Travel Inspiration

Looking for somewhere new to explore? This section features first-hand travel inspiration — from long weekend guides and walking tours to seasonal postcards and hidden gems worth seeking out.

We’ve covered iconic cities and quiet corners, from Edinburgh’s old town alleys to the sunlit streets of Nice. These are the places we’ve actually visited, photographed, and written about.

Whether you’re planning a stylish city break, a scenic detour, or simply dreaming of where to go next, you’ll find practical ideas, personal stories, and plenty of reasons to travel well.

Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate at Night

By day, Pariser Platz is one of the busiest spots in central Berlin. Late in the evening, the coaches depart, traffic along Unter den Linden clears, and the monumental sandstone gate takes on an entirely different mood. Here is why an unhurried late walk across the square offers the best look at the landmark, along with an illuminated detour around the corner.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

The Versailles of Berlin: Inside Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace reveals a magnificent side of eighteenth-century Berlin defined by Prussian royalty, elegant Rococo architecture, and world-class French fine art. For travellers who appreciate decorative interiors, ornate porcelain cabinets, and the royal splendour of estates like Versailles, this quiet riverside palace offers a striking, unexpected contrast to the capital’s twentieth-century Cold War trails. Here is an inside look at what to see throughout the staterooms and gardens, along with practical tips to plan your visit.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

Where to Find Trabants in Berlin

In this guide I show you where to find Trabants in modern day Berlin. If you want to see them, photograph them or even drive them, this is the list for you. Plus I will show you where you can find a U2 Trabant in Berlin!

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

A Stylish Long Weekend in Nice: The Ultimate Three-Day Itinerary

Planning a short break on the Côte d’Azur is all about embracing the effortless ease of Riviera life. From boutique shopping along Rue Paradis to long, sun-drenched lunches and relaxed afternoons at exclusive private beach clubs, Nice perfectly balances cultural depth with coastal relaxation. Whether you are hunting for vintage treasures in Vieux Nice or seeking the timeless glamour of the Promenade des Anglais, our curated three-day itinerary offers the ultimate inspiration for a sophisticated coastal escape.

Read the full story and start planning your perfect Riviera weekend..

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

Taking the Train Around France: A Better Way to Travel

Swap flights and long drives for a more relaxed way to see France. From Lille and Paris to Provence, Marseille, Cannes and Nice, this guide explores why travelling by train can shape a smoother, more rewarding trip.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

Postcard from Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a town of golden stone, fountains, and an easy pace of life. In our latest postcard, we share our impressions from a long weekend of wandering, from record shop finds to Cézanne’s presence everywhere.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

The Flame Returns to the Tuileries: Summer 2025 in Paris

One year after the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Vasque fountain returns to the Tuileries Garden. Visible from streets, rooftops—even our hotel balcony—the Olympic flame lights up the city once more in a spectacular summer display.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

A Long Weekend in Lille: A Relaxed City Break in Northern France

Looking for a relaxed city break in northern France? A long weekend in Lille offers walkable streets, excellent food, strong museums, and easy Eurostar access from London. We spent four days exploring Lille’s historic centre, markets, galleries, and restaurants, and found it ideal for a long weekend or short break.

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Jamie Riddell Jamie Riddell

Louvre Couture: A Fashion Exhibition Like No Other

Louvre Couture wasn’t just an exhibition — it was a journey through centuries of style, blending high fashion with history in the grandest of settings. From Chanel and Dior to McQueen and Margiela, every gallery offered something unexpected.

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