United Kingdom
Travel writer specialising in adventure, sustainable and solo travel. Previously Staff Writer at loveEXPLORING and loveFOOD, my work has also been published in Huffington Post, The Guardian, Women's Health and Quarterlife Magazine. Contact me at [email protected]
Fuelled by a demand for more sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights , Europe's sleeper-train network is having a revival, writes Frances Carruthers....
Why hike New Zealand's peaks when you can dine on them?
Although it's often missed on New Zealand travel itineraries, Rakiura (Stewart Island) deserves a spotlight for its natural wonder.
History seems to pervade every corner of Belfast. It's in the canary-yellow cranes which loom over the former Haarland & Wolff shipyards, the political murals which line the streets and the Victorian grandeur of its bustling market and botanic gardens.
If you're looking for a place to truly feel the wind in your hair, this is it. I'm on a tiny motorboat headed towards Kobba Klintar, a former pilot island in the Åland archipelago, and every inch of my body is being thrashed by a ruthless stream of air as we bump along the waves.
When I ring Asma Khan, she's been in a warehouse all day, making her way through signing copies of her new cookbook, Ammu. Yet the flurry of activity only seems to amplify the gusto with which she tackles every topic I throw at her.
Fran ran the Manchester Marathon. She reflects on the 26 lessons she learned running the 26 miles - a lesson for each mile. A mere 24 hours after running the Manchester Marathon, I found myself searching for the next marathon to sign up to.
Turku had a brief stint as Finland's capital at the beginning of the 19th century - and while it no longer enjoys the same political importance, today it's quietly making a name for itself as the country's culinary hub.
A mere hour and 40 minutes on the train from London, Bristol was named the UK's first European Green Capital back in 2015 - and it's the perfect place for a sustainable weekend away. Yet it's not just a place of pretty parks, bicycle-filled streets, indie shops and vegan restaurants (lovely as they are).
Paul Hollywood has a bone to pick with Britain. As much as he's delighted that The Great British Bake Off has reignited our national love of baking, there's one unintended consequence of all that. "People are baking more at home - so they all feel like judges now.
For the first time since 2019, the Post Office has completed its long-haul report, so holidaymakers can find out which hotspots will offer them the best value for money.
As one of the world's lowest-lying nations, the Maldives is threatened by sea level rise caused by the climate crisis. A new diving mission, which will plunge to depths of up to 1,000m underwater for the first time, will collect data to help safeguard the nation's future.
The most beautiful rail routes in Europe, from Glacier Express to West Highland Line.
Veganism is booming, with around 1% of Brits and 3% of Americans now following a plant-based diet, and sign-ups for Veganuary hit record highs in 2022. While there are plenty of brilliant substitutes on the market, cooking healthy and affordable meals from scratch can still seem like a minefield.
These are the most incredible beachfront stays in the UK
From Helsinki to Berlin, these are Europe's greenest capitals.
Whether it's beautiful landscapes, high-end luxury or novelty value you're after, North America has every train trip you could want and more. From famous routes like the California Zephyr and the Canadian to lesser-known gems such as the Sky Railway, here's our pick of the best rail journeys in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Thinking of booking a weekend away? These 10 cities have been listed as the best in the UK for a break, based on a range of factors including the cost of eating out and renting accommodation, as well as the number of restaurants and cultural activities.
For many of us, there's nothing like a refreshing sip of beer on a hot summer's day, or a warming whisky in the winter. But with an increasing number of people cutting down on (or cutting out) booze - whether for their wellbeing, mental health, or just because it doesn't fit with their lifestyle - zero or low-alcohol drinks are here to stay.
Although COVID-19 restrictions led to a temporary drop in air pollution levels, the toxicity of the air we breathe has skyrocketed. In fact, the most recent IPCC report indicated that 95% of the global population lives in areas where levels of PM2.5 (fine particles) exceed the rate recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Want to travel in the US while keeping your carbon footprint light? We've done the hard work for you and created a round-up of the best eco attractions, hotels, destinations and experiences in the country, which put sustainability at the heart of everything they do. Take a look through and get planning your next adventure.
The UK is graced with some pretty epic - and surprisingly diverse - scenery. Of course, there are all the quintessentially British rolling hills you'd expect, but you'll razor-sharp rocky peaks, rugged coastlines, glittering lakes, towering forests and much more besides.
For many foodies, the sight of the soft, flaky skins of Jersey Royal potatoes is far more enticing than the brightly coloured foils of Easter Eggs that begin to line the shelves in early spring. And while mass-produced chocolates seem to be entering our supermarkets earlier and earlier, the Jersey Royal remains one of the few genuinely seasonal delicacies left.
When images of a burning Amazon went viral a couple of years ago, the world collectively gasped in horror. Yet the absence of giant infernos and media uproar doesn't mean these precious ecosystems - which play an essential role in trapping carbon and reducing global warming - are safe from destruction.
