Travel guides
Practical guides for trips to Asia and Europe, updated as things change.
Itineraries
Itineraries
Italy by train in 7 days: Rome, Florence and Venice
A first-timer's week on Italy's fast trains, with what to book ahead so you are not stuck in queues.
Itineraries
7 days in Japan for Gulf families: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
A one-week route that keeps travel days short, with halal food and prayer-room tips for families flying from the Gulf.
Comparisons
Comparisons
Winter sun in Asia from the UK: where to go from November to March
Five warm, dry escapes for the British winter, and which coast to pick in each.
Comparisons
Bali vs Phuket: which is better for a family holiday from the Gulf?
Flight time, weather, beaches and halal food compared, so you can pick the right island for your travel dates.
Best time to go
Best time to go
Best time to visit Thailand: month by month and region by region
Thailand's coasts have different rainy seasons, so the best month depends on where you go.
Best time to go
Best time to visit Bali: dry season, crowds and Nyepi
When the weather is best, when it gets busy, and the one day each year the whole island stops.
Best time to go
Best time to visit Japan: cherry blossom, autumn leaves and quiet months
Japan's seasons change the trip completely. Here is what each one brings and when to avoid the crowds.
Best time to go
Best time to visit Switzerland from the Gulf
Summer lakes, winter snow or quieter shoulder months: when to go, where to stay and what to book early.
Travel tips
Travel tips
Bali from Australia: flight times, best months and what to know
Australia's favourite overseas island, with flight times from each capital and the practical things to sort before you go.
Travel tips
Maldives on a budget: local islands vs resorts
How guesthouses on local islands compare with private-island resorts, and how to save on transfers.
