The TravelSmart guide to perfect summer escapes
Travel Correspondent Simon Calder reveals top value spots in Turkey, while Assistant Travel Editor Emilee Tombs shares the best things to do in the Balearics, and other members of the Independent Travel team rave about the likes of Prague, Marrakech and Porto.
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Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Telegraph
My husband and I loved America. After he died, I decided to visit every US state
At the end of July, when I fly to Hawaii, I will complete a challenge I set myself 12 years ago, after my husband died: to visit all 50 US states. My first trip to America was back in 1978, so you could say the journey began then. Over the 34 years of our marriage, Rupert – who was chief executive at Carlton Television – and I travelled to the States many times, both for his work and on family holidays with our two sons. We think Rupert was half American, though we can't say for sure. His father, Kenneth, was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, but at just five years old was placed in an orphanage and sent by train to Canada. At 14, Kenneth moved to England, later naturalised as British before the war and went on to serve in the Fleet Air Arm. Before we lost Rupert in 2013, he and I travelled together to California, New York, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, South Carolina, Nevada, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia and Illinois – sometimes for his work, sometimes for pleasure – and we skied in Colorado and Vermont. The summer Rupert died, my dear friend Mary Ledding – a film lawyer from LA who had also been recently widowed – invited me to join her on a visit to her daughter in Washington State. At some point during that trip, I said: 'Wouldn't it be fun to visit all 50 states?' And so the idea was born. The following year we holidayed in Oregon and Idaho, and after that, we made it our tradition to plan a US trip every summer. There was no time frame, it was just a bit of fun to try to spend a night in every US state – which Mary would organise. I reciprocated each time by organising a week in the UK, so we have spent the past 12 years exploring both her home country and mine, seeing places we would never have ordinarily visited. We met Mary through Rupert's work. She and her late husband, Richard, came to the UK in 1994, and we discovered a shared love of horse racing when we took them to The Oaks at Epsom for some corporate hospitality. At the time, I was working for The Jockey Club, and we quickly became firm friends. It's a friendship that Mary and I have carried on ever since – and we travel so well together. We really do laugh a lot, which makes all the difference. Our first trip of the challenge began in Kentucky, where we went to watch a horse part-owned by Mary that was due to race in April 2014. We flew into Cincinnati, Ohio, to tick that state off the list, then spent the week racing and visiting stud farms before popping over the border from Louisville for a night in Indiana – my 20th state. In 2015, we took a small cruise to Alaska, flying into Juneau to see brown and black bears and watch whales breaching. It was incredible – but packing for it was quite another story. The boat was tiny, with just nine passengers and four crew, and afterwards I was heading straight to Catalina Island (off the coast of LA) for the annual reunion of the family Rupert grew up with. So I had to squeeze wellies, fleeces and waterproofs alongside shorts, swimwear and sundresses into a single small duffel. Quite the challenge. In 2016, we travelled through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Mary had to fly back, but I carried on alone to tick off Maryland too. Everywhere we visited felt so different, though I often think we didn't get the full flavour of each state – we tended to explore the areas closest to the borders, where the character can sometimes blur a little. The following year, we visited Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, meeting in Dallas – I'd flown in from the UK, and Mary from California. After landing, we had a five-hour drive to our motel in Arkansas. We arrived late, dumped our bags, turned on the air conditioning and headed to reception to ask where we could get a glass of wine – only to be told, firmly, that this was a dry county and there was no wine for 25 miles! We see the funny side now… After Oklahoma, we stayed with friends of Mary's near Gainesville, Texas. Sometimes we treated ourselves to nice hotels and dinners out; other times, it was motels and garage sandwiches or McDonald's. A week before I was due to fly to the US in 2018, I scuppered our plans by falling off a ladder and spending a week in intensive care. We rebooked for 2019 instead, staying first with Mary's cousins in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before heading on to Iowa and Wisconsin. While there, we noticed on the map that if we drove just 20 miles east, we could tick off Michigan too. It meant a longer drive back the next day – but it was worth it. We always allocated a week to each trip and travelled by car. After the Covid years, we explored Montana, Wyoming and South and North Dakota. Standing in front of Mount Rushmore is something I'll never forget – nor the vast skies and emptiness of 'flyover country'. I remember being struck first by the sheer size of the US in Vermont. From the top of a mountain, there were just trees stretching endlessly to the horizon – nothing built, made or shaped by human hands. In 2023, we flew into Rhode Island, ticking off New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania on the way. We always drive; hiring a car gives us the freedom to explore at our own pace. The Jersey Shore was extraordinary – all lights, noise and music. In summer 2024, Mary and I visited Mississippi and Alabama, taking in Memphis and Graceland. That