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# Travels off the Cuff: For people who like travelling, not planning

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Italy travel tips: things to know before you go (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/italy-travel-tips/): This is the practical companion to our Italy travel guide. It's not about where to go or what to see, but more a brain dump of everything we've learned - all our Italy travel tips in one place.
- [Where to stay in Rome if you’ve already done the tourist trail](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/where-to-stay-in-rome/): Most guides on where to stay in Rome are written for first-time visitors. They'll point you toward the centro storico near Piazza Navona, recommend a hotel near the Colosseum, and encourage you to go to Trastevere. Fair enough if you haven't been before - the best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors is still the historic centre because everything is walkable and the major sights are on your doorstep.
- [Best things to do in Rome: a practical guide for 2026](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-rome/): This guide covers the best things to do in Rome based on what we've done, what we'd do again, and what we'd skip. We've organised it by area rather than by ranking, because Rome works much better when you explore one part of the city at a time rather than zigzagging across it. If you want this turned into a day-by-day plan, our 4-day Rome itinerary will help.
- [How to get around Italy by train: a complete guide](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/how-to-get-around-italy-by-train/): This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get around Italy by train: the two main train operators, how to buy tickets, what the trains are like, how much you'll spend, and the tips we've picked up from doing it ourselves. Whether you're planning a 10-day Italy itinerary or just need to get from A to B, this will help.
- [The best eSIMs for Europe travel: 2026 recommendations](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-esims-for-europe-travel/): Getting hit with £92 in roaming charges after a week in Belgium wasn't the best end to our holiday.
- [The best 4-Day Rome Itinerary 2026: A Relaxed Day-by-Day Guide](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-four-day-itinerary-for-rome/): Rome is one of those cities where the hardest part isn’t what to see - it’s what to leave out. Four days sounds generous until you open a map and realise everything you’ve ever heard of is apparently “unmissable”.
- [The best European destinations to explore in November](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-european-destinations-for-november/): November often gets overlooked as a travel month, but we think it's actually one of the best times to visit Europe - especially if you're choosing between the best European destinations for November rather than defaulting to peak-season trips. The summer crowds have gone and winter's peak holiday rush hasn't yet begun, and so November offers authentic experiences and a few practical advantages.
- [How to travel from Bucharest airport to the city centre](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/travel-from-bucharest-airport-to-city-centre/): There are several easy ways to travel from Bucharest airport to the city centre: public transport via train or bus, ride-hailing apps, licensed taxis or a private transfer. The best choice depends on whether you care more about cost, convenience, predictability or comfort.
- [10 best Tuscany wine tours from Florence](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/10-best-tuscany-wine-tours-from-florence/): In this post you’ll find the top wine regions near Florence worth visiting, what to look for when booking a wine tour, and our top 10 best Tuscany wine tours from Florence.
- [The perfect weekend in Lille, France (2-day itinerary with optional extension)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/the-perfect-weekend-in-lille-itinerary/): Most people skip over Lille for Paris or Bruges, but it’s definitely worth a visit - even if you can only spend the weekend in Lille. Compact, walkable, and full of beautiful Flemish architecture, Lille is perfect for a city break or as part of a longer French or Belgian trip.
- [How to visit Auschwitz from Kraków independently without a group tour](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/how-to-visit-auschwitz-from-krakow/): Although most people visit Auschwitz on a group tour, it's easy to get the train and visit Auschwitz from Kraków independently.
- [How to take the Eurostar from London to Belgium (2026 practical guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/taking-the-eurostar-from-london-to-belgium/): Taking the Eurostar from London to Belgium is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to cross the Channel. In just over two hours, you can swap London St Pancras for Brussels Midi, and from there, connect to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp.
- [When’s the best time to visit Italy? Our guide to the weather, crowds and what’s on (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-time-to-visit-italy/): The best time to visit Italy depends entirely on what kind of trip you want. Beach holiday? Cultural city break? Food and wine tour? Each has a different ideal window, and picking the wrong month can mean sweltering heat, closed attractions, or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at every major site.
- [Best time to fly to Italy from the UK: monthly price guide (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-time-to-fly-to-italy/): In short: The best time to fly to Italy from the UK is January or February (outside half-term), when return fares from London typically start at £35–£60. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) offer a good balance at £70–£140. Book 4–6 months ahead for summer, 2–4 months for shoulder season, and 4–6 weeks for winter travel.
- [Is Italy expensive to visit? A realistic guide to planning your budget](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/is-italy-expensive-to-visit/): But when planning your dream trip, you might find yourself wondering: Is Italy expensive to visit?
