Liechtenstein is a tiny principality and as such it is often expected that it will be wealthy and opulent like similar states such as Monaco.  However, Liechtenstein is actually rather more understated than this and is a pleasant surprise to many who choose to visit each year. 

It looks like a picture postcard, and there are plenty of things to do for all the family who want to do something outdoorsy, from nature trails, horse riding, hiking trails and rock climbing.  These are the best ways to see the mountains, castles, forts and quaint wooden villages that dot the region.

During winter months, there are plenty of winter sports to enjoy, with brilliant ski runs or sledding in Malbun, and when you’re done with that why not visit any of the country’s museums to get a sense of the history of the country.   

The obvious places to visit include the capital, Vaduz (which has plenty of museums to keep you occupied, and is a good starting point for several walks into the mountains), and Malbun, but look wider than that and you’ll find some gems that will make your holiday really special.  There’s the Biedermann House in Shellenberg in the north, which is reputed to be the oldest house in the principality and is now a museum designed to show what it was like to live in Liechtenstein in past centuries.  In the same town are the fortress ruins which are still recognisable enough to give a good idea of what the fort looked like in its heyday when the Knights of Shellenberg ruled that country.

Or visit the historic towns of Bendern, Mauren and Eschen, before progressing further south to Shaan or Dux, both of which are good centres for a variety of winter and summer sports and good starting points for many trails and mountain hikes.

Liechtenstein offers some glorious views offered by the mountainous terrain and Rhine valley, but these are best seen away from the main towns.  Perhaps if you start in Vaduz, you should take a long walk to Wildshloss (which is a castle on the mountain between Vaduz and Shaan, about two hours’ walk from the former).  You’ll get to see a good part of the landscape, some spectacular scenery and really get to appreciate this principality’s natural beauty.

Picture it: Sicily.  Where better to go for your holidays this spring or summer?  A land of natural beauty from mountains and volcanoes to national parks, archaeological sites, gorgeous local produce and food, bustling cities and quaint villages… what more could you want?

Unlike much of the rest of Italy, Sicily has kept its somewhat untamed, wild nature, and has preserved traditions for hundreds of years.  You only have to set foot on the lunar-like landscape surrounding Mount Etna, some 2,000ft above sea-level, and look around at all the wild countryside around you to appreciate just how ancient the land beneath your feet is. 

Sicily has something for everyone.  If you want to relax by the sea, there are plenty of beaches for you to sit on with a good book in the Mediterranean climate (pack your sun cream).  You could even take an excursion on a local ferry to one of the nearby Aeolian Islands for even more sandy beaches (though beware that these can be crowded in August).

 If you want something a little more stimulating, there are excursions offered through most hotels (or tour operators if you are not travelling independently) to see archaeological sites and museums (and the mountains and volcanoes of course) or out to some of the many rocky archipelagos nearby.  Take a trip to Agrigento (the ‘Valley of the Temples’) to visit Greek temples or take a look round nearby olive groves or almond orchards.  Or take a jeep (either hire one or take a guided excursion) to near the top of Mount Etna, where you’ll need your winter woollies since it’s rather cool up there (it’s covered in snow during the winter months at the top because at 3,350m it is Sicily’s highest mountain). 

If nightlife is your scene, the cities in Sicily offer great bars, clubs and restaurants to keep you entertained until the early hours – the best places to go for this would probably be Catania or Taormina.  The latter is the most popular resort for many tourists and is well resourced as a result with everything that you could want for your holiday.  Catania also offers a fabulous beach.

There’s plenty to do in Sicily, so why not consider it for your next holiday?

One of the more bizarre excursions I’ve ever been on was a guided tour of the grand city of Salzburg.  It was a fantastic city to visit, and I spent several days there and in the surrounding area, but the tour was pretty strange, mainly because the Austrian tour guide’s command of English wasn’t brilliant.  She kept referring excitedly to places where ‘the shootings of the children’ had taken place.  It transpired that she was talking about ‘shooting’ as in ‘filming’ and the children referred to were those in the Sound of Music, Salzburg’s second most famous export.

