Author: Stuart Forster

Leipzig reborn: discovering the city by Trabant

Leipzig has experienced an upswing in recent years, now a dynamic city often regarded as hipper than Berlin. Stuart Forster finds out more.

7 Dutch cities to explore beyond Amsterdam

Amsterdam — with its museums, gabled Golden Age houses and network of historic canals — is a sure bet for a weekend break. But it’s not all the Netherlands has to offer. Beyond the capital, there are a whole host of lesser-visited cities worth a trip – and they’re likely to be easier on the pocket.…

Road trip Canada: 5 of the best routes

Rugged and vast, Canada is a road-tripper’s dream. Driving gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace – pull over and take in the scenery along the way or break up the journey with hiking and kayaking. Whether you’re into mountains, beaches or urban heritage, here are five of our favourite routes. 1. The Cabot Trail, Nova…

7 reasons why Langkawi is Malaysia’s ultimate island escape

Looking to unwind on a tropical island somewhere in Southeast Asia? Then head to the island of Langkawi, Malaysia’s ultimate escape from the country’s frenetic cities. From trekking into the rainforest to wildlife-watching – all between spells of relaxing on a wide, sandy beach – here are a few reasons why you should escape to Langkawi. 1.…

Lunenburg: Canada’s most colourful town

Twenty years ago the facades of the wood-built buildings in Lunenburg, a UNESCO-listed fishing town in Nova Scotia, were white with black trimming. The only exceptions were the red buildings down by the wharf. But in 2007 the new owners of the Mariner King Inn kickstarted a trend. They decided to repaint their multi-building property,…

Rotterdam: 8 reasons to visit the Netherlands’ second city

Rotterdam has the confident vibe of a place on the up. Amsterdam might still be the brightest beacon for travellers to the Netherlands, but a host of exciting new attractions are putting this southern city on the map. Last year, Rotterdam Central railway station and the Markthal, a market hall and apartment complex whose arched…

Hamburg: Germany’s second city is hotting up

Most travellers thinking about a weekend break in Germany overlook Hamburg and put Berlin and Munich at the top of their wish lists. Yet within Germany, the nation’s second city proves a popular draw thanks to nightlife, shopping and museums. Stuart Forster, a regular visitor to Germany, finds out what Hamburg has to offer. Why…