Author: Tim

Tim has been hooked on travel since his first backpacking trip at 19 and has visited over 50 countries since. Along the way, he's called Vietnam, Syria, and Chile home (plus the UK, where he's originally from!).He loves getting off the beaten path and experiencing the real culture of a place beyond the tourist hotspots. He squeezes in as much travel as he can around his 9-to-5 job.He started Travels off the Cuff to make trip planning less of a headache (he hates planning holidays!) and to share the tips he's picked up along the way.
The green Alto river stretches by surrounded by tall, pastel coloured buildings. There is an umbrella on the top left from the roof top bar where this is taken from. There is a blue, slightly cloudy sky.

10-day Italy itinerary: Rome, Florence and Venice (with an optional add-on)

Looking for the perfect 10-day Italy itinerary? Whether it’s your first time in Italy or you’re going back to your favourite cities, this classic route takes you from Rome’s historic streets to the art-filled beauty of Florence, and then to the romantic canals of Venice – all easily travelled by train. If you’ve got a…

A bird's eye view of two coffees and two orange juices on a brightly lit table.
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Faster, more comfortable and (often) cheaper: why you should take the Eurostar on your next trip to Europe

Ditch the plane and take the train! We love the Eurostar – we’ve started taking it whenever we can, and much prefer it to flying. And it seems like a few people agree with us! For those travelling between London and Paris, 2 million people flew last year compared to 8 million taking the Eurostar….

A stunning cityscape view of Porto, Portugal, showcases the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge gracefully arching over the Douro River. Historic buildings with red-tiled roofs fill the foreground, while modern structures rise in the background beneath a cloudy sky, capturing Porto's unique blend of old and new.

What are the travel requirements to visit Portugal?

The travel requirements to visit Portugal have changed significantly over recent years. While they remain pretty simple, don’t get caught out. Planning your Portuguese adventure? Here’s exactly what you need to know before packing your bags. Quick summary: Portugal entry requirements in 2025 Now let’s break down the travel requirements for Portugal, so you can…

A stunning aerial view of Lisbon's cityscape with a festive Christmas tree in Praça do Comércio at sunset.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon? Your complete seasonal guide

The best time to visit Lisbon depends on what you’re looking for – sun-soaked beaches, fewer tourists, or budget-friendly prices. After spending countless days wandering those charming cobblestone streets, I’ve got the inside scoop on when to book your tickets. Here’s the short answer: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the perfect balance of pleasant…

A serene landscape near Arundel showcases a calm river reflecting the blue sky and fluffy clouds. Lush green reeds and grass border the water, with rolling hills and a mix of trees in the background under a bright, sunny sky.

4 practical ways to reduce plastic waste while travelling

We love travelling, but it can also come with a hefty environmental impact – especially when it comes to plastic waste. From takeaway containers to tiny hotel toiletries, single-use plastics are everywhere. But with a little planning, you can significantly cut down on your plastic footprint while exploring the world. Here are our four tried…

A scenic view of Bruges' city square at sunset, featuring the tall, historic Belfry tower. Several flags line this iconic Belgium location, and bicycles are parked in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a warm glow over one of the best things to do in Europe.

Bruges travel guide: discover the medieval fairytale city of Belgium

Imagine sipping Belgian beer by a canal, surrounded by gingerbread-house-like buildings. That’s Bruges! It’s a city that feels frozen in time, full of cute buildings and gorgeous streets. The best part? It’s compact enough to explore on foot or by bike, making it perfect for a short break. Check out our Bruges travel guide for…