Salzburg’s most famous export is, of course, Mozart, and you might be interested to know that at the time of Mozart’s birth Salzburg was actually an independent state and so technically Mozart is not Austrian, he is Salzburgan.  That must be worth a few points in a pub quiz.

So, as well as seeing the places where the children were shot (sorry, filmed), and the house where Mozart lived (which is now a museum and worth a short visit), what else does Salzburg have to offer?

Here is a list of my favourites. 

1. Mirabell Garden & Castle

If the weather’s nice (and beware, Salzburg is prone to showers, and the narrow streets are usually packed and not umbrella-friendly), take a walk through the Mirabell Garden.  The garden and castle were designed by the Prince Archbishop of Saltzburg for his mistress.  His wife wasn’t pleased, but at least the people of, and visitors to, Salzburg can have somewhere nice for a picnic.  The castle isn’t open to the public as it’s used by the Mayor, but the gardens (in 1960s geometrical patterns) are pleasant.

 2. Mozartplatz and Statue (Mozart Square)

A statue of Mozart dominates this square.  The square is usually a hive of activity from people performing songs or traditional theatre for the tourists.  The square is very close to the Cathedral (see below).

3.  Salzburg Cathedral

The Dom zu Salzburg  is a cathedral constructed in the 17^th Century.  It’s baroque and spectacular for it.  It was damaged in the Second World War when a bomb hit the central dome, but it was fully restored by the late 1950s.

4.  Salt Mines

This is one of those tourist attractions that doesn’t get nearly as much hype as it deserves.  It’s a wonderful little surprise of a gem waiting for those who venture a little way out of the main city to a town called Hallein.

 A tour of the mine begins with a short film about the history of salt mining (stay with me…) but then everyone has to get dressed into some overalls.  Then you all sit astride a miniature train that chugs through a very tiny tunnel, barely big enough to squeeze through without banging your head (I don’t imagine the Health and Safety Executive would allow that here, somehow).   Then you get to sail on a low barge on an eerie underground lake through the caverns of the salt mine before finally shooting down a giant slide that’s more like a bannister.  You sit astride the ‘bannister’ with two or three others behind you, all clinging to each other for dear life, and whizz down into a lower cavern.  You then have to watch a slide show, but you’re so hyped after the fun of the journey that it barely registers (good job, as it’s in German and whilst I know enough conversational German to get me through an Austrian holiday, I am unfamiliar with the terms used in mining contexts).  This tour is covered by the Salzburg Card (see below). 

There are plenty of other places to visit and things to see on a trip to Salzburg.  Like the Altstadt (the most beautiful square in Salzburg), the gothic cemetery (surprisingly beautiful)  and plenty of market stalls to wander around.  Buy a Salzburg card on arrival and it can work out cheaper than paying for individual tourist attractions as it pays for entry to several museums and attractions and also lets you use the local public transport system on an unlimited basis.  Go any time of year – but take an umbrella as it’s sure to rain.

Austria is a great country to visit: go in the Summer or Autumn and enjoy breath-taking scenery as you ramble through woods or across vertiginous hills, or go in Winter or early Spring and enjoy some really wonderful skiing opportunities.

Austria is becoming more popular as a ski resort than in recent years, though once of course it was regarded as the place to ski before we Brits became more enamoured with France back in the ‘seventies. Now, though, Austria is reaping the benefits of the tough economic climate we’re living in, because it certainly provides better value for money than do the resorts in the French Alps. Yet although everything’s much cheaper (from food to lift passes) it doesn’t skimp on quality or service, and you’ll find a very warm welcome awaits you at the resorts.

Here are some of the best slopes and resorts for everyone.
1. Alpbach: this is brilliant for beginners. It has two schools to teach the basics, and the slopes are challenging enough to keep intermediate skiers happy too, whilst the nursery slope is good for building confidence.
2. Saalbach: an hour-and-a-half from Salzburg with a highly sophisticated lift system, this resort is perfect for intermediate skiers who can enjoy the circuit routes and 200km of piste.
3. St Anton: this is perfect if you want a bit of a challenge and are an accomplished skier.
4. Sölden is perhaps the most reliable for snow cover, and is great for intermediate skiers.
5. Obergurgl: if you’re thinking of taking a family ski trip, this is the resort for you. It offers reliable snow cover for most of the season right down to the village. It takes about an hour to get there from Innsbruck, and it’s a very family-friendly, quiet village.