winter, I returned to the US for the Breeders' Cup in Del Mar, California, and with the finish line in sight, took the opportunity to add Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska to the list. In Kansas, I stayed in Concordia and visited the Orphan Train Museum – hoping to trace more of Rupert's family. He died of leukaemia at just 59, which was incredibly hard on our two boys; my father‑in‑law, Kenneth, also died of leukaemia at exactly the same age. We'd always assumed Kenneth had been born to a teenage mother, but at the museum I learnt that Minneapolis and St Paul lost around 1,400 people to Spanish Flu in the last three months of 1918 – so that might have been how he was orphaned. Visiting that museum was one of the stand‑out experiences of all my travels in the US, though it brought more questions than answers. For our final flourish earlier this year, Mary and I flew into Phoenix to stay in Arizona, which I loved. We visited the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon before driving on into Utah, stopping at the Four Corners Monument, then heading back via Gallup, New Mexico, along Route 66. What have I learnt from my odyssey? Above all, it's how welcoming people have been in so many places – especially in states less frequented by visitors from abroad. I'm a positive person, so if there were any less enjoyable moments, I've long since forgotten them. To me, getting out and living your life is crucial. Many Brits say they've been to America and have plenty of thoughts about it – but for most, their experience is limited to New York, Florida and California. All wonderful places, of course, but there's so much more to the United States. This challenge has allowed me to meet people across the country and created countless cherished memories. Friendship has been vital throughout, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found someone to travel with. Twelve years after losing Rupert, I'm still exploring – and my friendship with Mary has made it possible. I'm heading to Hawaii in late July for a week with Mary, before flying on to a celebration party with Rupert's 'family' on Catalina Island. No doubt we'll be asked: 'What next?' We want to see polar bears and the northern lights… but we have no firm plans yet. We just know we'll keep travelling and laughing together for as long as we can.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I quit the UK to live on a remote island - I can only leave once a week and there's nothing to do but I love it
A Welsh expat has shared the benefits and drawbacks of remote living after moving to an uninhabited island near New Zealand. Catrin, a 22-year-old outdoor instructor, has worked in far-flung destinations all over the globe, from Borneo to India, and regularly documents her experiences, itineraries, advice, tips and tricks on her travel blog. In 2023, Catrin left her job in Malvern, England, and relocated to Motutapu Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf to the northeast of Auckland, New Zealand, where she spent nine months working in an outdoor recreation centre. Taking to her blog in August of that year, she highlighted the pros and cons of living in a secluded location. Though the island boasts rolling hills, farmland, beaches, walking trails and scenic views, it has been uninhabited for over 700 years and is only accessible either by ferry from Auckland or via a causeway from Rangitoto Island. Catrin warned: 'Living remotely can come with both positive and negative aspects, and remote work is not for everyone.' Pros Peacefulness According to Catrin, an uninhabited island provides the perfect base for a peaceful existence without the everyday interference of urban life - giving individuals the space to think, relax and unwind. Catrin wrote: 'The only noise you'll hopefully be complaining about is the wake up call from the tweeting of birds at early hours in the morning, or the sound of the river and sea if you desperately need the toilet!' Stargazing Although not designated as an official Dark Sky Reserve, Motutapu's natural, undisturbed environment and relatively dark skies - especially away from the main camping areas - offer good incredible opportunities for stargazing on clear nights. Catrin added: 'If you love your stargazing and astrology, then working in a remote location would be super cool!' Scenery Motutapu Island offers a diverse and scenic landscape, with a blend of rolling farmland, native bush, and historical sites. It's known for its tranquil environment, offering walking tracks, coastal views, and opportunities to explore both Maori and World War II history. Catrin wrote: 'As I'm living on an island with sun and beaches, I have amazing views of the city in the distance, other islands, the sea, and the rolling green hills. Oh, and also the volcano adjacent to the island I'm on!' Safety Motutapu Island is considered safe to Catrin, despite its secluded nature. She noted that, as a young female, she was the 'safest she ever felt' while living on the island. The outdoor instructor added: 'Not once have I stressed about going out after dark, about leaving the doors open, about being paranoid that something's going to happen. Just one less thing that's on my mind when going to sleep.' Regardless, visitors should be prepared and aware of potential risks, as the island lacks many typical amenities and services, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient and mindful of their surroundings. Introvert's paradise According to Catrin, working in a remote location ties in perfectly with individuals who identify with being introverted. She said: 'As you will most likely be in a location away from any sort of civilisation, it will make it a lot more difficult to socialise with large range of people. Saying this, it will allow you to get close to a small group, and you can make friends for life! 