the social networks of Latvia are being loaded with photos of spectacularly coloured eggs and beautifully served tables. It’s Easter time! Not only is it associated with the beginning of spring but also it reflects our old traditions and quality time with our family. For Latvians Easter is an important holiday that is mainly celebrated by colouring eggs, spending time with the family, and playing various games. The most popular Easter tradition in Latvia is egg dying. The nature-loving Baltic countries are renowned for their traditional and natural approach ..read more

Imagine silently gliding through the crisp morning air, high above the captivating landscapes of Morocco, watching the majestic Atlas Mountains and the rocky dunes of the Agafay Desert unfold beneath you. A few weeks ago, while visiting Morocco for the second time, I had an opportunity to unleash my sense of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime as I prepared to enter an extraordinary world of hot-air balloon rides over Marrakech. After an hour’s flight where I witnessed the sun rise over the horizon while climbing 3000 feet above the ground, I stepped back onto the cobbly so ..read more

A few holidays have transformed quite like St. Patrick’s Day. It began in Ireland as a way to honour the country’s patron saint, but through both immigration and secularization, it has now become a worldwide day to pay tribute to all things Irish.  Whether you’re looking to embrace your Irish roots or just want to don your greenest attire and have fun, you’ll have your pick of festivities this St. Patrick’s Day. Across the world, cities large and small go all out for the occasion, offering everything from parades to quirky traditions, such as funeral parodies and sports tournaments. Glass ..read more

One of the best ways to soak up the essence of Belfast is to explore the city’s iconic waterfront. It’s where you can watch local marine life, be transported back in time by the three-storey high barrel-vaulted ceilings at the Titanic Hotel and stroll along the Titanic slipways, where the magnificent ship first touched the water. The trail begins at the historic Clarendon Docks and Sailortown, where you can visit Sinclair Seamen’s Church, Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices and St Joseph’s Church. The walk then waves past the inescapable Big Fish statue, from where you cross over the Lagan ..read more

Walking around Seville on a cold and gloomy spring day wasn’t what we had in mind while planning a trip to a city which is known to have fantastic weather and gorgeous blue sky. When I close my eyes and imagine Andalusia, swirling red dresses, never-ending sunshine and blossoming orange trees lining the streets come to mind. However, we spent the first two days trying to escape the spitting rain all while braving the unfavourable weather and wandering around its winding streets. But even on a cold and rainy spring day, Seville managed to keep it sweet and beautiful to the eye; there’s the warm ..read more

Some might consider birds of prey the bad boys (and girls) of the bird world, but I think it’s unfortunate that they’ve acquired that reputation. Sure, they are known for their prowess as predators, and their antics for snatching up small animals may seem gruesome, but gifted with sharp talons, keen eyesight and hooked bills, they are among nature’s fascinating creatures. Throw into a mix a brilliantly graceful flying skills, powerful wings and the ability to use thermals, the wind, and the lay of the land to survive and you’ve got truly remarkable birds. There are over 560 different species o ..read more

South of Wales is a place of contrasts. The East have an immense industrialised past. Coal was mined in the valleys during the 18th and 19th centuries and shipped around the world from the busy ports of Newport, Cardiff and Swansea.  By the early 19th century, South of Wales was the world’s biggest producer of iron; a century later, a third of the world’s coal was mined in this area and much of the local population was employed in these industries. But the further west you go, and closer to the Pembrokeshire coast you get, the lusher the greenery and the quieter the atmosphere. In fa ..read more

As we approached Glen Coe from the barren Rannoch Moor and drove past the Glencoe Mountain Resort, the first mountain I set my eyes upon was the great herdsman of the Buachaille Etive Mor with its distinctive pyramid shape and sweeping ridges. Struck by the unfolding scenery, I parked my car on a small bay lay and walked over a mound, away from the extremely busy A82, out on a moorland plateau scattered with lochs and bogs to go and explore. A reassuring sense of peace and harmony washed over me as I looked on towards the endless horizon to the east and the inviting mountains to the northwest ..read more