Despite the dangerously polarising effect of social media and unscrupulous politicians, we all share the same hopes and fears, the same fundamental human condition, and there's no better way to remind yourself of these universal truths than through travel. Yes, the clothing, customs, cuisine…

It was with some trepidation that I booked my first return to Cuba since my backpacking days of 1994 - I'd spent over a month there and it still ranks in the top five of the best ever holidays. Just how much would this once unique nation have changed and how would the experience differ from…

One of the prettiest places in south-east Sicily, Ortigia is a small island which sits within Syracuse and is less than an hour's drive south of Catania. Here are my reasons why you should visit right now:

You might think you've been there, done that and got the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) Moroccan rug, but hidden among the souqs and labyrinthine side streets of Marrakech, there are always more secret spots waiting to be discovered…

Japan is one of our hottest destinations at the moment and, with a rather large rugby tournament fast approaching in 2019, it's only going to become more popular. Fortunately, we're on hand to make sure you very much catch the worm early doors and our experts can recommend the very best…

Kaixo (hello in Basque) and welcome to San Sebastian, or Donostia as it's known locally. The city is the capital of Spain's brilliant and ever so slightly batty Basque region. Here's all you need to know about this peaceful and beautiful city, with its miniature Rio de Janeiro vibe, complete…

The days of the Grand Tour may have passed, but 60 million people visited Italy in 2017, and you can bet that a significant chunk of them (according to a very scientific straw poll at Original Travel HQ) went to Florence or Rome, or both. Since both cities are prime Big Short Break territory…

As a real foodie I was extremely excited at the opportunity of travelling to Sri Lanka on my recent research trip to sample first hand some of their culinary delights such as hoppers and curries, and I was not disappointed. Having spent the last fortnight in Sri Lanka I have realised that it…

The late Sir Roger Moore asked of a companion in the 1979 classic, Moonraker "How do you kill five hours in Rio if you don't Samba?", followed by suggestive pause and arching of eyebrow, naturally.

The village of San Juan Chamula is set in the mountains of Chiapas in Southern Mexico. Living here are the Tzotzil Maya people - a fiercely independent and self-ruling community. The village may only be based six miles from the popular San Cristobal de las Casas but their culture, dress,…