The Routepilot journal
Travel guides, destination inspiration and practical tips - plus the occasional note on what we're building.
The Scottish Highlands: a journey through Britain's wildest landscape
Glens, lochs and mountains on a scale nowhere else in Britain can match. Here is how to see the Scottish Highlands properly, and how to plan a trip that handles the famously changeable weather.
Paris, France: how to fall for the City of Light without the cliches
Beyond the postcard, Paris is a city of neighbourhoods, markets and quiet courtyards. Here is how to see the icons and still find the everyday Paris that locals love.
Venice, Italy: a guide to the floating city that still surprises
Everyone knows the postcard of Venice. Fewer know how to escape the crush and find the quiet, lamplit Venice of bridges, bacari and back canals. Here is how.
The Dolomites, Italy: pale peaks, mountain huts and the perfect alpine summer
A UNESCO World Heritage range of jagged limestone towers, flower meadows and cosy mountain huts. Here is how to plan a Dolomites trip, whether you walk, climb or just admire the view.
The great lakes of the Alps: a guide to Europe's most beautiful waters
From the turquoise of Lago di Braies to the storybook setting of Lake Bled, the Alpine lakes are some of the most beautiful places in Europe. Here is how to choose yours and plan the trip.
Island escapes: how to plan the beach getaway you actually need
Turquoise water, slow mornings and the sound of the sea. Here is how to choose the right island for the trip you want, when to go, and how to plan it so you can switch off completely.
Cappadocia, Turkiye: balloons at dawn over a landscape from another world
Fairy chimneys, cave hotels and a sky full of hot-air balloons at sunrise. Cappadocia is one of the most surreal places you can visit. Here is how to plan a trip that lives up to the photos.
How to pack smart without overpacking
Overpacking is the most common travel mistake, and the easiest to fix. Here is a simple system that travels well anywhere.
How to budget a trip you can actually afford
A realistic travel budget is the difference between a relaxing trip and a stressful one. Here is how to build one in minutes.
The art of the perfect weekend away
A weekend is short, so every hour counts. Here is how to plan a getaway that feels relaxed and full at the same time.