Ever since winning BBC's Yes Chef in 2016, Chris Baber has charmed the nation with his upbeat recipe videos, charismatic persona and no-nonsense attitude to food. But beneath that jovial exterior there's a deep-rooted desire to get more people cooking from scratch.
How would you like to close your eyes in Vienna and wake up in Venice? Or doze off to the bustle of Vancouver and awaken in the peaceful mountains of Jasper? We're talking about one of the world's most established (and often overlooked) modes of transport: the train.
At just 29 years-old, Suffolk-born Lucy Shepherd has got some incredible milestones under her belt. She became a member of the Royal Geographical Society at the age of just 23, then became the youngest-ever elected council member of the Scientific Exploration Society thanks to her achievements.
In May 2019, Hakan Bulgurlu reached the storied summit of Everest, despite climbing during one of the most treacherous seasons in history. We spoke to the environmentalist and entrepreneur about taking on the ultimate physical challenge, seeing the impacts of climate change first-hand, and why the mountain must be protected at all costs.
It's been a tough couple of years for the hospitality industry but these trailblazing restaurants prove that the spark hasn't gone from the British culinary scene. We've scoured OpenTable's latest Top 100 UK Restaurants rankings to bring you the overall winners for each major region or city included on the list.
Too often sustainable travel is marketed as a luxury - which means many people end up avoiding it altogether. Yet that doesn't have to be the case. As these budget-friendly and climate-conscious hotels, destinations and experiences go to show, it really is possible to stick to a budget while travelling sustainably.
On 10 July 2018, the world watched in awe as 12 young football players and their coach were lifted out of Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand - after almost three weeks of being trapped. John Volanthen, one of the cave divers involved in the miraculous rescue, reveals the inside story.
There is no denying it: 2021 was an alarming year for the planet. From apocalyptic storms to deadly floods, a deluge of extreme weather shook the world. What's more, these events are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of the climate crisis.
In February 2020, Cath Pendleton became the first woman to swim a mile in the Antarctic Circle. We caught up with the Welsh swimmer about swimming in zero-degree waters, dodging killer whales - and why she sits in a freezer full of ice to train.
When he began his epic walk around the UK coastline back in August 2017, Christian Lewis had no idea quite how much of an adventure it would become. Four and a half years later, nearing the end of the roughly 20,000-mile (32,187km) journey, he's visited uninhabited islands, battled unthinkable weather conditions, learned to forage and even met the love of his life along the way.
Our world is full of beautiful creatures but many are currently under threat. Whether due to climate change, poaching, disease or modern farming practices, there are many species at risk of disappearing.
Different vantage points have the power to give us new perspectives. And that's certainly true of these extraordinary aerial images. Depicting everything from dried-up lakes to disappearing glaciers, burnt-down forests and cities shrouded in smog, these photographs show the devastation of the climate crisis all around the world.
Many of us will be taking our first international trips since the pandemic in 2022, but how will the world of travel look different?
It's a cliché as old as time, but sometimes an image really is worth a thousand words. And that's certainly true of these powerful environmental photographs, depicting everything from the plight of climate refugees to the technologies helping the transition to net zero emissions.
Nothing beats dining with a view. But what if you could gaze out at tropical fish swimming past as you tuck into world-class food? Offering a culinary experience like you've never known before, these dazzling underwater restaurants combine fine dining with the thrill of being underwater, making the most of stunning aquatic locations from the Maldives to Dubai.
Every year since 1978, UNESCO has added new natural and cultural places to its World Heritage sites list and the organisation has just announced its newest additions. In order to preserve locations' "outstanding universal value", the accolade provides enhanced protection against climate change and human development, as well as educating people about why these places are so special.
Since coming second on The Great British Bake Off in 2018 - where she won judges' and viewers' hearts with her whimsical, colourful bakes - Kim-Joy has honed the quirky style we know and love. She's written three cookbooks, launched a baking-themed card game and created countless animal-adorned bakes.
In 2018, a landmark study revealed that the global tourism industry might have a bigger carbon footprint than we first thought. According to the report, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and published in the journal Nature Climate Change, tourism is responsible for 8% of total carbon emissions worldwide.
Humankind has been enthralled by the Himalayas for millennia. Home to some of the world's tallest peaks, enormous glaciers and a rich array of plant and animal life, it's no wonder these are some of the best-known mountains on the planet. Yet despite their stardom, the Himalayas are still shrouded in mystery.
As many parts of the world went into lockdown last spring, incredible photographs emerged of nature bouncing back after decades of decline, much of which had been linked to human activity and climate change. And in the longer-term, projects such as rewilding, reforestation and conservation mean there's added hope for some of the world's most delicate and beautiful ecosystems - as these examples go to show.
In the year that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its landmark report detailing the catastrophic consequences of global heating, we've also seen a plethora of natural disasters. From lakes drying up to glaciers melting, biblical floods and apocalyptic sandstorms, these shocking images show that the impacts of the climate crisis are already being felt all over the world.
