Inspiration

The Blog

Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

08 April 2026

Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.

The best hiking holidays to enjoy in 2026

08 April 2026

Walking has a way of stripping back the noise of modern life, especially when the backdrop is some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. A hiking holiday doesn't mean compromising on comfort, it means spending your days immersed in wild, untouched landscapes and your evenings retreating to high-end lodges and enjoying gourmet cuisine. Whether it’s the jagged peaks of the Dolomites or the coastal paths of Portugal, the right walking itinerary offers a perspective on a country that you simply cannot get from a vehicle. Here are four exceptional hiking regions that combine natural grandeur with a high level of service and exclusivity.

The best scenic rail journeys

08 April 2026

Seeing the world can be one of life’s greatest joys, but a growing number of us want to do so with a lighter touch on the planet. Choosing a holiday that is both unforgettable and more responsible is becoming more important than ever, and train travel offers a wonderful solution, blending the romance of the rails with a significantly lower carbon footprint. We’ve partnered with the rail experts at Railbookers to share some of the best scenic routes to add to your wish list and what makes them so special.

A world of wonder awaits in Queensland

08 April 2026

If you value cultural depth, natural beauty, and refined accommodation, an impressive range of experiences is waiting for you in Queensland. Here, you can explore the legendary Great Barrier Reef, encounter rare wildlife in ancient rainforests, and discover pristine beaches and islands with a real sense of exclusivity. Queensland’s thriving cities and untouched landscapes make it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the most captivating countries in the world.

Antarctica up close: a cruise beyond the ordinary

08 April 2026

Clare Hyatt has been a Travel Counsellor for 11 years, following a decade-long career in the cruise industry. With a deep passion for cruising and a love of expedition-style travel, she leapt at the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with AE Expeditions in March 2025.

A guide to Australia’s South West Edge road trip

01 April 2026

The South West of Australia is a hotspot for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with contrasting landscapes and wildlife encounters around every corner. This epic road trip, known as The South West Edge, is a journey through one of only 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world, a destination rich in flora and fauna. On this 12-day exploration, you’ll adventure into the heart of an undisturbed, uncrowded Australia, where you’ll traverse more than 1000 kilometres of breathtaking coastline, explore up to 24 national parks, wander through towering Southern forests, and collect lifelong memories on this iconic road trip.

A guide to the most breathtaking fjords in the world

01 April 2026

Gliding through deep, glacier-carved valleys offers a travel experience that few other journeys can match. Cruising through the world's most dramatic waterways as you experience these breathtaking natural wonders is an experience that will live with you forever. Below is a collection of some of the best, most beautiful, and breathtaking fjords in the world, stretching from the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of the Americas.

Embark on Seabourn’s ultimate 2028 World Cruise

01 April 2026

This global voyage from Seabourn is the pinnacle of sophisticated travel. The 2028 Seabourn Cape to Cape World Cruise offers an exclusive opportunity to traverse five continents in comfort and luxury. Sailing aboard Seabourn Quest to mark the 40th anniversary of the cruise line, you’ll cover 26,000 miles of carefully curated destinations. This 120-day expedition from Miami to Dover provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local cultures across the globe. There is also a refined 112-day option concluding in Lisbon if you fancy a slightly shorter itinerary.

Experience a Norwegian Odyssey for yourself

01 April 2026

Have you ever considered tracing the very edge of the world? Embark on an extraordinary journey along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten, and discover an environment that offers deep cultural immersion at every stage of the journey. With Hurtigruten, you can embark on your own Norwegian Odyssey, visiting iconic ports Lorraine herself visited, including Trondheim and Ålesund.