Hey there, JFC-ers!

Happy Friday — or should I say, happy tropical fruit day? Or perhaps, happy sour candy day? Every day is a day for something, somewhere in the world, but honestly, can’t every day be a day for sweet treats?

Thankfully, the good people of TikTok have sorted us out with a map of the world’s must-try desserts, so we never have to worry about what to try when we’re away.

I must admit, of all the things to eat in Paris, a “crookie” was not on my radar. But then again, I can suggest much more exciting options for Edinburgh than shortbread!

Happy travels and tasty treats,

Looking for the perfect beach to unwind on and endless ways to just let go. Relax, you've found it in New Smyrna Beach.

Like every year, 2025 has presented a never-ending stream of “the best cities to visit this summer,” “the cheapest city to visit,” etc. I always keep an eye on these lists, because just occasionally, they dig up somewhere new or less-visited.

Not so for the new list of ‘top UK destinations to visit this summer,’ as named by CN Traveller based on recommendations from online travel agent Hoppa. Essentially, it names five of the most famous cities in the UK outside London — hardly revelational, but they are all well worth a visit. Suggesting we visit in summer, though…? That was the tipping point for me.

To save you the trouble, the article names Manchester, York, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Bath as the best places to visit this summer. If you’re coming to the UK on a big summer jaunt, those cities are likely to be on your radar already, but if you live in the UK, or you’re keeping your plans loosey goosey, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

I’ve visited four of those five cities over the last year, and every single one of them is best enjoyed outside peak summer. 

Take York, for example; I was there two weeks ago. It’s gorgeous, and there are lots of great restaurants. When you visit, you’ll likely want to walk around the old town, along The Shambles, and visit the Minster. You may even want to lean into the city’s spooky side. 

But a summer trip is basically an invitation to wait in lines, battle along narrow streets through hordes of tourists, dodge the raucous hen and stag parties, and pay over the odds for fairly basic accommodation. 

In fact, that’s a theme that repeats across all these destinations: big money, big crowds. Meals out are expensive, reservations are hard to come by, and frankly, there’s just so little room to breathe and enjoy your surroundings.

Having lived in Glasgow on and off since 2007, I’ve always had one rule about visiting our more famous and desirable neighbour, Edinburgh — don’t do it in August. And if you must, come prepared. 

A trip to Edinburgh in August should be a conscious decision to join the tens of thousands other visitors descending on the city for the festival. Or should I say “festivals” — there’s not just one, but five, spanning art, opera, comedy, literature, and more. You can catch big names on small stages, street performers on corners, up-and coming stars in bars. It’s great if that’s what you’re into! But even strolling down Princes Street becomes a mission during this time.

Visiting the castle is a must for any first-timer, but be sure to book your tickets well in advance during summer. Usually, I’d say you can save a few bucks by skipping the tour and just taking in the views from the outside, but they’ll be blocked off by the set-up for the military tattoo.

All that to say, readers, I just don’t think it’s worth it if you really want to experience a city. 

Even in May, Belfast was buzzing and pricey, with little chance of grabbing a table without planning ahead. Manchester in August required the specialist knowledge of a local to find us a brunch spot worth making those reservations for, and the only affordable accommodation within the city was a noisy hostel room with no air conditioning. It was safe and didn’t break the bank, at least.

So where would I recommend in summer? Here are a few suggestions, the first of which likely won’t surprise you:

Glasgow

First off, it’s within easy reach of Edinburgh if you do want to dip into the festival scene. Trains connect the two cities during the day in only 50 minutes, while buses run all night to get you home after a late show. 

But there’s plenty to see and do in Scotland’s under-rated largest city without heading east. The grand architecture, free museums, and quirky character like Duke of Wellington’s perpetual cone hat and the old, circular subway system are enough to make anyone fall for Glasgow’s charm. Plus, it's a haven for foodies.

Folkestone

Isn’t that where the Channel Tunnel goes to France? Why yes, actually, it is. But Flight Finder Larissa assures me it’s also a great spot for a weekend break. In her words, “it’s particularly cute — it has a very Brighton vibe without being so crowded as Brighton.”

By that, she means you’ll find cobbled streets full of colourful, artsy, and independently-owned shops and cafés, as well as a city beach safe for surfing and swimming. It’s got its fair share of wartime history behind it too, with the nearby Battle of Britain Memorial and the Zigzag Path cave. And on a clear day, you can even see France from The Leas.

