New Posts
Writing Course 2026: “How to write and publish a novel”
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
Tristan da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha is improbably remote, and life there is tough. Yet islanders have repeatedly preferred to live there rather than in the United Kingdom.
Cheap hotels are best: charmed by the no-frills alternative
Cheap hotels are best! Sometimes, somewhere “cheap and cheerful” can give you a better holiday experience than a costlier alternative.
Night trains: environmental with hidden dangers
Night trains in Europe can be a great adventure for your kids, and help protect the environment – but may also have hidden dangers.
Heated chair lifts: warming you where it matters
Heated chair lifts warm you where it matters. Why some early adopters were delighted at the prospect of “a quick threesome”.
Children’s ski schools: From tears to triumph
Children’s ski schools: how to choose? Getting it right can make a massive difference to family holidays. A version of this article first appeared in
BERLIN AMPELMÄNNCHEN: HOW THEY TOOK THE WEST BY STORM
The Berlin Ampelmännchen (little traffic light man) originated in East Berlin. From 2004, they spread to West Berlin, replacing the “Euro-man”. By Leigh Turner A version
Walking in England – the best holiday on earth
Walking in England is beautiful; healthy; and environmentally friendly. Best of all, you can discover a country you did not know existed.
Wildlife in New Zealand
Wildlife in New Zealand is some of the best on the planet – and some of the easiest and most enjoyable to visit.
Strolz ski boots
Why Strolz ski boots from Lech in Austria, with their foam-fitting technology, are worth the money – and the wait. A version of this article
Guided skiing: Where even experts fear to tread
Guided skiing: some experienced skiers think it’s for wimps. They’re idiots: skiing with a guide is a sublime pleasure.
Why Berlin beach bars – and open air cinemas – are a treat
Berlin beach bars are awesome – and their open-air cinema scene has an anarchic, crazy edge. It can all add up to an excellent summer experience.
Rubber chicken and upgrades
Economy long-haul flights: how the airlines are plotting to make us beg to fly business and increase their profits.
Bangkok with children: “Enough Buddhas for today”
Should you visit Bangkok with children? Why visiting Thailand with your kids offers joy and challenges. Bangkok is “a pleasure and a pain”. By Leigh Turner
German waiters: When dinner becomes the last supper
German waiters: the best in the world? You just have to look at it the right way. By Leigh Turner Financial Times, March 27 2004
What is so special about skiing in Lech? An appreciation
Lech am Arlberg in Austria is one of the world’s most famous ski areas. But there’s more to Lech than skiing. An appreciation. Lech: Austrian
Mary: a real East End woman returns to her roots
An East End woman celebrates her 80th Birthday – with her four high-achieving daughters. How did she do it?
Aldiana and Club Med: Which is better? French? Or German?
Aldiana and Club Med: which is better? French or German? Testing national stereotypes to destruction brought surprising results.
Lundy Island. Paradise on earth
Lundy Island, facing the Americas across the Atlantic a couple of hours’ cruise north of Ilfracombe, embodies small-island charm and seclusion.
Where was the Berlin Wall?
Where was the Berlin Wall? In modern Berlin it’s hard to spot. Yet exploring the Berlin Wall path can be evocative and fun. This piece
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