Wherever you travel, if you’re new to skiing then beware that if you invest in your own skis you will usually have to pay the airline to take them with you (though some companies offer free allowances for skis at this time of year). Check that you have travel insurance and that it covers ski-related accidents as many standard policies have clauses excluding liability for anything involving dangerous sports. Enjoy the piste and après-ski!

We’re visiting the best places to see in Europe. They’re some of the best known places in Europe, but that’s because they have so much to offer tourists!

1. London, England

   Visiting a capital city doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Some of the best, free attractions are available here, and there are inexpensive hotels right in the heart of the city. Try the Science Museum; Lady Diana’s park; the Natural History Museum and the British History Museum. Or just have a gander at Buckingham Palace and then enjoy a picnic across the road in the park. It’s rather hard to want to stay in London for more than a few days at a time, because it’s so busy and stressful, but the transport links are good and you can get to see most of what you’d want to in a short time if you plan it right.

2. Paris, France

   Again, a capital city so potentially expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. A walk along the River Seine, and a look around Notre Dame is free, as are the many gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower. It would be a shame to miss out on the Louvre, though in Summer you may have to queue for quite some time. If you want something a bit different then head off for a tour of the catacombs under the city streets.

3. oOFlorence, Italy

   This is perhaps the most touristy city in Italy, so avoid the prime months of July and August if you want to see actual Italians rather than streets filled with people like you, holding cameras. The sculptures in Florence are amazing and worth a visit. In the square that holds the famous statue of David are many other inspirational sculptures that are equally worthy of your attention. Or have a wander along the Ponte Vecchio to shop for gold over the famous bridge.

4. Madrid, Spain

   Head here if you like art (the Prado is magnificent) but whilst you’re there you can enjoy the night-life or the daytime café culture too. Dig into tapas or enjoy a fuller meal at any one of several fine restaurants along the Hemingway Trail. Remember that here they have a siesta, so very little is open in the early afternoon when you might be ready for your lunch, and the night-time scene gets going rather later than you’d expect at home.

There are loads of people for whom travelling abroad means going to Europe and no further. Why go further afield when there is so much cultural, historical and geographical diversity right here on our doorstep, not to mention the vast array of climates.

But where should you choose when you’re spoilt for choice?

It rather depends on what you want out of the holiday, of course – a beach holiday (head for Spain or Portugal, or Greece); a city break (Paris, Rome, Athens, etc etc etc), a romantic getaway (Venice for starters) or a tour of historical sites (anywhere in Eastern Europe, or of course Italy or Greece). It also depends on what sort of climate you’re after, which can vary dramatically from country to country and even from the North of one country to the South of the same country.

Here are our favourite destinations, in no particular order (part 1 – more next week).

1.Amsterdam, Holland
Excellent choice for art-lovers, and for people who don’t do hills. Biking around the city along the canals is arguably one of the most relaxing experiences possible. It’s climate is a bit like the UK’s, so take an umbrella and wear lots of layers that can be peeled on and off easily.

2.Venice, Italy
If there is a more romantic city in Europe we haven’t heard of it. Paris is a close second, but nowhere tops the canals of Venice, or wandering round San Marco’s square (or wading through it, depending on the time of year). No cars, no background noise other than other people enjoying the views and beautiful architecture. Take a boat trip to nearby Murano (and buy some glasses) or Burano (and take some pictures of the pastel houses), and if you visit in February you can see the Carnevale.

3.Rome, Italy
This is history come to life. Walk around any corner and see a pretty spectacular relic from when the Romans ruled the world. Unlike Greece, which is obviously more ancient and has seen its share of earthquakes etc, the relics and monuments in Rome are still sufficiently intact that not much of a stretch of the imagination is required to see how glorious they once must have been. It’s a noisy city, and very, very hot in the height of summer, plus if you want to go into St Peter’s, or into the Vatican you’ll need your knees and shoulders to be covered, which can be rather sweaty.

More next week!

