I’m writing today’s newsletter from the city of Guiyang, having spent the last week travelling around the Guizhou region of China. It’s a land of towering waterfalls, mountains shrouded in mist, bridges that cut through the clouds and rural villages with traditional crafts. It’s my first visit to the country, in a year that China has been making it easier than ever for Brits to visit. Since February 2026, UK passport holders have been able to travel to China for 30 days without a visa, as part of a deal that brings the UK into line with 50 other countries, including the European Union. Previously British visitors would have had to pay over £100 and go through the application process for a visa.
Although this bit of red tape has been removed, and it should stay removed (it’s not yet been confirmed, but I suspect that this agreement will be extended into next year), I wouldn't say travelling around China is easy. This is especially so when visiting a province like Guizhou, which doesn’t have the same level of foreign tourists as say Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu. Although I usually travel independently, on this occasion I chose to go with Wendy Wu Tours, which is the leading UK tour operator for trips to China – because in a region like this, local knowledge is invaluable. There’s no preparing you for the experience of travelling in this vast and varied country, but there are a few practical things worth bearing in mind before taking off. You’ll hear about the “Great Firewall”, which is China's system for controlling internet use – it can monitor, filter and block content. I didn’t find blocking a huge problem, but many visitors report that certain apps (including ones that Brits rely on daily like WhatsApp and Gmail) don't work in parts of China, so it’s a good idea to ensure you have other means of contact for the duration of your trip. I also struggled to connect to wifi (due to a variety of technical and practical issues), which is another common experience among travellers.
China does, however, rely heavily on apps, especially for payment, and cash can feel pretty much obsolete in some places. It's recommended to download (and know how to use) apps including WeChat and Alipay, although carrying a small amount of cash is never a bad idea. If you do not have coverage on your phone plan, an eSim is a good shout, and generally very easy to use. Airalo seems to be the top choice for China, although I’ve seen Holafly used too and I’m personally a fan of Saily. One last tip: invest in a power bank with a China Compulsory Certification (CCC/3C) logo. Those without this certification will almost certainly be confiscated on your flight, which can be hugely frustrating if you’re depending on it for your travels.
Despite the various annoyances that travel entails (flight delays, border queues, confusing passport rules – to name a few we’ve experienced this year), overall we are fortunate to live in a world where travel is so easy. We can jump on a budget flight to Spain, whiz over to Paris or Amsterdam on the Eurostar, and even cross the Atlantic for a US break in a few hours. We have phones that work in whatever country we land in, apps that translate what we want to say instantly, and we can even stay connected on wifi at 30,000ft. So I think sometimes it’s good to be pushed outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves when travelling – and China will certainly offer you that.
Read more: How to have the ultimate city break in Chengdu
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Guizhou is known for its natural beauty
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Air France plane made ‘unauthorised’ turn into path of flight
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KFC sparks backlash over plans to launch in Dolomites
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EES glitch preventing travellers from crossing Europe’s borders
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With the British weather getting gloomier, here’s how to ditch the grey clouds and go where the sea and sky are blue
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On a cookery class in Zanzibar, Rhonda Carrier learned the strength of local women in this region of Africa
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Leaving behind the acoustics of London, Natalie Wilson tapped into the Tuscan Apennines for lessons in stillness
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Are you booking a holiday during the Black Friday sales?
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As we approach the Black Friday sales, holidays, cruises and flights are already seeing discounts to help travellers secure their next dose of sunshine. So, this week I want to know if you're in the market for a bargain this Black Friday. Are you shopping for your next beach break? Or do the deals not help get you to your next destination?
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In last week's newsletter, I asked whether you would choose to live on a cruise ship. A huge 89 per cent of you were happy to stay on dry land, with 11 per cent keen to ride the wave of life at sea.
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Whether you're exploring a windswept coastline, enjoying a winter city break, heading off on a countryside adventure or simply embracing the great outdoors, staying warm and comfortable is essential. The secret? Pack smart, layer up and be prepared for whatever the weather has in store.
A Dryrobe makes an excellent travel companion, offering warmth, comfort and protection from the elements. Perfect for blustery beach walks, outdoor adventures, chilly mornings or throwing on after a refreshing dip. Alternatively, our cold-water swimming expert has this changing robe on her Black Friday wishlist, having found it performed particularly well in windy conditions.
Build your outfit around cosy thermal layers, a warm fleece and a waterproof outer layer, adding a hat, gloves and waterproof footwear for extra protection. A good-quality travel flask, like our favourite from Thermos, is another must-have, keeping your favourite hot drink close at hand when temperatures dip.
Don't forget practical extras such as thermal socks, a lightweight packable down jacket and a cosy travel blanket. With a few well-chosen essentials in your bag, you can embrace the great outdoors, whatever the weather, and enjoy your journey without letting the cold slow you down.
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Many people I speak to feel a hesitancy about visiting the Middle East at present given conflict in the region, but I would urge travellers not to discount this part of the world for their 2027 trips. I wrote last week about how Dubai is encouraging tourists back and I’ve always been a big fan of Jordan, but my next trip to the Middle East will be to Oman. And I’m feeling particularly excited about it after reading Tamara Davison’s article in Independent Travel this week about the people who have been keeping the tourism industry afloat in Oman, despite the challenges of the past year. Tamara writes: “In cities like Muscat and Nizwa, clouds of frankincense waft through meandering souks and streets of pale pink architecture. And beyond the cities lie uncrowded mountains, deserts, and oceans with an understated feel you don’t get in other Gulf countries.”
It’s these uncrowded mountains that really hold the appeal for me. Tamara met with mountain guide Hassan AlDaghari in Jebel Akhdar (which translates as the “Green Mountain”), a vast range that’s best visited in a 4x4, offering hiking, rock climbing and plenty of opportunity for adventure. Hassan said that he loves showing visitors an unexpected side of the country, but that tourist numbers are lower than he'd like. He told Tamara: “We hope [for more tourists], but you can tell from reservations … it's still quiet.” While for Oman’s sake (and particularly the locals that depend on tourism), I do hope that travellers come back, there’s also something very appealing about visiting a destination that is blissfully peaceful – which is why now could be the ideal time to visit Oman.
Read Tamara's full article on visiting Oman
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Set sail solo with Fred Olsen, proudly voted Best Cruise Line for Solo Travellers for two consecutive years.
Enjoy smaller ships, a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of entertainment, with the freedom to explore at your own pace while feeling part of a friendly onboard community. Discover a range of destinations, dates and itineraries with offers for solo travellers. Find out more.
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Relax at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, a charming 17th-century manor house in the Essex village of Stock, with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room.
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Stay at the award-winning Leonardo Hotel Chester, just moments from the city centre. Includes full English breakfast and a bottle of prosecco.
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