As someone from far away – Australia – it took me a couple of trips to England to learn that there is so much more to the nation than just the capital city of London. And for Englanders, I think it’s sometimes all to easy to think a holiday should involve leaving the country. However [...]

I’m a big fan of all things Finnish and its pretty capital, Helsinki, is a destination I consider to be underrated and under-visited – in other words, book your Helsinki holiday now! It’s a great city to explore in either summer or winter, and I say that as someone who spent time there during the [...]

I read recently in the Travel News Gazette that travellers aged 55+ accounted for more than a quarter of all trips abroad made by Europeans in 2010. Between 2005 and 2010 overseas travel by Europeans aged 55+ increased by 17%. by Sarah 249 As I’m in my early 50s, I tried to evaluate if my [...]

Here are some of the best European markets, collated from travel tips by members of the Europe a la Carte blogging team. Alkmaar Cheese Market, The Netherlands Although Amanda acknowledges that the Cheese Market in Alkmaar, around 20 miles from Amsterdam, is a bit of tourist show, it’s still some colourful, if staged, fun. Alkamaar [...]

In decades past, the Welsh capital of Cardiff may have been considered an industrial city without much to see, but it’s really changed and is fast becoming one of Britain’s major tourist destinations. Along with a renewed interest in Wales and Welsh culture, it’s also a very green city and is great to visit in [...]

Here are my money saving travel tips to how to save on travel. I reckon if you travel regularly you could save some serious cash by using my tips. Avoid Airlines Booking Fees Ryanair seems to be the worst culprit for high card payment (aka admin) fees of £6 per person per flight. Until 30 [...]

It’s Tallinn Week on Europe a la Carte from 27 June to 3 July 2011. This month it’s the Estonian capital of Tallinn in the spotlight. You’ll find lots of ideas for things to do in Tallinn on Europe a la Carte. My husband Demetrius visited Tallinn on a city break in March 2011,  staying [...]

After reader feedback from 10 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe, I’ve written this post featuring more of the best European cities to visit.  I’ve included the three cities which received the highest number of votes in the online poll which weren’t included in my earlier post; Rome, Florence and Dublin. Rome As [...]

I’ve recorded a podcast summarising some things of the best things to do in Malta based on my Guide to Malta. Subscribe to the Europe a la Carte Podcast in itunes or audioboo Listen! There’s more information on the island in these blog posts: Walking Around the Streets of Malta Three Beautiful Sandy Beaches in [...]

Here are my tips for three beautiful, sandy beaches in Malta. Mellieha Beach Mellieha beach lies in the north east of the island, just off the road to the Gozo ferry, which makes it very accessible. This was my favourite Malta beach; the water was calm so I enjoyed my swim there, although it was [...]