Mary Novakovich
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Travel writer, journalist and author of award-winning My Family and Other Enemies: Life and Travels in Croatia's Hinterland. Literary agent @CullandCoAgency
Articles by Mary Novakovich
Why this Star Clippers cruise is perfect for Caribbean first-timers
Odd as it may sound in the travel industry, there are some people who have never been to the Caribbean. Until recently, I was one of them. I’m not sure why it has taken me so long – perhaps the bewildering number of ways of exploring the Caribbean blinded me. Not a fan of large cruise ships, I wanted something more intimate, so a tall-ship cruise through the Leeward Islands with Star Clippers instantly appealed.
I’m a travel expert and these are eight great value autumn holidays
By October, you might want to have another taste of summer, in which case you should head to the Mediterranean to Turkey, Corsica or Cyprus. Or try the Atlantic coast for a taste of Portugal in agreeably mild temperatures. Cornwall and the Cotswolds are a bit quieter in October, unless you’re there during the half-term school holiday. And if you’re looking for an unforgettable honeymoon, combine a South African safari with a beach break in Mauritius.
I’m a travel expert and these are eight great value autumn holidays
By October, you might want to have another taste of summer, in which case you should head to the Mediterranean to Turkey, Corsica or Cyprus. Or try the Atlantic coast for a taste of Portugal in agreeably mild temperatures. Cornwall and the Cotswolds are a bit quieter in October, unless you're there during the half-term school holiday. And if you're looking for an unforgettable honeymoon, combine a South African safari with a beach break in Mauritius.
The best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik, as chosen by a Croatia travel expert
The historic city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia has a finely honed boutique hotel scene. Within its Old Town’s narrow marble alleyways, you’ll pass stately palaces and townhouses dating from the 16th century, made of distinctive pale Dalmatian stone and adorned with colourful shutters. Behind those thick stone walls is an enticing collection of luxurious boutique hotels and upmarket B&Bs that have kept their character yet have all the mod cons.
The best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik, as chosen by a Croatia travel expert
The historic city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia has a finely honed boutique hotel scene. Within its Old Town's narrow marble alleyways, you'll pass stately palaces and townhouses dating from the 16th century, made of distinctive pale Dalmatian stone and adorned with colourful shutters. Behind those thick stone walls is an enticing collection of luxurious boutique hotels and upmarket B&Bs that have kept their character yet have all the mod cons.
I’m a travel expert and this is where I’d go in shoulder season when prices drop
Health 5 hours ago We’re Going to Let You in on a Little Secret: Walking Is Just as Good for You as Running GQ - By Tom Ward • 5h When it comes to walking versus running, which reigns supreme? The answer is that getting moving matters most. Why run when you can walk? It’s a good question. Maybe your goal is to be more active and to do that, you feel like you should be running versus walking.
Catch of the day: a seafood safari on France’s culinary coast
Updated Wed, 5 August 2026 at 6:01 am UTC A fish stall in Le Touquet.Photograph: Michael Juno/Alamy Stellio Lestienne, chef at La Matelote in Boulogne’s harbour, shows me his shopping list as we browse the city’s daily morning fish market. He wants to pick up some crab and sole, which are in season, but his usual lobster fisher is still out on his boat, so he’ll have to wait a bit for that.
I escaped the crowds of Dubrovnik to go island hopping using cheap ferries
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I'm a travel expert and this is where I'd go in shoulder season
September is one of the best months to steal away for a holiday, particularly in southern Europe where it's still very much summer. Go hiking along Italy's southern coast, or soak up the sun on a Greek or Spanish island. If you want to go further afield, the delicious flavours of Mauritius are waiting to be tasted. Closer to home, drive a slow boat through the Cambridgeshire Fens, or explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside.
I’m a travel expert and this is where I’d go in shoulder season
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I’m a travel expert and this is where I’d go in shoulder season when prices drop
September is one of the best months to steal away for a holiday, particularly in southern Europe where it's still very much summer. Go hiking along Italy's southern coast, or soak up the sun on a Greek or Spanish island. If you want to go further afield, the delicious flavours of Mauritius are waiting to be tasted. Closer to home, drive a slow boat through the Cambridgeshire Fens, or explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside.