Bulgaria is often overlooked as a holiday destination but actually it has a lot to offer. From top ski resorts with slopes for beginners up to experienced skiers, to stretches of near-deserted beaches along the Black Sea, and all for the fraction of the cost of some of its neighbouring countries, Bulgaria is definitely a country you should consider visiting.

The people are friendly, the wine is good (if a bit strong) and the country is filled with remnants of its considerable history. It borders Greece, Turkey, Romania, Yugoslavia and Macedonia, and is itself part of the Balkan Peninsula, meaning that it possesses beautiful mountainous vistas and plenty of hiking opportunities. If you prefer a lazy holiday on a beach, then look no further than Bulgaria’s soft sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast with warm water and warm climate. The bigger coastal resorts can get a bit busy in high season, because so many Europeans visit to take advantage of the lower prices, but it’s still possible to find areas that are less touristy and more authentically Bulgarian.

Another reason that people visit Bulgaria is the natural spas, fed by natural springs that range from 20C to 60C. These aren’t over-developed, although there is plenty of room for commercialisation.

If you want to see some of Bulgaria’s natural beauty, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you consider the three national parks, ten nature parks and dozens of nature reserves. There is an amazing abundance of flora natural to this diverse country, with an estimated 3,800 species of plants, 170 of which are endemic to the country.
You may want to have a look at the local wildlife, and you won’t have to look too far since so much of Bulgaria is still so rich and diverse in its native species. Deer, otter, red foxes, badgers, jackals and wildcats are just some of the native animals. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch sight of a wolf from the Eastern Rhodopes Mountains – there are excursions and courses available locally to show you how to track and spot (or at least listen out for) these elusive creatures. If you’re a birdwatcher, you may catch sight of vultures, eagle owls, eagles (white-tailed, golden or Eastern Imperial), buzzards, and woodpeckers.

Or take a trip to the Sakar Mountains to see the ancient dolmens, the Holy Trinity monastery and the natural springs there.

Bulgaria has a temperate climate – hot and sunny in summer, cold, wet and snowy in winter. Now is the time to visit if you want to ski, otherwise September is perhaps the most beautiful time of year to visit, whilst spring is probably best for an all-round holiday that isn’t too busy.

Albania was once the destination of choice for only those who wanted to do something a bit different and ‘brave’, or for backpackers seeking adventure.
Albania has glorious beaches, azure seashores, fabulous local food and wealth of heritage sites. And it is now is one of the top places to visit in Europe for those who want all these things at a fraction of the price to be found elsewhere and without too much ‘tourism’.
Albania is a small Balkan state just north of Greece. It is a mountainous terrain dotted with charming, old-style villages but also several young, vibrant cities. Its historical skirmishes with neighbouring Greece (usually in the form of bandits rowing across the water to rob the shores of Corfu) and their past impoverished status make them an unlikely choice for a holiday spot, but the country is taking great strides to welcome tourists and improve its international image. Its communist history seems rather far in the past to anyone who strolls around Tirana, the capital, which has mastered the café culture rather well.
If you do choose to visit, remember that whilst Albania is part of NATO and is seeking EU status, it is not currently in the Euro zone and does not have the Euro as its currency – the local currency is the lek and the exchange rate is fantastic. You can get a beautiful, large, en suite room facing the ocean for about £10 a night.
Avoid the beaches closest to the coastal cities like Saranda, as they can be a bit dirty and over-used, but you won’t be short of choice for beaches elsewhere with around 300km of sandy beaches to choose from along the Adriatic or Ionian Seas. They’re all easy to reach by taxi, or the bus system is very user-friendly, safe and cheap if you’d prefer. Or hire a car and explore some of the more remote parts of the coastline with coves and caves to explore.
Pizza and pasta and fresh fish feature highly on any menu in Albania, since it is situated quite close to Italy, and you won’t be disappointed at the quality – or the price.

One of the most relaxing yet entertaining holidays that I have ever had with my husband and young son was to a mobile home in Wales. Not the most glamorous destination or accommodation, granted, but those two weeks were utterly fantastic. The camp site was quiet but had a nice play park for the early evenings (still sunny in Summer) and there were loads of attractions nearby to keep us entertained (from beaches and castles to amusement parks and little trains). Plus, having a mobile home was preferable to a hotel because we could get up when we wanted (or rather, when our son wanted, which was usually at the crack of dawn) and have breakfast when we wanted, and we didn’t need to worry about waking everyone up or keeping them awake when our son had night terrors.