Lincoln

Looking for that gothic cathedral, fortified castle, and cutesy cobblestone street vibe you’d expect in York or Edinburgh? Turns out Lincoln’s got it too, minus the millions of tour buses. 

Between the Arboretum, Roman ruins, nearby country parks and Downton Abbey-esque mansion, you can easily fill a few days of glorious summer sunshine. By day, you’ll stumble across market stalls selling fresh produce and local crafts, and come nightfall, the local ghost walk serves up a more gruesome slice of local lore.

But should the British summer show up in traditionally unpredictable fashion, you still can pass the time with a spot of history; Lincoln Castle houses an original Magna Carta from 1215, while the nearly 1000-year-old cathedral was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. Be sure to look out for its demonic resident!

There are certainly more cities around the UK — and indeed, across Europe — that deserve a shout-out here for their charm and affordability. Get in touch and share your favourite summer city breaks off the usual tourist trail. Just log in to the Members Lounge and jump to the comments section, or reply to this email.

Welcome to North Carolina’s uncrowded coast. Enjoy wide-open beaches, waterfront towns and adventure anywhere you look.

I’m usually not one for making the most of my own backyard. Too tempting is the thought of hauling my bruised and battered backpack halfway across the world to connect with something bigger than myself. 

Give me the pale morning light in Alhambra, a celestial cloud storm in the mountains of Oaxaca or the shifting sands along the Pamir Highway. The further from the co-ordinates of my childhood home, the better. 

But if there’s one place close by that stills my wandering feet, it’s down a country lane about 10 km west of Kenmare in Co. Kerry. 

It’s not so much of the road itself, if you can even call it that, but what it promises the inquisitive type, a reward for taking heed of Robert Frost, opting for the road less travelled. Not a tour bus in sight.

Snaking through the valley, sharp turns, and sheep, the brown craggy rocks jut from the earth like slabs of centuries-old soda bread. You’ll reach a point where it appears you can’t possibly drive further. Drive further. Someone in the village can take a look at the axel on your car later. 

Once your eyes fixate on the small crooked sign propped up by two planks of wood that reads “Entry Fee 5 euros per person” you know you’re in the right place. Now, I can’t guarantee it’ll be a fiver at the time of your visit. Over the years, that tiny weather-beaten honesty box has grown heavier, as has the pockets of the farmer who owns the land. Perhaps one day there’ll be a gift shop, but for now, just pay the fee — the faeries are watching.

A slight left at the tin box, up the short path leading towards the valley. It's not long before you’re rendered speechless at what spills out in front of you. A cluster of megalithic standing stones guarding space in front of a lonesome body of water. Across the lake, a waterfall drifts down the mountain so slowly, almost pulling itself backward. The stones huddle together like ancient elders, watching centuries whip past. 

4,000 years of solstices are difficult to comprehend, and not much is known about the purpose of this exact site. They could be sites of burial or ritual, most likely astronomically aligned. It doesn’t take a scholar to see why they were placed here among mesmerizing beauty beyond words. 

Upon discovering some carefully placed crystals of amethyst and quartz wedged at the base of the 10ft monolith, I realized I wasn’t the first to be moved by this place, compelled by the same pull down a forgotten country road.

A couple of weeks back, Flight Finder Kristi shared her suggestions for things to do in and around Paris, aside from the glaringly obvious. That was the first week we tested out our comments section, and it was truly a delight to hear what you all had to say. 

After publishing, however, we noticed a strange glitch and had to remove the comments — but not before I noted them down! One of the spots that really got us chatting was Mont-Saint-Michel. Here's what you had to say:

Now, we couldn't quite find a source to back that last one up, but there were almost certainly giants involved. 

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across web this week.

• Tomorrowland doesn’t wait for tomorrow — nope, not even a main stage inferno could stop Europe’s biggest EDM fest from going ahead. Organisers have been racing against the clock to rebuild the main stage in time to open today! 
  
  
• In Finland, the key to a happy marriage is… flinging your wife over your shoulder and being the fastest couple to complete an obstacle course, apparently.
  
  
• Aruba or Aberdeenshire? Forget the long haul; if you’re on British shores and dreaming of white sands, you might just want to stay put, according to Conde Nast.
  
  
• And finally, hold our beignets, Amtrak’s back! Yup, after a 20-year hiatus, the train from New Orleans to Mobile will finally start rolling again on August 18th. Twice daily, $15 fares. Did someone say Mardi Gras?