I’m a travel expert and this is where I’d go in shoulder season when prices drop
September is one of the best months to steal away for a holiday, particularly in southern Europe where it’s still very much summer. Go hiking along Italy’s southern coast, or soak up the sun on a Greek or Spanish island. If you want to go further afield, the delicious flavours of Mauritius are waiting to be tasted. Closer to home, drive a slow boat through the Cambridgeshire Fens, or explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside.
I'm a travel expert and this is where you'll find me on holiday in August Original
Had enough of the heat and can't face the thought of hot climes in August? Then maybe an Italian lake, the Canadian Rockies, or cooler Estonia will be what you need. Or you can catch the sea breezes from a hilltop – and air-conditioned – villa in Corsica. Stay closer to home with a stay in a converted barn in rural Norfolk, or bask in sea views from your terrace in a sweet cottage in the Gower peninsula.
The best holidays to book for August 2026
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I’m a travel expert and this is where you’ll find me on holiday in August
Tallinn keeps things cool with average daily highs of 21C in August (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Had enough of the heat and can't face the thought of hot climes in August? Then maybe an Italian lake, the Canadian Rockies, or cooler Estonia will be what you need. Or you can catch the sea breezes from a hilltop – and air-conditioned – villa in Corsica. Stay closer to home with a stay in a converted barn in rural Norfolk, or bask in sea views from your terrace in a sweet cottage in the Gower peninsula.
The best hotels in Lille
Mama Shelter Lille; best hotels in Lille Lille is perfectly placed for a short break, mixing the buzz of more than 80,000 students with beautiful Flemish architecture, stellar art galleries and a dizzying number of restaurants. Its elegant Grand-Place – particularly the Renaissance stock exchange Vieille Bourse, with an elaborate façade that glitters in shades of gold and crimson – sets the stage for pleasant wanderings past ornate Flemish townhouses and Vieux Lille's cobbled streets.
The best holidays to book for July 2026
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I’m a travel expert and these are the destinations I would visit in summer 2026
The glorious weather over the May bank holiday might have put you in the mood to think about where to go on holiday once the summer really kicks in. Perhaps a villa in France’s Languedoc, or in Puglia in southern Italy. Then again, there’s always a laidback Greek island waiting to be discovered. Head further east to Mauritius, or stick closer to home with a houseboat holiday on the Isle of Wight or a coastal retreat in Cornwall.
I’m a travel expert and these are the destinations I would visit in summer 2026
The glorious weather over the May bank holiday might have put you in the mood to think about where to go on holiday once the summer really kicks in. Perhaps a villa in France’s Languedoc, or in Puglia in southern Italy. Then again, there’s always a laidback Greek island waiting to be discovered. Head further east to Mauritius, or stick closer to home with a houseboat holiday on the Isle of Wight or a coastal retreat in Cornwall.
I’m a travel expert and these are the destinations I would visit in summer 2026
Samos is known for its signature Muscat wine (Getty Images) The glorious weather over the May bank holiday might have put you in the mood to think about where to go on holiday once the summer really kicks in. Perhaps a villa in France’s Languedoc, or in Puglia in southern Italy. Then again, there’s always a laidback Greek island waiting to be discovered. Head further east to Mauritius, or stick closer to home with a houseboat holiday on the Isle of Wight or a coastal retreat in Cornwall.
I’m a travel expert and these are the destinations I would visit in summer 2026
3 hours ago Nearly 500 years ago, a Moroccan man walked thousands of miles from Florida to the Pacific Coast, becoming the first known outsider to see the American West. In 1528, a man from Morocco washed up on the coast of present-day Texas, more dead than alive. He had spent the previous month adrift in the …
Budapest: where to stay, eat and drink
Football fans from London and Paris will descend upon the Puskás Aréna on May 30 as Arsenal take on PSG in the Uefa Champions League final. But beyond the showpiece event in the football calendar, it’s not hard to find an excuse to visit Budapest. Hungary’s capital, straddling the Danube, combines stately beauty with a buzz that never wanes.