- [First time in Italy? Our top 5 places to visit first (2025 guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/first-time-in-italy/): Our first time in Italy was in 2018, when we went to Rome, Florence and Venice, travelling by train – we were blown away by the food, it’s history and its beautiful cities. It’s still one of our favourite holidays.
- [10-day Italy itinerary using public transport (+ optional destination)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/10-day-italy-itinerary/): There’s nowhere quite like Venice in the world. Although it's the final stop on our 10-day Italy itinerary, it's our favourite.
- [How to get from Naples to Pompeii](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/how-to-get-from-naples-to-pompeii/): Planning a trip to Naples and thinking of visiting Pompeii? Absolutely do it - seeing a whole Roman town preserved in volcanic ash is one of those travel experiences that sticks with you. This guide cuts through the options so you can pick the fastest, cheapest or most comfortable way to get from Naples to Pompeii, depending on your travel style.
- [Faster, more comfortable and (often) cheaper: why take the Eurostar on your next trip to Europe](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/why-take-the-eurostar-to-europe/): We love the Eurostar - we've started taking it whenever we can, and much prefer it to flying.
- [Planning your trip to Antwerp: what to know before you go (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/antwerp-city-guide/): Whether it's your first time visiting Antwerp or you're going back for another round, this should help you plan a trip that feels manageable and fun - rather than trying to cram everything in.
- [What are the travel requirements to visit Portugal?](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/travel-requirements-to-visit-portugal/): The travel requirements to visit Portugal have changed significantly over recent years.
- [When is the best time to visit Lisbon? Your complete seasonal guide](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-time-to-visit-lisbon/): The best time to visit Lisbon depends on what you're looking for - sun-soaked beaches, fewer tourists, or budget-friendly prices.
- [How to reduce plastic waste while travelling: 4 practical, tested ways (+ FAQs)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/reduce-plastic-waste-while-travelling/): This guide is our practical walkthrough of how we actually cut plastic waste on our own trips. You’ll see what to pack (and what to skip), the swaps that save space in your bag, the “hidden plastics” that catch most travellers out, and what to do when local recycling isn’t obvious.
- [Is Belgium worth visiting? 5 reasons why it should be your next trip](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/5-reasons-to-visit-belgium/): Thinking about a short European trip and wondering if Belgium is worth it? Yes - and here’s why. We’ve visited Belgium multiple times across Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, and it keeps pulling us back for the same reasons: beautiful town centres, easy trains, and amazing food & beer.
- [Planning your trip to Bruges: what to know before you go (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/bruges-travel-guide/): Rather than listing attractions or hotels, this page focuses on the practical side of how to visit Bruges: how to get there, how long to stay, the best time to visit, how to get around, and the key things worth knowing before you arrive. It’s written for first-time visitors, but it’s just as useful if you’re returning and want to plan your trip more smoothly.
- [Malta travel guide: the stunning gem of the Mediterranean](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/stunning-malta-travel-guide/): Read on for our Malta travel guide, and don’t forget to check out our post on the best things to do in Malta!
- [Ghent travel guide: how to visit, where to stay and practical tips](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/ghent-travel-guide/): Ghent feels like a properly lived-in medieval city: canals, grand guild houses and a pub culture that knows how to pour a proper Belgian beer. We visited on a rail hop between Brussels and Bruges and came away thinking it deserves more attention than it gets.
- [Sustainable travel 101: what it is and why it matters](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/what-is-sustainable-travel/): Traditional tourism, while offering undeniable benefits, can sometimes leave a less-than-desirable footprint and negative impacts. That's where sustainable travel comes in.
- [Eurostar from London to Marseille: our step-by-step travel guide and tips](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/eurostar-london-to-marseille/): Taking the Eurostar to Marseille means gliding through the English countryside, switching in Paris, and then heading down to the Mediterranean on a high-speed TGV.
- [Best car hire companies in Marseille, France – tried and compared (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-car-hire-companies-in-marseille/): In this guide, we provide an overview of some of the best car hire companies in Marseille, highlighting their offerings and services to assist you in making an informed decision.
- [The essential travel guide to visiting Lisbon](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/essential-travel-guide-to-lisbon/): Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant and charming cities, where colourful tiled buildings, historic trams, and scenic viewpoints create a unique atmosphere. It's one of our favourite cities in Europe!
- [What is slow travel and why should you try it?](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/slow-travel/): Slow travel is the simple idea that a trip feels better when you do less, stay longer, and actually get to know a place. Over the years we’ve swapped whirlwind itineraries for slower days: chatting to people in a pub, taking cooking classes in local homes, and using trains and buses to watch the countryside roll by. It’s not about doing nothing; it’s about giving yourself time to actually be somewhere instead of just passing through or ticking it off a list.
