France

There's nothing quite like a family road trip, and one of the best ways to see France at its finest is behind the wheel. What is surprising is how much of the country's most traditional attractions - gourmet food, the world's best wine, astonishing history and stunning architecture - are within a doable drive from other parts of Europe and the UK via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal in Folkestone.

When ferrying from the UK to France, it's tempting to stay close to the Channel, to coast through Normandy or hook west to Brittany. The joy of driving off the ferry at Calais or Dunkirk, however, is that all of France is just hours away. So why not consider heading south to discover Lyon, the city that claims French culinary supremacy?

Sometimes when the temperature start sizzling, all you really wish for is soft sand to push your toes into, and bright blue water to jump in.  If you live in London like I do, you can rest happy in the knowledge that there are a whole host of sensational beaches within three hours’ journey from the here – and let face it, we’ve had had commutes that took longer than that.  So, hop on a plane and before you know it, you’ll be soaking up some rays, getting your surf on and ordering pina colada in a coconut, if that’s what tickles your fancy.

Glamping (glamour camping) just got better thanks to a surge in inflatable, transparent ‘bubble’ tents, which are popping up all over the globe.  If you are like me who doesn’t fancy the idea of sleeping in a tent then these are for you.

The region that gave its name to the bubbly wine is a fantastic part of France to explore. Only an hour from Paris, Champagne has lip-smacking wine trails that weave through picturesque countryside and villages, and best of all, dozens of tipples to sample - from the palatial home of Moët & Chandon to friendly family outfits operating out of little more than a shed.

'We are now in the worse part of Picardy,' said my guide. I looked around at the rather pretty landscape, bewildered as to why a tourist officer for the area should have such a low opinion of it. then my brain caught up with my ears and I realised: we had just entered L'Oise.

With a geothermal water park and forest cottages, the future of green, sustainable tourism has arrived.  A new holiday park concept just 6km from Disneyland Paris is raising the bar for green, sustainable tourism.  Villages Nature Paris is the result of collaboration between Euro Disney SCA and the European-based Groupe Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs, who are pioneering a completely new approach to holidays, bringing visitors back to nature and celebrating its diversity and abundance.

Where are you having dinner tonight? Instead of trudging home to eat a takeaway in front of the TV, you could be enjoying a four-course meal in your cosy chalet in the French Alps with free-flowing wine (and no washing up after).  After a day on the slopes, you'll have worked up an appetite, so there is nothing more welcoming than a home-cooked meal along with some great conversation to get you in the mood to party.

Skip the beaten path and explore the overlooked sights of western France on the way to Bordeaux. The country’s fifth largest city, tucked away in the south western corner, is an eight-hour drive from Calais. Fortunately, there are countless stops along the way, all easily accessible by car, helping to break up the trek.

Experience Macedonia's Pristine Powder
Skiers looking for perfect powder, that fluffy, untouched stuff of dreams and snow that's all but guaranteed love Popova Sapka in northwest Macedonia, which one reviewer called "the Balkans' St Moritz".  Set at 1,700m up in the rounded peaks of the Dinaric Mountains, Popova is higher than most of its Eastern European competitors meaning good cover is pretty much a given from January to March (the town's simple, effective slogan is: 'We have snow').  No wonder, then that it's hosted both the European and Balkan Ski Championships along with the Sarplaninski Cup, which was launched at Popova in 1947.  Wide, open runs combined with plenty of incredible off-piste terrai and great value accommodation mean Popova is one of Eastern Europe's best kept ski destinations.