More Than Just Ragu: Why Bologna should be on your list

Sharing my solo travel experience: A story of adventure post-heartbreak

After losing her husband Norbert in a tragic accident three years ago, Marlene Manto’s life and identity changed forever. Refusing to let the grief and fear of solo travel prevent her from embarking on a bucket-list trip to England, Marlene booked our Highlights of Britain tour and had the trip of a lifetime.

Making it her mission to inspire other first-time solo travellers through her experiences, Marlene sat down with us to share some of her hesitations, fears and highlights whilst travelling with Blue-Roads Touring.

Undertourism: Fall for the Charms of Sleepy Malta

We’ve all heard about overtourism. It’s something that’s increasingly starting to affect the world’s most popular holiday destinations, which, depending on when you travel, can be found bursting at the seams with eager sightseers. Sometimes, this particular type of tourism tends to focus on the ‘seeing’ rather than the ‘doing’; the photographic proof of the adventure, rather than the memories made.

In response to this inauthentic style of holidaymaking, a new travel trend is emerging: undertourism. And as part of this movement, unusual, up-and-coming and off-the-beaten track destinations are embracing quality tourism over quantity of visitors; immersive local experiences over skimming the surface.

An excellent example of a destination championing the values of undertourism is Malta: a lesser-explored Mediterranean island filled with all the fascinating history, unique cultures and delectable local cuisine that you’d expect from a holiday hotspot like Italy – but in miniature, and with far fewer tourists.

6 Delectable Foodie Discoveries in Florence

Tuscan cuisine. These two short words are enough to conjure up images of countless gastronomic creations, from pasta and pizza to gelato (not to mention many mouthwatering dishes in between). And where better to indulge in the many culinary delights of this world-famous Italian region than in captivating Florence – Tuscany’s endlessly stylish and historic capital?

Much like the city’s cobbled streets and awe-inspiring architecture, Florence’s food has changed little over the centuries; traditional recipes and cooking styles have been handed down over generations, and they’re still as pleasing to the palate as they were all those years ago. Indeed, to dine at one of Florence’s celebrated eateries is to know that everything that reaches your plate has been locally sourced, painstakingly crafted and served up with pride.

Planning on visiting Florence to experience its renowned cuisine for yourself? See if you can spot any of these local favourites on your travels…

Lighting up Scandinavia for St Lucia’s Day

Located at the ‘Top of Europe’, close to the Arctic Circle, Scandinavia is plunged into darkness at Christmas time and the winter solstice brings bone-chilling temperatures. Each year on the 13th of December, Scandinavian countries mark St Lucy’s Day with a festival. Young girls dressed as St Lucy with crowns or plastic candles carry cookies and saffron buns through the streets. Young men follow, singing along to traditional songs. The procession symbolizes the bringing of hope and light during the darkest time of year and is an angelic tradition to behold.

A Castle, a Garden and a Cathedral: Three of Kent’s Most Evocative Sights

From its expertly manicured estates to its rolling vineyards and hedgerow-lined country lanes, it’s easy to see why leafy Kent has earned the nickname ‘garden of England’. But it’s not just a holiday destination for lovers of all things blossoming and beautiful; this historic corner of Southeast England is also home to plentiful cultural delights.

Creative Copywriter Jessica Morris took a tour of some of the county’s most significant locations to find out more about what they have to offer our guests.

Festive Fancies: Our Top 6 Must-Try Christmas Foods

Christmas: it’s all about spending time with your loved ones, giving and receiving carefully chosen gifts… and of course, tucking into mouth-watering, heart-warming food. If you’re anything like us, you’ll have spent the last few weeks dreaming of a festive feast fit for Saint Nicholas himself – complete with turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings.

But beyond the traditional roast? There’s a world of alternative festive fare out there that would make a welcome addition to any Christmas table. So, to get you inspired to try something different this year, we’ve rounded up a few of our best-loved European Christmas foods.