Europe & Beyond

Luggage makers are going back to retro designs – here are the best on the market

Forget trolley bags, Trunkis and holdalls – a new piece of luggage is having its moment… again.

The vintage bag is back. Trunk-style suitcases swathed in luxury leather, cavernous doctor’s bags and military canvas are just some of the styles that are selling.

Technological advancements may have brought us super lightweight cases, durable wheels, and even electric suitcases, but for many modern-day travellers, the lure of a stylish vintage case outweighs the practical.

Dunhill’s Bladon bag (featured above) takes its name from the English village where Winston Churchill is buried – he was a loyal customer of the brand. The company uses the design and manufacturing ethics instilled by founder Alfred Dunhill over 100 years ago, the the bag features an embossed “AD” in recognition of that.

The company is not the only baggage manufacturer to look back for inspiration. Globe-Trotter has collaborated with Hackett on two military-inspired cases (featured above), meanwhile Smart Turnout, long supplier of uniforms and accessories to schools, universities and military establishments, is now selling its wares online, including the preppy canvas holdall, featured above.

The only question you need to ask now… will it fit in the overhead locker?

Levitating furniture, James Bond and Alice in Wonderland — it’s all under the same roof at Seven Futuristic Hotel in Paris

The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District National Park is one of the most picturesque national parks in the UK. It is a  popular location for peaceful cottage holidays, within an area of outstanding natural beauty.  Whether you are walking or driving this really is an exceptional area; you will be driving through winding country roads and  passing through some of the most spectucular countryside in the UK.

Distance: 67.8m

Roads: A5284, A591, A66, A5091, A592

Key Villages in The Lake District

The A591 begins in Keswick and winds for 29 miles through the picturesque Lake District national park en route to Keswick. As you drive between two of the regions’ most popular tourist towns, there are spectacular views of the Lakeland fells and the calming lakeside scenery along the banks of Lake Thirlmere and Lake Windermere.

The beautiful village of Grasmere and the surrounding countryside inspired poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. Dove Cottage is a popular attraction for those wishing to learn more about Wordsworth, and his former residence is now a museum .  (£7.50 adults/£4.50 children).  Useful postcodes for your satnav: LA22 9SQ (Dove Cottage – Wordsworth Museum)

Travelling east from Keswick takes you along the A66, en route to Penrith. However, by taking a turn onto the A5091 at Hutton, you can embark on a drive along the country roads that will take you towards Ullswater.

Ullswater is renowned for its  ‘Steamers’ which provide visitors with tours of the second largest lake in the Lake District. Steamers leave from the village of Glenridding (tours from £5.60 for adults and £2.80 for children*). Sat Nav postcode – CA11 0US (Ullswater Steamers)

Glenridding also offers a base for hikers and ramblers, with fell trails that lead to the summit of Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in the UK at 3,117ft. For a strenuous walk, try the  Striding Edge of Helvellyn. For something more leisurely,  you might wish to try the  Lakeland fell trails and  easier walking trails that begin in Glenridding.

*prices shown based on a single trip from Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to Howtown

The Most Beautiful Paradores in Spain

If you are visiting Spain, why not  live like Royalty in one of the many Paradores hotels .  A Parador is a high class, luxury hotel and here are five beautiful, enchanting and historic properties for a perfect alternative stay in Spain.

Parador de Zamora

The Parador of Zamora is  located in the province of Zamora, in the old town. This luxury hotel was built in the 15^th century where a Roman stronghold once sat.

The walls are a meter thick and is one of the most beautiful Paradors in Spain. This hotel features four poster beds and castle décor such as tapestries and coats of arms.

Parador de Guadalupe

Parador de Guadalupe is another 15th century building located in Extremadura. When the building was first constructed, it was a hospital, later becoming an addition to the centre of Guadalupe as a historic and gorgeous hotel. The terrace gives you a view of the rooftops of Guadalupe and the hotel serves world class authentic Spanish cuisine.

Parador de Toledo

The Parador de Toledo is a four-star lodging experience, located on a hill and overlooking the incredible city of Toledo. The hotel is made of natural stone and has been given a thoroughly stylish modern makeover. This is the perfect Parador for those wanting to experience the romance of Spain and features a garden and swimming pool. The carved wood balconies enjoy exceptional views over the town.