Budapest: where to stay, eat and drink
Evening Standard and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Budapest: where to stay, eat and drink Football fans from London and Paris will descend upon the Puskás Aréna on May 30 as Arsenal take on PSG in the Uefa Champions League final. But beyond the showpiece event in the football calendar, it’s not hard to find an excuse to visit Budapest.
The best holiday deals I’ve found for June 2026, from Ischia to Rwanda
Korcula island in Croatia is known as ‘little Dubrovnik’ (Getty Images) Even with the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting travel plans, it’s very tempting to book a getaway in June: one of the best times for a holiday. Chill out on the Neapolitan Riviera before temperatures soar or bag a spot on a laid-back beach in Crete. Soak up the sunshine on one of Croatia’s prettiest islands or drive your own boat along the southern waterways of France.
The best holiday deals I’ve found for June 2026, from Ischia to Rwanda
Even with the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting travel plans, it’s very tempting to book a getaway in June: one of the best times for a holiday. Chill out on the Neapolitan Riviera before temperatures soar or bag a spot on a laid-back beach in Crete. Soak up the sunshine on one of Croatia’s prettiest islands or drive your own boat along the southern waterways of France.
Budapest: where to stay, eat and drink
Mary Novakovich Football fans from London and Paris will descend upon the Puskás Aréna on May 30 as Arsenal take on PSG in the Uefa Champions League final. Pest is the heart of the city, an agreeable mix of wide boulevards, Art Nouveau gems, old-fashioned thermal baths and a dizzying number of excellent places to eat and drink. But be sure to cross the River Danube to more dignified Buda for a stroll among its grand palaces, elaborate bastions and pleasing Baroque architecture.
Budapest: where to stay, eat and drink
Football fans from London and Paris will descend upon the Puskás Aréna on May 30 as Arsenal take on PSG in the Uefa Champions League final. But beyond the showpiece event in the football calendar, it’s not hard to find an excuse to visit Budapest. Hungary’s capital, straddling the Danube, combines stately beauty with a buzz that never wanes.
Destination dupes: alternatives to Dubrovnik in Croatia & Europe
Few can resist the extraordinary beauty of Dubrovnik. Indeed, it's not surprising that this southern Dalmatian city is Croatia's biggest tourist attraction. Terracotta-topped old town of Zadar © Mazur Travel - Adobe Stock Image Visitor numbers keep on going up, with 4.28 million overnight stays last year. That's a lot of people shuffling along the medieval and Renaissance city walls and through the marble lanes of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed old town.
10 best hotels in Dubrovnik for Old Town views and beachside stays
Mary Novakovich Despite its small footprint,Dubrovnikis bursting at the seams with exceptional hotels.If you want to immerse yourself in the Renaissance and Baroque beauty of its Old Town, choose one of the 16th-century palaces that have been converted into a stylish B&B. When things get a bit too hectic in the centre – which they often do inCroatia's popular cities during the summer – opt for one of the grand hotels overlooking the Adriatic Sea just south of the city walls.
I’m a Croatia travel expert – these are the best hotels to visit in Dubrovnik
Despite its small footprint, Dubrovnik is bursting at the seams with exceptional hotels. If you want to immerse yourself in the Renaissance and Baroque beauty of its Old Town, choose one of the 16th-century palaces that have been converted into a stylish B&B. When things get a bit too hectic in the centre – which they often do in Croatia’s popular cities during the summer – opt for one of the grand hotels overlooking the Adriatic Sea just south of the city walls.
8 best May holiday deals you’ll want to book now
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The best May holiday deals I’ve found, from Grenada to Greece
While the conflict in Iran makes travel to the Middle East and many Asian destinations difficult, it doesn’t mean holidaymakers are cancelling their plans. They’re just looking a bit closer to home – or further west. Get an early taste of summer in the Mediterranean with a villa holiday in Corsica, a slow exploration of southern Italy or a relaxing cruise through the Rhine’s fairy-tale landscapes. Take long hikes along the Yorkshire coast, or get together with friends in rural north Wales.