'If you enjoy spending some time on your own, or with a small, steady bunch of people then this is an ideal situation for you to find yourself in.' Money saver When living on a remote island, everyday living is likely to be less costly as there are a lack of extracurricular activities and amenities to actually spend money on. Catrin explained: 'No high streets, shops, cinemas or pubs to spend all my money, which makes it a great place to start saving for upcoming trips.' Cons Accessibility There is no public transport available on the island, and visitors must rely on ferries, private boats, or kayaks for access, with the public ferry service from Auckland to Motutapu limited to just one departure a week Despite its beauty and historical significance, Motutapu Island has some accessibility limitations, such as a lack of public transport and a limited ferry service. There is no public transport available on the island, and visitors must rely on ferries, private boats, or kayaks for access, with the public ferry service from Auckland to Motutapu limited to just one departure a week. Visitors have to travel elsewhere for food and water as there are no readily available sources on the island, except for Home Bay. Catrin said: 'This can be a challenge. Luckily for us, there is a regular ferry, and easily accessible water taxis to and from mainland. 'Just do some research before you choose to accept a remote position, for accessibility to amenities and the frequency of being able to get things.' Facilities and amenities According to Catrin, visitors and residents would simply have to 'make do' with living a slower life, such as immersing themselves in nature or hanging out with other individuals on the island. She warned: 'If you are unable to do that, then remote location work is definitely not for you! It requires an ability to be productive and find activities out of minimal things, rather than staying inside.' Social opportunities The outdoor instructor warned that some people may experience difficulty in moving to the island at first as there will only be a select number of people to get to know, and a 'people-person' personality is required to get along with neighbours. She added: 'It's going to be a long, difficult time if people don't get along with you, or you don't get along with others! You must be adaptable, and be able to be civil and friendly, even with those who you don't quite see eye-to-eye with.' Freedom The biggest drawback for Catrin is the 'lack of freedom' on the island, as she was unable to 'pop to the shops' or head out to dinner and drinks with friends. She warned that spending long, extended periods living on a remote island can be 'very challenging,' and can even affect a person's mental health. Catrin added: 'You start to become stir crazy, being stuck in the same location, with the same scenery, and the same people.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel agent - the world's most overrated tourist destination is like visiting a motorway petrol station
It can often be tricky when trying to find a new destination to discover. But a travel agent – who has been jet-setting around the world for the last 30 years - has revealed the places he wouldn't recommend anyone going to visit. Carlos Lavilla, who works for Turama, took to the Spanish holiday company's TikTok to warn the account's 29.7k followers of the 'five tourist destinations that, as a professional travel agent, [he] considers to be the most overrated', and that he 'doesn't usually recommend to [his] customers'. The country in fifth place, for Carlos, is Cape Verde – an archipelago, made up of 10 volcanic islands, in West Africa. Last year, Cape Verde welcomed a record 1.2 million tourists – but Carlos insists it's no replacement for Spain 's Canary Islands. Speaking in Spanish, he says: 'In my opinion, travelling to Cape Verde as an alternative to the Canary Islands is like buying a Fiat Panda thinking you're getting a Ferrari F40. 'No matter how you try to dress it up, there's simply no comparison.' In fourth place was Johannesburg - one of the largest cities in South Africa, and home to plenty of wildlife safaris, as well as the Apartheid Museum. Taking about Johannesburg, South Africa, Carlos says: 'You'll be able to say you were robbed in one of the ugliest cities on Earth' Although many tourists love it there, according to Statista, between 2022 and 2023, Johannesburg experienced more contact crime incidents than any other city – mainly consisting of common assaults. And it's the high crime rate that leaves a sour taste for Carlos, who sneers: 'You'll be able to say you were robbed in one of the ugliest cities on Earth.' Many will be surprised to hear that it's Hawaii in third place on Carlos' list. The reason? There are far 'more interesting' yet similar destinations, says Carlos. He continues: 'With a couple of honourable exceptions (which do exist), Hawaii is the ideal destination for an American retiree, over 70, who has a collection of shirts at home that he doesn't dare to wear anywhere else. 'If that's not your case, I assure you there are much more interesting and far less predictable alternatives.' Next up is South Korea, a country which is predicted to welcome more than 20 million tourists in 2025 – a record-breaking number. But Carlos says you shouldn't bother. He explains: 'South Korea is excessively expensive for what it offers. The treatment of foreign tourists leaves much to be desired. 'I find it bland, insipid, and rather sad. You may return home shrouded in a great depression.' The most overrated destination in the world, for Carlos, is Doha, Qatar – which welcomed a record-breaking 1.5 million international tourists in the first three months of 2025. Despite this, Carlos says visiting Doha is like visiting a 'petrol station in the middle of a motorway'. He adds: 'It's a place where you stop briefly to relieve yourself, grab a quick bite, rest for a few minutes, and then carry on. There's nothing more to it.'