Rukmini Iyer seems to have found the perfect formula for no-fuss cooking: just throw it all in one tin and into the oven. Okay, there's a little more to it than that. But with her exciting flavour combinations, easy-to-follow recipes and gorgeously aesthetic dishes, it's no wonder almost everyone has one of her Roasting Tin cookbooks in their kitchen.
Sea levels are rising around the world as a result of the climate crisis and even if we manage to keep global warming below 1.5°C (2.7°F), as set out in the Paris Agreement, they are set to rise by at least 10 feet (3m), according to research by non-profit Climate Central.
In South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, a group of female rangers are stopping poachers in their tracks. To mark the first ever World Female Ranger Day - created to recognise these trailblazing women - we spoke to anti-poaching ranger Collet Ngobeni about preserving the region's beautiful wildlife and acting as a role model to the community.
The results are in: the prestigious Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2021 competition has announced its winners and we're here to show you the incredible photographs that made it. Showcasing culinary delights from across the world, these stunning shots shine a light on the many aspects of the food we eat, from growing and processing to cooking and dining rituals.
You might recognise her from The Great British Bake Off's 2014 series, when her spice-infused bakes earned her a place in the semi-final. Since then, it seems like Chetna Makan's hardly stopped, releasing five books in as many years, launching a popular YouTube channel and putting her own spin on Indian dishes.
Ever since the long-awaited opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg's shining new concert hall, in 2017, the city has cemented its place as a cultural hub for artists, music-lovers and foodies. Yet the port city - located on the estuary of the River Elbe, roughly 160 miles (257km) north-west of Berlin - manages to strike a balance between respecting its heritage and embracing the new.
In March, Jason deCaires Taylor's latest underwater museum opened off the coast of Cannes. We caught up with the boundary-defying sculptor and environmentalist to talk about how he creates his stunning installations, the link between art and activism, and why we urgently need to readdress our relationship with the natural world.
Want to know the true cost of the world's most in-demand products? From avocados to beef, here are the items we're buying in droves that could be having monumental impacts further down the supply chain.
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth was untouched by humans until around 200 years ago. But now it contains 70 permanent research stations and was visited by 56,000 tourists last year.
Many innovative companies are working out how to feed the world in years to come, from using robotics to growing plants without soil, farming indoors and even underground. Click or scroll through to see farming as you've never seen it before.
In 2018, a study revealed that the global tourism industry might have a bigger carbon footprint than we first thought. According to the report, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and published in the journal Nature Climate Change, tourism is responsible for 8% of total carbon emissions worldwide.
Many parallels have been drawn between the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1918 Spanish Flu, which killed at least 50 million people worldwide and infected around a third of the global population. But if there's anything to give us respite from the current crisis, it's the reminder that the world has survived a pandemic before.
When China banned plastic waste imports in December 2017, the global recycling trade was turned upside down. Now, these 10 countries are bearing the brunt of the crisis - but many are fighting back.
Love them or hate them, these advertising campaigns all made big boosts to profits.
The media hype may have died down, but much of the Amazon is still disappearing at an alarming rate. We look at the powerful actors fighting over the world's largest rainforest, from corporate giants to government figures and indigenous communities.
So much more than just a tool to sell products, some TV ads have stood the test of time to become cultural icons in their own right.
The Serchio Valley, tucked between the Apuan Alps to the west and Apennine Mountains to the east, is ideal for experiencing the best that northern Tuscany has to offer. Carved out by the 78-mile (125km) Serchio River, no two days in the valley are the same.
Nestled in the western tip of Cyprus is an adventure playground waiting to be discovered. As you head into Akamas National Park, 25 miles north from the city of Paphos, it's immediately clear why this region is the perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuits.
The lost wonders of the world, in pictures
Twenty years ago, finding a flatmate would've been an arduous job of scouring through ads in the local paper and the windows of newsagents. Nowadays though, it's a different story, thanks to websites like SpareRoom. The site, which allows you to browse listings, upload a 'room wanted' ad and message other users, was started in 2004 by Rupert Hunt.
Language barriers. Culture shock. Homesickness. These are the things you might worry about before departing to study abroad. But for me, returning home proved the hardest of all. After the whirlwind experience of a year abroad - constantly meeting new people, having new experiences and gaining independence - coming home can feel like an anti-climax.
"Why would anyone eat a baby?" "Just a little baby... a little baby... lamb?" Pushing aside the categorical lines between humans and non-human animals, Simon Amstell's recent film Carnage: Swallowing The Past leaves behind a poignant message about speciesism. Namely, why do we think we have a right to own, use and exploit other animals?
Approximately three weeks before Christmas, I joined a growing number of Brits in the decision to go vegan. At university, where I could control my diet and eat as I liked, the change wasn't a problem - but as the Christmas holidays neared, I was overcome with a gnawing fear about how my family would react.