Parador de La Granja, Segovia

The Parador de la Granja is located in an enormous palace in San Ildefonso, approximately a hundred kilometers from Madrid. This was once a summer residence for Spanish royalty, and historic corridors and archways retain a cool atmosphere of nobility. The La Granja has a long internal courtyard with arches lining the sides. The stylish updating compliments the original architecture. Bed and Breakfast are available in this Parador.

Parador de Gredos, Sierra de Gredos

The incredibly picturesque Parador de Gredos is in a stone building surrounded by gorgeous landscape, rocks and forests. This Parador would suit those seeking peace and quiet in a spectacular setting, with a beautiful view of the Valle del Tormes. It is decorated with classical wood and constructed of columns of granite. Castilian-style furnishings make the  this a wonderful location for anyone wanting to experience luxury and nature combined.

Guest post by Escapio.com where stunning castles, historic  Bed & Breakfasts and luxury hotels Spain and beyond, can be booked online.

A selection of websites for planning gap travel

www.statravel.co.uk

As well as offering discount plane tickets for students and travellers in their twenties, STA Travel has a handy online trip planner to help you work out the best itinerary for your round-the-world ticket.

www.tefl.com

Excellent portal for TEFL and TESOL teachers, with loads of listings for English-teaching jobs overseas, and tips and advice for aspiring teachers.

www.ethicalvolunteering.org

The first website every volunteer should visit, with advice on choosing an ethical volunteer organisation to make sure you do the most good with the time you have to volunteer.

www.workingabroad.com

Loads of listings for working overseas, from volunteering to TEFL teaching. Use the search form to find jobs and volunteer placements that match your skills and ambitions.

www.vso.org.uk

Perhaps the most respected volunteering programme, VSO has been placing skilled volunteers on development projects around the world for 50 years. The Youth for Development scheme (open to volunteers aged 18 to 25) includes free flights, accommodation and visas, but you need at least one year of work experience and £900 in sponsorship.

www.wwv.org.uk

Searchable database of volunteer placements worldwide, with tips on fundraising, finding projects and staying safe overseas, plus stories from past volunteers.

www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree

Lonely Planet’s online forum was inspired by a real thorn tree in Nairobi (backpackers used to pin messages to the thorns). Visit the Gap Year & Round the World Travel page for tips and advice from other gappers.

www.workingholidayinfo.com

A handy overview of all the working holiday visas open to gap year travellers, from Australia and New Zealand to Japan.

www.jet-uk.org

The Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme has placed 50,000 Brits in teaching and local government jobs in Japan, with a full salary and free flights. The initial programme lasts one year, but you can extend to five years at the discretion of your Japanese employer.

www.overseasjobcentre.co.uk

Extensive resources for a working year out overseas, covering everything from ski jobs to farm work. There’s a huge database of links and you can download ebooks covering top ways to work abroad.

Introducing Thailand

Thailand is an increasingly popular tourist destination. It is a country unlike any other, with historical, natural and cultural attractions. Many westerners love to visit Thailand during the Christmas and New Year period, avoiding  the worst of the winter weather.  Travellers usually fly to  Bangkok International Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport, to see the capital city of Bangkok, before setting  off  to discover other cities and resorts in the country.

If you are interested in flying to Bangkok, Thai Airways International is the largest airline in Thailand offering international flights to Bangkok.

Start your tour of Thailand in Bangkok and discover a city of temples,   canals and culture.

Discover its beautiful Buddha temples, such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, exotic restaurants where you can sample the best of local Thai cuisine  and the floating market for a sensory experience. Bangkok is full of  intense colours,  delicious aromas of street food and fabulous historical  -   a delight for the senses.

Sun and Sand

Having visited Bangkok, head south  for  exotic beaches and paradise islands where you can soak up the sun and relax.

Beach resorts are on Phuket and Phi Phi Island

Some of the most popular beach resorts are on Phuket Island and Phi Phi Island. Anyone who wants to explore or set off on an individual adventure should head to the north of Thailand, which is perfect for trekking, hiking and getting in touch with nature. The countryside will entrance botanists and wildlife lovers.

If you are tempted by the colourful photographs you see of Thailand, imagine what it is like to experience it first hand. Book flights to Thailand and find out!