I HAVE always loved a city that can be navigated by foot.

Not only because you can tick off all the sights with ease but burning off the calories means you can gorge on the local grub guilt-free.

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That is something I’d been doing a lot of in Porto, where gooey custard tarts can be picked up on almost every street for around €1.

Portugal’s second largest city is close to the country’s northern coast, with the River Douro cutting through its centre.

It’s not just custard tarts, known here as pastel de nata, that I’d been gobbling.

The region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish) and the Francesinha toasted sandwich layered with assorted hot meats and cheeses then smothered in a rich beer sauce and served with French fries.

The sandwich is a ritual for after a good few inexpensive port cocktails.

After all, if there’s one thing this city is known for other than food, it’s port.

Here, this fortified wine is not just associated with Christmas and to be paired only with your favourite stilton or Stinking Bishop, it’s served year round in all the restaurants and bars.

Never tried it before? Well, think of a vibrant red wine that’s sweet and with depth — just like the Tripeiros (the slang name given to Porto’s charming inhabitants).

The Douro Valley has been making port since Roman times, but it was in the 17th century that port wine as we know it today was born when Brits fortified the booze in order to maintain its quality while transporting it by sea.

And you can learn all about the process at the World of Wine in the historic heart of nearby Gaia.

A short distance from the city centre within an old port warehouse, the attraction is made up of seven museums, 12 restaurants and bars, several shops and even a wine school.

For proper wine enthusiasts, the Wine Experience is a must-do, allowing visitors to get hands-on with tastings and immersive artwork, all while learning the grape-to-bottle process.

Of course, this doesn’t beat a proper tasting. And Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo winery is the place to do it.

You can sample the good stuff, along with nibbles, on a terrace overlooking the lush valley and river below.

The vineyards are a sight to behold, dazzling in colour, and the wines they produce are seriously good.

If you’re after a more substantial meal to soak up the vino, the Mercado do Bolhao is where to head.

Seriously good

The food hall is packed with various counters selling local produce, from meats, fish, fruit and veg to breads and pastries and is, of course, somewhere to grab a tipple.

Or for something fancier, there’s the DOP restaurant, which does a sensational 14-course tasting menu.

Highlights include a meat-free take on carbonara where the pasta is cleverly crafted from squid.

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Taste buds satisfied, I ventured back to Porto to walk off the indulgence along the hilly and cobbled streets of the Miragaia neighbourhood.

It was there that I discovered Livraria Lello — what can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building.

Set over four floors, it features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and a grand, imposing central staircase that takes you up to balconies overlooking the lower levels.

Allegedly, the site was an inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rowling when she lived and taught in the city.

The store certainly has an otherworldly feel to it, although it’s in the basement that the true magic unfolds, with many rare tomes and first editions adorning the shelves.

Otherworldly feel

Entry to the shop is €8 and this can be redeemed against a book purchase, although make sure to get there early to avoid the long queues that form around the block.

Luckily, I’d been staying at the 5H Editory Boulevard Hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the store, so the early rise wasn’t a problem.

The hotel serves a sensational breakfast that can’t be missed.

That is if you have any room left in your stomach.

It’s safe to say, you won’t go at all hungry or thirsty while in Porto.

I BREATHE calmly into my snorkel and gently float as a manatee and its calf leisurely swim beneath me.

Just two hours’ drive from a world of Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters, these magical creatures — also known as sea cows — can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast.

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I’m staying at The PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge on Kings Bay, the ideal hub for making the most of this natural paradise on the Gulf of Mexico.

As I slip into my wetsuit, dive expert Jake, from Waterfront Adventures, guides us through the etiquette of meeting these gentle giants.

We set sail before sunrise in search of manatee activity, which can be identified through “footprints” — oval-shaped ripples on the surface of the water.

Our boat stops in the Three Sisters Springs where these marine mammals bask in the 22C turquoise waters.

It takes some bravery to pause and float as a 500kg animal swims towards you.

But it is as if these creatures give off a calming energy throughout the water as they hoover up the grass on the seabed.

Jake also encourages us to get a closer look at the three springs — Pretty Sister, Deep Sister and Little Sister — which actually contain a total of 19 freshwater springs between them.

I plunge beneath the surface and watch as the sand bubbles like nature’s very own hot tub brimming with yellow-bellied sliders and schools of fish.

The three-hour tour ends with a fluffy white towel to dry off and a velvety mocha to sip as we make our way back to the shore, leaving the manatees to graze on their breakfast.

After working up an appetite in the water, we head to the Wild Sassa seafood shack to enjoy a fresh shrimp taco.

It is set on the edge of the Homosassa River, and the queue of hungry adventure seekers in wetsuits and flip-flops reflect how this humble trailer has made its way into the top 100 taco spots in the USA.

And while Florida is typically associated with fast food giants, the Homosassa Springs area boasts some of the freshest seafood on the coast.

Bayside Kraft Kitchen serves up homemade fries with perfectly poached lobster, while Waterfront Social offers fresh alligator bites, if you dare.

For those wishing to unwind, the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is a calming oasis.

