Helena Ord

The Scrumptious Seafood of Portugal

If you’re a fan of floral and fruity wines, you’ll know that few things in life are as satisfying, soothing and invigorating as taking a sip of refreshing Vinho Verde (‘green wine’). And what better place to tantalise your taste buds with this luscious liquid than in Portugal, its country of origin?

Rave About the French Riviera: Our Route from Nice to Monaco

Did you know that Monaco is the world’s second smallest city-state? (Bonus points for you if you know what the smallest one is!) If you’re travelling to this Mediterranean haven to uncover its wealth of cultural and natural landmarks, it couldn’t be easier: Nice Airport is merely a skip and a jump away. But while the 32-kilometre journey from Nice to Monaco takes an hour – or more – if you opt for public transportation, a transfer with Shuttle Direct will whisk you to the door of your accommodation in half the time. What’s more, you’re sure to have a

Venezia Bergamo

Historic Highlights Between Venice and Bergamo

From glamorous churches to fascinating museums, a trip to Italy is like entering a magical time warp – presuming, of course, that pizza and pasta were just as delicious several centuries ago! Although every ambitious tourist wanders through the ancient ruins of Rome and the winding streets of Venice, it’s worth venturing off the beaten path to fully immerse yourself in the country’s rich history. If you’re a true history buff, why not wave goodbye to the masses of tourists and opt for a more authentically Italian experience in its smaller cities? On our route from Venice Marco Polo Airport

The Sweet and Savoury Sensations of San Sebastián

Up for a challenge? You got it: go ask 10 gourmands what the world’s food capital is. While this may sound like an easy question, it’s actually highly contested – and may even lead to a heated argument among foodies if you’re not careful. This squabble often revolves around cities like Bologna, Mendoza, New York and Tokyo. But while these usual contenders will always star in food lovers’ dreams, there’s one that’s often (and unfairly) overlooked: San Sebastián. Although some foodies may have a (literal) bone to pick with you if you bring up San Sebastián, this is probably because

Must-Have Apps for the Savvy Traveller

Attention, smartphone users: let’s talk about how to revolutionise your travels with your technological gadgets. No, I’m not talking about making your friends envious by documenting your adventures on Snapchat and Instagram – I’m talking about apps that you’ve probably never heard of, but that’ll save you time, money, nerves… you name it. Thanks to Dealchecker’s handy infographic, your holidays will be easier, safer, cheaper and more fun than ever before. So what are you waiting for? Get downloading! Snap and Share Okay, so I was lying when I said that these apps were mainly useful, instead of envy-inducing among

gran canaria

Scope Out the Gems of Gran Canaria

Snagged a sunny holiday deal in Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico? ¡Estupendo! Whether you’re ready for a snooze in the sand or for the ultimate shopping spree, you’ll find that rest and relaxation are right at your fingertips. But while there’s often nothing better than getting pampered in your hotel or plopping down in the sand, why not mix things up with a bit of sightseeing? If a change of scenery every now and then sounds like your kind of getaway, you chose wisely – it takes minimal effort to venture outside of Puerto Rico and explore Gran Canaria’s natural and

The Bonne Bouche of Belgium

You’ve had a bad day, you are curling up with a good book, or you are tackling a challenging task at work. While these scenarios seem to have nothing in common at first glance, they all share one thing: they’d be infinitely better with chocolate! As Gene Wilder once said, “there are two types of people in this world: people who love chocolate and liars”. So, let’s be honest: if you’re hoping to improve your day, enhance your riveting read or reward yourself for working hard, a chocolaty treat is the way to go. If you’re a true connoisseur, you’ll

The Best Ways of Beating Jetlag

While choosing a holiday destination that’s far away from home is intriguing, an exotic escapade always has one downside: jetlag. No matter how often you tell yourself that sleep is for the weak, there’s no denying that most of us spend the first day of a special getaway wandering around like a zombie, instead of enjoying the experience to the fullest. Luckily, you’re about to wave goodbye to this sleepy spoilsport. Thomas Cook’s infographic, 15 Ways to Beat Jetlag, may be short, but makes a world of difference. Here are some easy and effective ways to make the most of

Savour Slovakia’s Specialties

When you think of Slovakia, you probably think of its charming castles and its dreamy landscapes, both of which look like they’ve come straight out of a fairytale. But while the hype around the country’s cultural and natural gems is 100% warranted, it often pushes another amazing perk of visiting Slovakia into the shadows: its delicious cuisine. After a long day of sightseeing and hiking, prepare yourself for a typical – and very hearty – Slovakian meal. Here are three national specialties that will leave you coming back for more. 1. Bryndzové Halušky Ever heard of the saying “good things

Spaghetti Carbonara: A Savoury Sensation

Ciao, foodies! It’s time for a little quiz question. What’s the one dish that you simply have to try in Rome? If just thinking about the gastronomic delights of Italy makes you drool like Pavlov’s dogs, I’m sure this question was too easy for you: of course, the answer is Spaghetti Carbonara, an all-time favourite among locals and tourists alike. Although you’d probably recognise this distinctive dish’s heavenly smell and taste in your sleep, where does it come from? (No, the answer may not actually be Rome.) And what does carbonara mean? Let me tell you about the potential origins

Find Family Fun in Edinburgh

There’s no need to venture far from home for the perfect family holiday. This summer, why not opt for a fun-filled holiday within the UK and head off to Edinburgh? With this inspiring infographic from Citybase Apartments, you’re sure to keep your kids happy and fully engaged at all times. Let’s have a look at what amazing activities the capital of Scotland has in store for the family. Fun in the Sun Seize the sunny days of your holiday and get some fresh air! Fortunately, the sights and sounds of Edinburgh are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also highly entertaining

Greek Gastronomy: A Vegetarian Paradise

“What do you mean, he don’t eat no meat?!” As you probably know, this is one of the most iconic lines from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a much beloved film about Greek culture in America. But is what it suggests about Greek gastronomy – namely that eating meat is an absolute must – actually accurate? Although I (along with most of the world) adore the film’s character of Voula, who is outraged upon meeting a vegetarian, I have to disagree with her assertion that meat is an essential component of Greek gastronomy. In fact, Greece has plenty of delights

puerto de la cruz tenerife

Nature Galore from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz

Who hasn’t dreamt of a holiday in Tenerife’s Puerto de la Cruz? Whether you’re a fan of balmy beaches, palm trees or stunning vistas (and let’s be honest: who isn’t?), you’ve come to the right place. But what about the rest of the island? It couldn’t possibly be as beautiful as this marvellous metropolis, right? Wrong! As you’ll discover during your Shuttle Direct ride from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, the island boasts several natural wonders that are sure to make your jaw drop. Here’s a list of stunning spots that you may want to ask your