Perfect pancakes from around the world

Fancy adding a little something extra to your pancakes tonight? We’ve found three pancake recipes from France, Germany and the USA which will ensure your battered treats have a little more bite. Now’s the time to take inspiration from travel and ditch the same old recipe you’ve been using for years - the American pancakes are our favourite, but we recommend having them for dinner alone, as they’re too filling as a dessert! French crepes These are best served with a dash of sugar and a squeeze of lemon, although, if you fancy something a bit more decadent, whipped cream and Nutella should su... Read more

How powerful is your passport?

Just how powerful is your passport? Passport Index has listed every single passport in the world and ranked them according to how powerful each passport is - so, essentially, how many countries you can visit visa-free. The top three countries aren't too surprising - the US, the UK and South Korea ... Read more

10 weird, wonderful and disgusting things about air travel

What happens if someone passes away on a flight? Why do planes really have ashtrays? What happens to bags pompously labelled with 'FRAGILE' stickers, and will tipping get you any freebies? Despite the fact flying is commonplace these days and people tend to use planes as glorified coaches, there's ... Read more

Columbus Direct debunks the top holiday myths

We've taken a look at some travel-related myths and looked at whether you should pay any attention to them or not. If you've ever had a holiday fear which you think is irrational, we'll put you straight here. Is it safe to swim after eating? Sorry, parents - that old 'wait an hour' rule is dead in... Read more

The ultimate guide to 2015's best festivals

The word 'festival' almost invariably brings to mind images of welly-clad punters squelching through the mud 'somewhere, somewhere in a field in Hampshire' (as Pulp so memorably put it). Just thinking that festivals start and end with the likes of Glastonbury is to do the others a disservice. After... Read more

The Beach vs. Pool Debate: Where's the best place to be?

The debate has raged for decades; it's as divisive as brown sauce (waning in popularity, but still a breakfast staple for many) or Gogglebox (funny or frighteningly dull? The jury is still out). The beach and the pool both have a lot going for them - obviously - but if you're holidaying as a family... Read more

8 motivational tips from ski legend Chemmy Alcott

We're big fans of Chemmy Alcott (anyone who tackles the Arctic Circle Race and smashes it wins our respect), and we thought we'd ask her what makes her tick. We’ve looked through our interviews with Chemmy at N.Peal and Trevor Sorbie, and uncovered some of the motivations that keep her inspired. He... Read more

Budget-friendly city breaks this May bank holiday

With the next May bank holiday fast approaching, a cheeky city break is probably starting to look very appealing. Cheap, frequent flights will take you to cities all over Europe, so you can make the most of the long weekend and get away for a few days without having to rob a bank. The big decision ... Read more

The best bars in Spain

One of the best value destinations for holidaying has to be Spain; the amount of sun and fun you get for your money makes it a choice destination for British holidaymakers of all ages. If you've opted for a package holiday, you’ll certainly get a lot of sun, sea, sangria and tapas for a surprisingl... Read more