While there, don’t miss the underwater observatory, which allows visitors to step beneath the spring’s surface and watch as the manatees and fish swim in a natural habitat.

A 90-minute drive down the coast we switch up the tempo in the vibrant city of St Petersburg.

While the city itself can be considered its very own gallery — with colourful murals on every block — it is also home to the Salvador Dali Museum.

The museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work, all enclosed within 18-inch thick walls designed to withstand the powerful hurricanes that can wreak havoc in this corner of the globe.

A hive of activity

You can also experience his work in an incredible sound and light show inside a glass sphere known as The Dali Dome.

After a bit of culture and dinner of nduja and prawn ravioli at Brick & Mortar in Downtown St Pete, we head to the hub of the city.

It is a place where twentysomethings are sipping craft beers from local microbreweries with their university friends, while those 50 years their senior cheer each other from the sidelines at the St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.

Founded in 1924, it is the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world.

The aim of the game is to push weighted discs along narrow courts into designated boxes to score points, in what becomes an addictive and frustrating game.

As the sun sets, the Friday Night St Pete Shuffle is a hive of activity, with a cool bring-your own booze” policy — the ideal aperitif to a delicious dinner.

For those wishing to carry on the night, retro club Goodnight John Boy is the ultimate party, playing Seventies and Eighties disco tracks.

But a trip to this corner of the world would not be complete without some serious relaxation.

Clearwater Beach is a three-mile stretch of powder-white sand that has turquoise Gulf waters lapping on to its shore.

The sand, derived from quartz, is cool under foot.

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And it coated my toes in a refreshing way as I took a stroll in the 33C heat.

After basking in the sunshine, a dip in the pool at my hotel — the four-star beachside Opal Sands Resort — was just the thing.

As the sun sets, I grab a seat at the hotel’s SandBar Waterfront Tiki Bar and order a raspberry mojito while watching playful dolphins dip and dive in the bluest Gulf waters.

I would never have thought of white-knuckle rollercoaster paradise Florida as a destination to relax and recharge — but it seems that this corner of the Sunshine State truly is.

A WOMAN has shared her clever hack to make cheap espresso martinis at the airport.

The holidaymaker revealed how to whip up the boozy concoction using ingredients almost entirely brought from home in your bags.

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Alexis Olive, a tech worker who makes food and drink content on social media, shared her top tips for a little pick-me-up on an early morning flight.

In a video posted to her TikTok, which has amassed over nine million views, she broke down the creation of the drink step-by-step.

Traditionally, an espresso martini is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and, of course, espresso.

But since most departure lounges charge top-shelf prices at their cocktail bars, Alexis has to get creative.

All you need is a few miniatures and an airport coffee to get started.

First of all, go to a coffee shop and get an iced espresso.

If, like Alexis, you choose to get this from Starbucks, it can cost as little as £1.95.

She also added a pump of vanilla syrup, but this is optional if you like a little less sweetness.

Then just add in a miniature of Vodka and one of a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria.

Bailey’s is also a good substitute if you can’t get your hands on any of the latter.

Alexis explained : “I’ve even confirmed this with several TSA agents.

“The TSA says that alcohol can be stored in a passenger’s carry-on bag if the containers are 100ml or less.”

Once you’ve added your booze just give the coffee a good swirl and enjoy for less than £7.50 all told.

Alexis added: “My mom showed me this hack.

“Some people wouldn’t consider it an espresso martini.

“It has Irish cream instead of coffee liquor, but I think it’s just your preference.

“10/10 would recommend.”

A RESTAURANT in Solihull less than a 10 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport has been crowned best ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Britain.

Lavang restaurant was awarded the accolade for its rave reviews from customers and its out the way location – nestled in between an electrical shop and a Chinese takeaway on a residential estate.

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The award was given by Tripadvisor in its Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024.

Winners of the awards were chosen by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for restaurants from travellers over a 12-month period.

Lavang’s location may not be the most exotic, but its menu serves up a tonne of South East Asian delights.

There’s everything from flavourful tandoori dishes to delicious charcoal grills.

And the prices on the menu are cheap too – poppadoms, a starter, curry, rice, naan, and chips for two people will set you back around £40.

Lavang’s chic and sophisticated style is also realised once you step inside.

The decor includes a beautiful white blossom ceiling, and customers describe everything as looking very clean and well presented.

Diners have also commented on Lavang’s staff being extremely friendly and efficient, with dietary requests always accommodated.

The restaurant is even commended for having an “impeccable playlist”.

Mr Miah, Lavang’s owner, explained to Sun Travel why the restaurant is perfectly located for customers.

He said: “Being located in Solihull; we’re in close proximity to both the NEC and Birmingham Airport – this in turn allows us to invite customers that are both local, and that are visiting the region.”

He added: “We are incredibly honoured and thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional food and service to our guests.

“Winning this award reinforces our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue elevating the dining experience at Lavang.

“We are extremely grateful to our loyal customers for their support, and we look forward to sharing many more memorable moments with them.”