The best May holiday deals I’ve found, from Grenada to Greece
Make a trip to Puglia this May (Getty Images) While the conflict in Iran makes travel to the Middle East and many Asian destinations difficult, it doesn’t mean holidaymakers are cancelling their plans. They’re just looking a bit closer to home – or further west. Get an early taste of summer in the Mediterranean with a villa holiday in Corsica, a slow exploration of southern Italy or a relaxing cruise through the Rhine’s fairy-tale landscapes.
An insider’s guide to central Dalmatia – the cleanest seas and vibrant histories
Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the Golden Horn. Photograph: SimonSkafar/Getty Images/iStockphoto A soft breeze blows through the woods that shade parts of Zlatni Rat beach, releasing the fragrance of warm pine. Here on Croatia’s most famous beach, on the island of Brač, fine pebbles form its slim V shape – giving the Golden Horn its famous moniker – the tip of which changes constantly with the tides.
8 best April holiday deals you'll want to book now
Mary Novakovich The utterly engrossing Winter Olympics had snow sports fans salivating at the thought of being back on the slopes, so now's the chance to bag an Easter bargain in the French Alps . If you prefer sunnier climes, head to the Maldives or stick to the Mediterranean for an authentic Greek Easter. Poland 's cities are a joy to explore, especially by train. Closer to home, drive your own boat along Cambridgeshire's rivers or explore the Peak District and Derbyshire's attractive towns.
8 best April holiday deals I’ve found to the Maldives, French Alps and more
The utterly engrossing Winter Olympics had snow sports fans salivating at the thought of being back on the slopes, so now’s the chance to bag an Easter bargain in the French Alps. If you prefer sunnier climes, head to the Maldives or stick to the Mediterranean for an authentic Greek Easter. Poland’s cities are a joy to explore, especially by train. Closer to home, drive your own boat along Cambridgeshire’s rivers or explore the Peak District and Derbyshire’s attractive towns.
8 best April holiday deals I’ve found to the Maldives, French Alps and more
See in spring in Sri Lanka (Getty Images) The utterly engrossing Winter Olympics had snow sports fans salivating at the thought of being back on the slopes, so now’s the chance to bag an Easter bargain in the French Alps. If you prefer sunnier climes, head to the Maldives or stick to the Mediterranean for an authentic Greek Easter. Poland’s cities are a joy to explore, especially by train.
The best March holiday deals, picked by a travel expert
Sun or snow? If you haven’t had enough of winter yet and want to prolong the season, head to the ski slopes of the Italian Alps. But if you’re pining for the sun and beaches, indulge in a holiday in Thailand, the Gambia or the laid-back Caribbean island of Dominica. Stay in the UK with an off-grid break in Herefordshire or cobweb-clearing hikes in the South Downs. If you’re looking for a big-ticket adventure, explore South America or take a leisurely tour of South Africa.
The best February holiday destinations, from winter sun escapes to half-term ski trips
The popular tourist 'Papagayo Beach' on Lanzarote's South Coast, Canary Islands, Spain. (Getty Images) We’re still recovering from the January blues, so February is the perfect time to book a holiday, especially if you plan to travel during the half-term school break. Skiers can head to St Anton and enjoy the snowy Austrian Alps, or they can splash out on a great winter adventure in Greenland. Get into the carnival spirit in Nice, or do absolutely nothing but swim and eat in the Maldives.
Where to go skiing this winter: your need-to-know guide
Mary Novakovich and Vicky Jessop As the weather starts to get colder and the nights draw in, it can only mean one thing: we're getting closer to the start of ski season. Soon enough, resorts like Verbier, Ischgl, Les Deux Alpes and Val Thorens will be opening, and envy-inducing pictures of smooth white slopes will be circulating on social media. All of which is to say: isn't it time you booked a trip of your own?
Where to find the best snow this winter: your need-to-know ski resorts guide for 2025
As the weather starts to get colder and the nights draw in, it can only mean one thing: we’re getting closer to the start of ski season. Soon enough, resorts like Verbier, Ischgl, Les Deux Alpes and Val Thorens will be opening, and envy-inducing pictures of smooth white slopes will be circulating on social media. All of which is to say: isn’t it time you booked a trip of your own?
