Seasonal

The mountains and farm-covered countryside of northern Switzerland are prime biking territory. The scene is classically Swiss - green, natural, with gentle clanging from Alpine cow bells sounding across the hills and valleys. On our e-bikes, we ride past lavender fields and classic flower- covered farm chalets, racing down hills and effortlessly climbing to the tops of others. Always in the distance are the serene white peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

While the UK is renowned for being a green and pleasant land, thanks to its glorious countryside, it is also the proud owner of some of the most stunning coastlines imaginable.  So, discover the beauty on your doorstep by swapping a short-haul getaway for a memorable stay cay at one of these UK paradises on Airbnb this summer.

Best for long walks: Portscatho, Cornwall

When was the last time you took a road trip out of the city? The calming coastal destinations of Portscatho in Cornwall could make the ideal retreat for reconnecting with the outdoors this summer.

A twig snaps in the distance and birds begin to circle ominously overhead. I hold my breath, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of fur. We are in prime brown bear territory in Kainnu, Finland's northern-most region, just 2km from the Russian border.  There are only two inhabitants per square kilometre in Kainnu, which is the size Belgium. The plan is to spot more bears than people.

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

As winter makes way for the invigorating showers and sunnier spells of spring, the Portland region celebrates with food, fiestas and flowers.  This is thanks to the region’s temperate climate; many flowers begin to bud from early March and bloom through to June.  If you are planning on visiting Portland during this time of the year you will be rewarded with vistas of blossoming cherry trees, botanical adventures and the city’s signature event, the Portland’s Rose Festival, which runs from late May through to early June.

Daylight hours might be scarce and temperatures below freezing, but when Stockholm puts on her white winter coat, the whole city glitters more than Tinseltown itself, transforming into a magical winter wonderland.  The capital of Sweden spans 14 islands, and although you may not have time to visit them all, you can easily do a bit of island hopping on foot or via public transport while soaking up the spectacular views of bridges, waterways, and the medieval Old Town.  Besides marvelling at its snow-covered beauty, here are the top five reasons to visit Stockholm in winter.

The ski area of Arosa Lenzerheide comprises two resorts linked by the Urdenbahn – a cable car that was installed in 2014, creating a whole new world of winter opportunities.  Skiers can now get from the Hörnli in Arosa to the Urdenfüggli in Lenzerheide via a five-minute ride over the Urdental valley.

I'm sitting outside a restaurant in France, 700ft up a mountainside and the winter sun is out.  Not so strange really, considering that this particular region of the Catalan Pyrenees receives over 300 days of sunshine every year.  It is, however, a region that has remained under wraps for years, enjoyed in the most part only by French and Spanish locals.

Winter sports heaven 

Font-Romeu and its sister resort, Les Angles, provide some spectacular winter sports activities at prices well below those of their more illustrious neighbours.

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.

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains are the market towns of Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau in the Bavarian region of Alpenwelt Karvendel.  These historic villages come alive during the Christmas season, inviting visitors to their Christmas markets from early to mid-December.  As one of Germany’s best winter regions, the Alpenwelt Karvendel is an ideal destination for a relaxing pre-Christmas break.  The Bavarian charm, hospitality and ‘joie de vivre’ are combined with often centuries old traditions and customs, like the Lüftlmalerei, the local style of fresco paintings.