One customer who visited the restaurant in August this year and shared their experience on Tripadvisor.

They wrote: “After finding this gem of a restaurant I haven’t dined anywhere else for the same type of cuisine! That’s saying something because I love going to different places.

“Starters often taste better than the mains in a lot of restaurants; possibly because when you first sit down you’re hungry. Not here! Starters and mains are perfectly prepared each and every time; you truly savour and enjoy the whole meal.

“The level of service attention, helpfulness and friendliness is at exactly the right level creating a relaxed ambience of a great evening out.”

Another offered a tip with their review: “Do book as it’s always busy but this does not detract from its quality – it just adds to the enjoyable buzz of the restaurant.”

Two restaurants that missed out on the top spot on Tripadvisor’s hidden gems list were Sotto Sotto in Bath and Coronation Curry House in Bristol.

Sotto Sotto is an Italian restaurant known for using high-quality ingredients and its romantic setting.

It’s located in a basement cellar with stone vaulted ceilings and bare brick walls, with candlelit tables. 

Coronation Curry House in Bristol has fun colourful decor and Indian artwork adorning the wall, and customers describe its chicken tikka as “comforting and tender”.

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A TINY fishing town in southern Spain could be mistaken for Mykonos at first glance. 

La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, Andalucia, often dubbed ‘Little Mykonos‘ has a population of no more than 200 people. 

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But its picturesque setting, small group of white houses, and crystal clear waters makes it comparable with Mykonos. 

Mykonos is often celebrated for its iconic white-washed buildings, stunning beaches, deep blue sea backdrop, and luxury tourism. 

With the island becoming so popular over the last few years, it’s now considered one of the most expensive Greek islands to visit. 

But holidaymakers looking for a cheaper alternative, might want to consider La Isleta del Moro. 

Its beach, Playa Isleta del Moro, is one of the biggest reasons why people visit. 

It has clear water, fine black sand, three small coves, and restaurants nearby. 

One visitor to the beach wrote on Tripadvisor: “The best beaches and coves in Spain.

“Warm and transparent waters, super friendly people, good food, and accessible prices.”

Another traveller who stayed in La Isleta del Moro recommended where to walk if you want the best views of the sea and town. 

He shared on the review website: “A gentle stroll up through the village streets will bring you to this well maintained mirador.

“It is very picturesque and offers panoramic views of the village and the bay and over to the mountains behind.”

There are several restaurants that overlook the beach and serve fresh seafood, such as La Caleta and Restaurante Hospedaje Terraza La Isleta. 

For those who want to explore the wider area, La Isleta del Moro is considered an ideal location to explore Cabo de Gata Natural Park. 

There are regular tours to book on to. The park’s attractions include the Lighthouse of Cabo de Gata, Sirens Cliffs, and the fishing villages of San Miguel and San Jose.

You can also go kayaking and snorkelling through the coves of the Natural Park, with some tours including kayaking through the volcanoes.

La Isleta del Moro’s quiet nature adds to its charm, and it’s natural landscapes and glimpse into authentic Spanish life mean it’s often considered a hidden gem.

With the average temperature in October 25C, it could be the perfect opportunity for Brits to catch some Autumn sun.

The best way to get to La Isleta del Moro is to fly to Almeria, which is a 40 minute drive away.

Flights with EasyJet from London Gatwick to Almeria in October start from £49.99.

A visitor to the town in August last year shared a tip on Tripadvisor: “The best time is in spring and autumn to see how the landscape changes with the help of water.”

Here’s another place in Spain that has been compared to Santorini.

Don’t want to leave the UK? We’ve found a lido which people say is “more like Greece”.

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A CRUISE veteran has revealed the one item he always packs that most people forget to take with them.

Bradley Jones has gone on every trip from a weekend jaunt to a nine-month round-the-world expedition and has found a gadget that saves him money and effort wherever he goes.

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Bradley, from Wales, has gone on so many cruises that many operators have awarded him “elite” status, granting him a range of extra perks.

But for all the luxuries he can enjoy on his travels, his one must-have is much simpler.

When packing for a trip, his top priority is to make sure a particular gizmo is always in his bag.

He told LadBible: “My biggest tip for cruisers is when it comes to cruising as a couple of family is always take a universal plug adapter.

“In a cabin you’ve quite limited some times, especially on an inside cabin.

“And you’ve got to charge the phones, the kid’s iPads, my hair dryer, straighteners.

“Some of these companies, such as Princess or Cunard, some of them are American.

“When people catch these ships in Southampton they automatically think they’re British so they take British plugs.

“Last time we cruised there was a British couple who said ‘I didn’t even think, I thought there would be normal British plugs‘.

“That little thing is huge, people need that.”

The adapters can be found with UK three-prong or USB input ports connecting to an adjustable set of plugs that can match multiple sockets.

Some can be used on all 15 sockets across the world, while others offer 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 options.

They can be picked up online, in electronics shops or in supermarkets.

On Amazon, the most popular example is on offer for £14.999 with £4.49 delivery.

It comes after another experienced holidaymaker shared seven must-have items for trips to holiday parks.