Lucy Thackray

1 day ago | thetimes.com | Emma Thomson |Lucy Thackray

1 week ago | thetimes.com | Lucy Thackray |Victoria Brzezinski

In a big, dense city like London, it's worth stepping out of the hotel scene and living like a local, courtesy of a fabulous apartment rental. Not only will you find more spacious and unique living quarters using the likes of Airbnb, Vrbo and Plum Guide, you'll also be able to save money by self-catering; gather bespoke local tips from the property's owners; and be closer to relaxed, authentic dining scenes.

1 month ago | thetimes.com | Lucy Thackray

2 months ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Lucy Thackray

The ultimate New York City guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in the Big AppleIt’s both a lifetime must-see and a complex grid of honking cars and rushing commuters, full of potential frustrations. New York City has its own microculture, made up of tip-demanding cabbies, incredible restaurants, brusque deli owners, spendy museums, hedonistic rooftops and straight-off-the-screen sights.

2 months ago | thetimes.com | Lucy Thackray |Qin Xie

1. TurkeyWhile some of southern Europe still sees chilly days and patches of drizzle in May, southern Turkey is heating up. In the coastal resorts of Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Marmaris, you'll find daytime temperatures of around 25C, a sea warm enough to swim in and very little rainfall. You'll also snap up some bargains on beach hotels and villas in this already affordable nation, just over four hours' flight from the UK.