- [9 best hotels in Bruges, Belgium (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-hotels-in-bruges/): We go into more detail below, but here's our summary of the best hotels in Bruges:
- [9 best hotels in Brussels, Belgium (2025 guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-hotels-in-brussels/): Our guide to the best hotels in Brussels will help you find the perfect hotel for your trip.
- [9 best hotels in Malta (2026 guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-hotels-in-malta/): Malta is packed with centuries of history, mixing Baroque architecture, ancient temples, and a hint of North African charm. There are so many different areas to stay on the island and with so many options it can be hard to find the best hotels in Malta.
- [21 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-lisbon/): It’s a modern and trendy city with plenty going on, but still packed with old-world charm and culture. It's a maze of narrow streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and stunning vistas. There’s plenty of things to do in Lisbon, and places to see!
- [Ultimate guide to all 23 Antwerp museums (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/ultimate-guide-to-antwerp-museums/): We had a long weekend in Antwerp in October 2024, and didn't know much about it before we left. We were very impressed - check out our full guide here - and especially impressed by the number and range of Antwerp museums!
- [26 best things to do in Antwerp, Belgium (2025 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-antwerp/): There are so many great things to do in Antwerp that we couldn't fit everything in on our long weekend there.
- [10 best hotels in Porto, Portugal (2025 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/10-best-hotels-in-porto-portugal-2024-travel-guide/): Here’s a guide to the best hotels in Porto, with a particular focus on mid-range and budget options, but we’ll still highlight a few luxury gems.
- [24 best things to do in Porto, Portugal (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-porto/): Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, offers a beautiful blend of historic charm, culture, and amazing food. From its narrow streets in the historic centre to the rich, world-famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, this coastal city is perfect for those looking to enjoy both tradition and adventure. It's a perfect place to unwind, and packed full of things to do in Porto!
- [Ultimate guide to the south of France (2025)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-south-of-france/): The South of France is a dream destination – from sun-soaked beaches to charming medieval villages and incredible food and wine.
- [How to save money when visiting Monaco (2025)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/how-to-save-money-when-visiting-monaco/): Monaco has a reputation for being wildly expensive - 30% of it's popular are millionaires, and it's whole economy is based on glamour and the super rich.
- [14 stunning places to go in Monaco (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/places-to-go-in-monaco/): This guide is for anyone trying to work out whether Monaco is worth the effort, how long to spend there, and what to prioritise once you arrive. Whether you’re popping over from Nice for the day or thinking about staying longer, we’ll cover our recommendations on the best places to go in Monaco, how long you need for each, and how to avoid wasting time (or money).
- [15 best things to do in Nice, France (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-nice/): Nice is the kind of place that’s equal parts seaside ease and sophisticated city life - the Promenade des Anglais, the market alleys of Vieux-Nice, hilltop views from Colline du Château and a fantastic cluster of small museums.
- [17 beautiful places to go in Marseille, France (2026 guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/beautiful-places-to-go-in-marseille/): In this guide, we’ll show you our favourite places to go in Marseille, from panoramic viewpoints and fishing coves to neighbourhoods bursting with street art. You'll find practical tips on where to stay, when to go, and how to get there from the UK, plus our honest take on what to see in Marseille based on our own visit.
- [19 best things to do in Lyon, France (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-lyon/): Lyon was the first stop on our holiday through France (here's our full France travel guide if you're planning a bigger trip), which took us onwards to Marseille and then Nice.
- [The ultimate guide to visiting Arundel – day trip from London](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-visiting-arundel-day-trip-from-london/): Arundel is small, photogenic and perfect for a day away from London.
- [The best cafes, bars and restaurants in Bucharest](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/the-best-cafes-bars-and-restaurants-in-bucharest/): The rooftops of Bucharest provide some of the best views of the city, making them ideal spots for bars and restaurants. Here are three of the best rooftop bars in Bucharest.
- [17 best things to do in Bucharest, Romania (2026)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-bucharest/): We had a great long-weekend there - there's so many things to do in Bucharest, and some great day trips available too.
- [16 best things to do in Malta (2025 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-malta/): We'd heard great things about Malta - its stunning coastline, beautiful capital city, historical sights, gorgeous weather - and were lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks there earlier this year. There are so many amazing things to do in Malta, all set in beautiful countryside and gorgeous weather. It lived up to it's reputation!
- [16 best things to do in Brussels, Belgium (2026 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-brussels/): Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. It sometimes gets a bad rap as not having as much character as other places in Belgium, but we disagree – it's definitely worth a visit and we found plenty of things to do in Brussels!