Wales is a beautiful part of the UK, with mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see, more castles and forts than you can shake a stick at, and plenty of pretty, empty beaches to enjoy. There are fewer people living in Wales than there are in England, so it always feels rather deserted, which is rather nice when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all. The further North you are, the less friendly the welcome from Welsh people unfortunately (they’re very protective of their culture and boundaries) but in the South people are generally welcoming of English tourists.

It rains a fair amount, but that’s what makes it such a lush, green land, and the rain also provides beautiful waterfalls amongst the forest walks to enjoy.

Although many of the castles and forts are there following relatively recent history between the English and Welsh, there are also monuments dating back to the Celts in Anglesey, and there are plenty of Roman fortresses too.

Welsh is the main language in most parts of the country, with road signs and street signs compulsorily written in both English and Welsh; Welsh is also a compulsory language in schools. It’s worth taking a phrase book if you want to impress the locals and make that effort to be polite and respectful.

One place you should visit if you’re in the north is the GreenWood Forest Park, which is at the foot of Snowdonia and is a family “eco-attraction”. I’ve never been anywhere quite like it and it really is worth a day’s visit. There’s a people-powered roller coaster; the world’s longest sledge-run, tree-top walkways and climbing frames, boats and a ‘bare foot trail’. The bare foot trail is as it sounds – you have to take your shoes and socks off, and walk bare foot along a trail, which is paved with all sorts of different textures and materials (from squelchy mud to pebbles and sand). There are feet-washing facilities at the end, but we went around it several times at the insistence of our son who thought it was the best thing since Ben 10.

Wales has a lot to offer and it’s there on the doorstep, so why not visit?

If all you know about Sweden is that the chef from The Muppets comes from there, and it’s not somewhere you’ve ever considered as a holiday destination then this article is for you.

Different parts of the country have different things to offer, and where you go rather depends on what type of holiday you want – whether it’s a skiing holiday, a relaxing spa break or a city sight-seeing tour.

Northern Sweden is full of mountains and glaciers, and is home to Swedish Lapland. There are two national parks of significance up there – Abisko and Sarek – for those seeking a holiday full of spectacular views and stunning walks or wildlife-spotting: you might catch sight of elk, wolverines, bears, Arctic foxes and golden eagles. And if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the Northern Lights.

Central Sweden contains the capital city Stockholm, which actually covers some fourteen islands. There’s fabulous shopping to be had and plenty of places to eat and drink. A souvenir that you’ll probably want to buy is a glass candle holder that looks like a snowball – these are sold almost everywhere. You can view most of Stockholm by foot but can also take a boat around the islands to visit those areas that are otherwise hard to reach.

Southern Sweden is by far the most populated area – some 80 percent of Sweden’s population live here, although it is not crowded by any means. There are no mountains down here, just miles and miles of green pastures and pine forests.

If you fancy a spa – which are very popular in Sweden – you can visit Northern Sweden in the land of the midnight sun, or one in a city in central Sweden, or one nestled amongst the natural beauty of the South. For skiing, obviously you need to head North, from Riksgränsen (which is so far North it’s in the Arctic Circle) all the way down to Dalarna. Most resorts guarantee snow between Christmas and Easter so it’s a safe bet that you’ll get plenty of runs. There are around 200 resorts, many of which specialise in family runs suitable for children as well as adults, whilst others are aimed at adults looking for nightlife and bars.

If you’d rather snowboard than ski, then try any of the snowparks in central Sweden, or in Swedish Lapland. The biggest is the Åre ski resort, in central Sweden. Check which one best suits your group’s needs as some offer slopes suitable for children and adults, experienced snowboarders and novices alike whilst others are for the more serious snowboarder and professionals. The parks feature jumps and a variety of jibs.

If a city break is more your scene, then head to Stockholm or to Gothenberg, both of which offer several museums and parks and give you a flavour of life in Sweden. The cities also have forests, marinas, lakes and beaches, so don’t expect masses of uninterrupted concrete.