The biggest nuisance with flying is getting to and from the airport, especially for an early flight.  I therefore tend to try to stay at airport hotels to avoid the dreaded shuttle bus nightmare.  It probably isn’t a nightmare at all, but in my head and at some ungodly hour in the morning, my brain

If you feel like a break from Cannes, take a ferry to the island of Saint Honorat, owned by a Cistercian order of monks, who have lived here since the sixth century. No cars are allowed and the monks are from a silent order, so noise is discouraged.   Over time, they have enlarged their monastery,

Beautiful but unforgiving: Dramatic Utah is the secret star of the film 127 hours  

Sofitel is linked to the north terminal at Gatwick airport by a covered walkway; two minutes on foot will get you to the terminal. There isn’t a more convenient place to stay.   Arranged around a central atrium, many of the 500-odd rooms look over the runway. It’s an airport hotel, so a slightly corporate

Any visitor to Funchal should take a ride in the cable car up to Monte to appreciate the wonderful views of the port and harbour of this pretty sub-tropical island.   It’s suitable for young and old alike; you just need to have a bit of a head for heights. The ride takes 15 minutes and

All of these restaurants have passed the “Will I enjoy the food if I’m not a veggie?” test, so take your friends with confidence