‘So good I went five times’: travel writers’ favourite discoveries of 2023
‘Just strap on the footwear and walk’: a snowshoeing holiday for beginners in Bulgaria
September 2023
In the tracks of the Orient Express: my train ride from London to Istanbul
The fabled railway service returns in 2025. But you don’t need to wait until then, or pay the eyewatering fares, to ride this classic route
February 2023
Looking for an affordable beach holiday? Head to eastern Europe
The Balkan countries of Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania and Montenegro have warm sunshine and great prices in the shoulder season of June and September
November 2022
‘An unforgettable rail journey’: my night on the Istanbul-Sofia Express
The overnight service from Turkey to Bulgaria started running again this year and was voted one of the world’s best journeys for 2023 by Lonely Planet
July 2019
A local's guide
A local’s guide to Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 10 top tips
As a 2019 European Capital of Culture, this ancient city will reflect its Roman, Persian and Ottoman influences, and focus on Kapana, its new creative quarter
April 2017
Want a holiday where beer is just 70p a bottle? Head to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Sunny Beach is Europe’s cheapest beach-break destination for the fourth year running, according to the latest survey of typical holiday costs
March 2017
How to plan a post-Brexit holiday – from Serbia to the Lake District
Where should Brits holiday after Article 50 now the pound is squeezed? Emerging destinations offer an affordable alternative to the Costa del Sol. Plus, there’s always camping ...
May 2016
Beyond the beach: Bulgaria’s hidden treasures
Mountains, monasteries and markets… there’s much more to Bulgaria than a cheap beach break, says Kate Eshelby
January 2016
Why I love …
Cycling the Middle East: the kindness of strangers and the desperation of refugee camps
The writer is travelling through the region by bicycle – trying to understand what lies beyond the bloody headlines
August 2015
The great east European road trip part three: hiking in Bulgaria
The deep gorges of Bulgaria’s Rhodope mountains are said to hold the secret to health and long life – which comes in handy after a Shakira-induced injury
June 2015
Insider's guides
An insider's cultural guide to Sofia: Tsars, trams and plays about Tupac
With rooftop pools housing contemporary art and playwrights imagining office culture in purgatory, there’s more to Sofia than socialist facades
July 2013
Bulgaria: ethical farm stays
A new breed of ethical farmer is bringing the good life back to Bulgaria's villages, offering visitors hands-on experience of rural traditions, writes Kapka Kassabova
June 2013
The rise of the 'free' city tour
'Free' or pay-what-you-want tours have become a popular way to see cities in recent years. Vicky Baker looks at the rise of the homespun phenomenon and selects six from around the world
February 2013
Experts' and readers' tips
Best of Bulgaria: readers' travel tips
Ski resorts, beautiful vistas, historic churches and a decent dollop of culture – discover Bulgaria's top travel destinations
March 2012
Shortcuts
Is Bournemouth really one of Europe's best beaches?
It may have come fourth in a new poll. But if you're looking for miles of deserted golden sand, there are much better options
