First-hand travel guides for quieter places, nature escapes and road trips - with honest opinions and practical details from trips I actually take.
By Zane - travel agent, Sustainable Tourism graduate and passionate traveller.
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Special collection
Quiet landscapes and nature stops.
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Special collection
Historic towns, wildlife and slower days.
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3 posts Portugal Porto, Gaia, Madeira, river views, wine country and volcanic trails. 
9 posts Spain Bardenas Reales, Aragón waterfalls, quiet detours, and summer escape routes. 
1 post Italy Matera, the Sassi, rock churches and a city carved into stone. 8 posts Latvia Kuldīga's old town, Sigulda's forest valleys and castles, Engure's wild horses, and Ķemeri's open bog landscapes. 
3 posts Morocco Medinas, palaces, city posts, and strong opinions. 
1 post Netherlands Amsterdam in winter, canals, museums, Noord and markets. 
1 post Japan Nikko in winter, mountain shrines, frozen waterfalls and quieter Japan. From the journal
Europe Basilicata, Italy
A cave city, a national disgrace and a European Capital of Culture - all within the lifetime of the city.
I lived in Matera during its year as European Capital of Culture. A guide to the Sassi, and to a city that went from national shame to UNESCO in a lifetime.
Europe Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria is far more than its beaches: a week of cloud forest, volcanic mountains, quiet villages and Atlantic coast.
A week exploring Gran Canaria beyond the resorts, from Agaete and Las Palmas to Roque Nublo, Artenara, Maspalomas and Barranco de las Vacas.
Europe Valencian Community, Spain
Puntal dels Llops is a small Iberian fortress from the fifth century BC, on a hilltop above Olocau.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
A Baltic city where blown-up forts, a prison hotel, music and a wide beach make for an unexpectedly versatile coastal break.
A Liepāja city guide with the Northern Forts, Karosta Prison, Art Nouveau architecture, street art, music, beaches and practical tips.
Europe Valencian Community, Spain
The Sierra Calderona is a natural park of pine and cork oak forest, red rock and small villages, sitting between Valencia and Castellón.
Europe Aragón, Spain
A guide to Teruel, Spain, with Mudéjar towers, the Escalinata del Óvalo, the Lovers of Teruel, local food, parking and practical tips.
