In 2017 I decided to apply for Italian citizenship for myself and for our children. I was able to do this because my husband was born in London but his parents are from Sicily, and therefore he’s both British and Italian. This means that our kids and I, all of us British and born in England, are, in theory entitled to Italian citizenship. However, the process of actually obtaining Italian citizenship is very complicated, takes years, and is different for each of us ..read more

London is one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. With its world-class museums and galleries, iconic cultural sites and unique historic attractions, the UK capital is an endlessly rewarding place to explore. If you don’t live in the city, or if you’re unable to travel there, you can still enjoy London’s sites online. Here’s my pick of the best virtual London attractions. Virtual London map  If you need to get your bearings, Visit London has an excellent virtual map of the entire city ..read more

Amsterdam is said to have more museums per square metre than any other city in the world. With its picturesque canal network and rich history, the Netherlands’ vibrant capital is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re not able to travel to Amsterdam in person, you can explore the city’s world-class museums and galleries online. Here’s my pick of Amsterdam’s best virtual museum and gallery tours. Anne Frank House Anne Frank House is where the Jewish wartime diarist lived in hiding with her parents, sister and another family during World War II ..read more

I have some very exciting news – I’d like to introduce you to Armchair Travels! What is Armchair Travels? Armchair Travels is a brand new shiny website, and it’s designed to help you to explore the world without leaving home. It’s now possible to experience – in a virtual way – all manner of incredible, fascinating and exhilarating places and sites, as long as you have internet access. From white sandy beaches to crisp white ski pistes, from museum and gallery tours to swimming with sea lions, the possibilities of online travel are truly endless – and they’re waiting for you, right now ..read more

Although the museums and historical sites in the Italian city of Florence are closed at the moment, you can still explore many of them – as long as you have internet access. Even when you’re self-isolating, social-distancing or unable to travel, you can enjoy and learn about the marvellous exhibits, architecture and collections of these top museums and cultural sites. Here’s a virtual guide to the amazing city of Florence, Italy Florence: UNESCO World Heritage site Florence (Firenze in Italian) is in Tuscany, a region in central Italy ..read more

The most important thing for all of us to do now to stop the spread of coronavirus is to stay at home. Here’s the official advice from the NHS explaining that in detail. COVID-19 testing I’ve actually been at home and keeping away from people as much as possible since the start of March, when I had a chest infection. At the time my GP wanted me to be tested for COVID-19, but the hospital wouldn’t allow it as I didn’t meet the criteria for testing ..read more

It’s great to connect with people from different cultures – and I’ve found that learning even a few words of a different language really helps with this. I studied languages throughout my education, and I continue to try to learn key words and phrases when I travel to places where I don’t know the language. I’ve found that if I know how to say anything in the local language – even just ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ – it makes a real difference to how I’m treated ..read more

London’s art galleries are currently closed but, as long as you have internet access, you can still explore them. So if you’re self-isolating, social distancing or in quarantine, wherever you are in the world, here’s how you can enjoy London’s amazing and beautiful art collections. Dulwich Picture Gallery Dulwich Picture Gallery was founded in 1811 and was the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery. Home to a collection of more than 600 paintings, including masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, today the gallery is a vibrant cultural hub hosting exhibitions ..read more

Although London’s world-class museums are closed at the moment, that doesn’t mean that you can’t explore them – as long as you have internet access. Even when you’re self-isolating, social distancing or not able to travel, you can still enjoy and learn about the marvellous exhibits and collections of the following top museums. British Library Some of the world’s most important and beautiful books and manuscripts are in the permanent exhibition at the British Library, the UK’s national copyright library ..read more

The city of Southampton is in Hampshire on England’s south coast and has been an important sea port for centuries. Today Southampton is the UK’s leading cruise port. The Mayflower initially sailed from here for America in 1620, before stopping off at Plymouth. The Titanic sailed from Southampton in 1912, and author Jane Austen lived in the old part of the city at one point. Although many of Southampton’s buildings were destroyed by bombing during WWII, some interesting historic sites remain, and it’s a place which rewards exploration ..read more