This Belgrade cafe changes lives, one Serbian coffee at a time
6 As part of a new experience for 2026, Intrepid travellers in the Balkans can now stop and recharge at Zvuci Srca, a cafe where staff with developmental disabilities are finding creative outlets, new skills and a sense of community. For Serbs, the cafe is an intrinsic part of life – as fundamental as food and sleep. It’s not just a place where you can catch up with friends and gossip over leisurely cups of coffee – although that’s an enormous part of its charm.
Every question to ask before you book a Croatia cruise
Zadar is a popular port of call on a Croatia cruise Croatia’s 1,000-plus islands and sinuous Adriatic coastline were made for cruising. It’s one of the most pleasurable ways to get a handle on this small yet incredibly diverse country. Many visitors to Croatia – whether first-timers or regulars – can get a bit stumped by the enormous choice of islands and coastal regions. Northern, central or southern Dalmatia? How about Istria, or the Kvarner Gulf?
The best holidays to book for February 2026, from warm seas in the Maldives to Austrian ski slopes
The Maldives offers clear, warm waters to enjoy in February (iStock) We’re still recovering from Christmas, but it’s not too soon to book a February holiday, especially if you plan to travel during the half-term school break. Skiers can head to St Anton and enjoy the snowy Austrian Alps, or they can splash out on a great winter adventure in Greenland. Get into the carnival spirit in Nice, or do absolutely nothing but swim and eat in the Maldives.
The best holidays to book for February 2026, from warm seas in the Maldives to Austrian ski slopes
The Maldives offers clear, warm waters to enjoy in February (iStock) We’re still recovering from Christmas, but it’s not too soon to book a February holiday, especially if you plan to travel during the half-term school break. Skiers can head to St Anton and enjoy the snowy Austrian Alps, or they can splash out on a great winter adventure in Greenland. Get into the carnival spirit in Nice, or do absolutely nothing but swim and eat in the Maldives.
Best hotels in Marrakech: Where to stay near the Medina and Palmeraie
As one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities, Marrakech’s hotel scene is constantly changing – helped by more than 1,000 riad hotels squeezed in among the narrow alleyways and souks of the Medina neighbourhood. These mini-paradises – all with a central courtyard garden (where the word “riad” comes from) – have been mushrooming in the Medina, veering between simplicity and no-holds-barred luxury.
Best hotels in Marrakech: Where to stay near the Medina and Palmeraie
As one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities, Marrakech’s hotel scene is constantly changing – helped by more than 1,000 riad hotels squeezed in among the narrow alleyways and souks of the Medina neighbourhood. These mini-paradises – all with a central courtyard garden (where the word “riad” comes from) – have been mushrooming in the Medina, veering between simplicity and no-holds-barred luxury.
The best holidays to book for February 2026, from Austrian ski slopes to French carnivals
Skiers should head to St Anton this winter (Getty Images) We’re still recovering from Christmas, but it’s not too soon to book a February holiday, especially if you plan to travel during the half-term school break. Skiers can head to St Anton and enjoy the snowy Austrian Alps, or they can splash out on a great winter adventure in Greenland. Get into the carnival spirit in Nice, or do absolutely nothing but swim and eat in the Maldives.
Why Antwerp is the only Christmas market you need to visit this year
Mary Novakovich Who doesn't love a Christmas market ? Well, quite a lot of people, actually. Some find them too intrusive, too expensive, just too much . Some markets make you feel as if you're constantly being swept along a tide of people, but in Antwerp it's a different story.
This glittering European city has the only Christmas market you need to visit in 2025
Mary Novakovich at Grote Markt, the largest Christmas market in Antwerp (Adam Batterbee) Who doesn’t love a Christmas market? Well, quite a lot of people, actually. Some find them too intrusive, too expensive, just too much. Some markets make you feel as if you’re constantly being swept along a tide of people, but in Antwerp it’s a different story.
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