- [26 best things to do in Ghent, Belgium (2025 travel guide)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-ghent/): Many travellers overlook Ghent in favour of its more famous Belgian counterparts, missing out on this medieval marvel that combines rich history with a vibrant, contemporary vibe. There are so many things to do in Ghent, from top attractions, museums, and charming canals, to amazing local cuisine and hidden gems.
- [29 unmissable things to do in Bruges, Belgium (2025)](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-bruges/): Whether you’re planning a weekend break or weaving it into a longer Belgium trip, here’s our no-nonsense guide to the best things to do in Bruges – packed with practical tips, real insights, and ideas that go beyond the basics.

## Pages
- [Italy travel guide 2026: where to go, what to do and how to plan](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/italy-travel-guide/): This Italy travel guide brings together everything we've learned - where to go, when to visit, what it costs, how to get around, and what to do when you arrive - along with links to our detailed guides for each destination. Whether you're planning your first trip or going back for more, this is the place to start.
- [Underrated cities in France tourists often skip](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/underrated-cities-in-france/): This guide focuses on underrated cities in France that work well as bases. These are places where you can settle in for a few days, eat well without planning your life around reservations, and explore on foot or by public transport.
- [France beyond Paris: where to go, what to see, and how to plan a better trip](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/france-beyond-paris/): This guide is for travellers looking for places to visit in France outside Paris, whether that means quieter cities, less touristy regions, or trips that feel slower. It’s also useful if you’re planning a return visit and want to avoid repeating the same highlights.
- [New homepage](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/): We help you discover destinations, plan offbeat experiences, and go beyond the usual - with no rigid itineraries required
- [Destinations](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/destinations/): We've been to over 40 countries between us, but we haven't managed to write about them all - yet!
- [Beautiful Romania: your travel guide to what to do](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/romania-travel-guide/): Explore our collection of Romania travel guides, packed with the best things to do, where to stay, must-visit destinations, day trip ideas, money-saving tips, and essential travel advice.
- [Our content policy](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/our-content-policy/): We aim to offer the most thorough, practical, and valuable travel advice out there. That's why, for every destination we cover, you'll often find several guides to help with every aspect of your trip—from how to get there, to what to do and where to stay. Our goal is to make planning your holiday as stress-free as possible and inspire you to travel more.
- [Explore stunning Malta: sun, sea and history](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/malta-travel-guide/): It's compact size makes Malta travel easy, from wandering through the ancient streets of Valletta, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, or discovering the island’s prehistoric temples.
- [Portugal travel: where to go and what to do](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/portugal-travel-guide/): Beautiful Portugal! Known for its breath-taking coastlines, charming cities, and vibrant culture, it’s a destination that effortlessly blends history, natural beauty, and world-class hospitality. Portugal travel is the best.
- [France Travel Guide: Tips, Itineraries & Must-See Places](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/france-travel-guide/): Bienvenue en France! The land of charming villages, world-class cuisine, and iconic landmarks, France offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.
- [Discover Belgium: your ultimate travel guide](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/belgium-travel-guide/): Belgium is absolutely wonderful! It boasts stunning cities, towns, and streets, a fantastic beer culture, and incredibly friendly people. And, it's incredibly convenient to reach via the Eurostar, with just a few hours' travel from central London, and even quicker from Amsterdam and Paris.
- [Hi! We’d love to hear from you](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/contact-us/): Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible
- [About Us](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/about-us/): I run Travels Off The Cuff and I write all the guides on here. I travel with my partner Daniel, and between us we've been to over 50 countries in the last 10-odd years.
- [Privacy Policy](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/privacy-policy/): In Short: If you are a resident of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, or Virginia, you may have the right to request access to and receive details about the personal information we maintain about you and how we have processed it, correct inaccuracies, get a copy of, or delete your personal information. You may also have the right to withdraw your consent to our processing of your personal information. These rights may be limited in some circumstances by applicable law. More information is provided below.

## Categories
- [Belgium](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/belgium/)
- [Budget travel](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/budget-travel/)
- [France](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/france/)
- [Inspiration](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/inspiration/)
- [Italy](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/italy/)
- [Malta](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/malta/)
- [Monaco](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/monaco/)
- [News](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/news/)
- [Poland](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/poland/)
- [Portugal](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/portugal/)
- [Romania](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/romania/)
- [Sustainable travel](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/sustainable-travel/)
- [The UK](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/the-uk/)
- [Uncategorized](https://travelsoffthecuff.com/category/uncategorized/)