EXCLUSIVE I've solo travelled to over 60 countries - there's an underrated European city that feels like you're in South America
But, while travelling alone as a woman is not a new phenomenon, there are certainly many more people willing to travel solo than ever before.
The problem is, unlike the rugged adventures of pioneers like cyclist and author Dervla Murphy or travel writer Martha Gellhorn, many of today's solo travellers prioritise shiny Insta backdrops and photoshoots, over connecting with local people, or delving into the culture and history of a place.
From the heavily-touristic capitals of Paris and Rome, to little-visited Polish and Romanian gems, over the past 20 years, I've visited more than 60 countries, and over 30 European cities.
Some impress with ornate and ancient buildings, intriguing street art and great food.
But, unfortunately, many now overflow with spots geared up for social media - all style and no substance.
So if you're looking to escape the crowds for a culture-filled, solo-friendly trip that won't break the bank, these are my top picks.
Łódź, Poland
As soon as I arrived in the Polish town of Łódź (pronounced 'woodge'), I knew I was going to love it.
Filled with over 30 large-scale street art murals by talented global and local artists, Łódź draws creative souls, including the late film director David Lynch, who described the city as having 'beautiful winter light'.
Once a textile manufacturing hub, the now-burgeoning city has a seriously special air and a handful of top-notch modern art galleries, including my favourite, MS2, which houses works by Natalia LL, a controversial Polish artist who was way before her time with her work that comments on feminism and misogyny.
Spanning out from the city's main street, sit reclaimed factory buildings, outdoor markets, fun cafes, and mirrored passageways.
Łódź is also home to some of the most delicious and affordable cuisine in Europe, making it ideal for solo travellers.
Head to Len i Bawełna and Anatewka to sample some of the best, and don't miss a homemade doughnut from Gorąca Paczkarnia F-Wiatrak.
Tbilisi, Georgia
It's debated whether the transcontinental country of Georgia sits in Europe or Asia, but, since many Georgians consider themselves European, I've included wonderful Tbilisi on my list.
Ideal for solo travellers due to the large range of well-priced and well-designed apartments for rent, and an array of stunning restaurants, I could spend month after month in Georgia's capital.
While it was once slightly more under the radar, thanks to a lack of direct flights from the UK, easyJet and British Airways are now making the journey from London airports.
Ideal for both countryside and city lovers, the area surrounding the city centre boasts swimmable lakes, dramatic hikes, and quirky cable car rides - and the food is sublime too.
Visit Klike's Khinkali for the best khinkali (Georgian dumplings) in town.
Pamplona, Spain
Fans of Ernest Hemingway will love Pamplona, since it's where the writer spent time during his 20s.
Statues, busts and street art creations of the man himself dot the streets, where compared to Madrid and Barcelona, tourists are few and far between.
I loved strolling through old town Pamplona's pastel-coloured townhouses, and admiring the Church of San Saturnino, both of which ensure superlative backdrops as the sun sets.
Painted in mustard yellow, and decked out with ornate columns and bold chandeliers, Cafe Iruna was the spot I liked to laze in during the afternoon.
One of Hem's fave watering holes, it still serves decent drinks and affordable tapas, plus there's a life-sized statue of Hemingway propping up the bar at the back.
Timișoara, Romania
The third-largest city in Romania may not be an obvious solo destination, but its under-the-radar status means it's authentic and not touristy at all, making it a true hidden gem.
When I visited, during one cold January, I practically had the city to myself, and was met with grandiose buildings and cobblestone plazas that reminded me of my travels through South America.
What's more, my return flight cost just £19.
I mostly strolled during the day and dined on hearty Romanian food each evening, with Casa Bunicii's pork knuckle with rosemary potatoes, and homemade lemonade being a sure-fire favourite.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Lydia says: 'Less crowded than hip Berlin, prettier than Hamburg, and closer to the UK than Munich, Frankfurt is just the ticket if you're looking for an alternative weekend away'
Less crowded than hip Berlin, prettier than Hamburg, and closer to the UK than Munich, Frankfurt is just the ticket if you're looking for an alternative weekend away.
For solo travellers, this walkable, photogenic metropolis, and its riverside location, is ideal.
It's brimming with plenty of things to see and do, including Goethe House - the birthplace, and now museum, of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The only area solo travellers should be weary of is around the main train station as it can get a bit rowdy come nightfall.
Art lovers will be particularly impressed by the many large-scale murals around town, with a handful by acclaimed artists, such as Case Maclaim, Thomas Stolz, and Artmos4.
Naples, Italy
Home to a Banksy, a fun Diego Maradona shrine and the awe-inspiring Museo Cappella Sansevero, Naples delights on each and every corner.
And, unlike the shiny, polished streets of Milan and Florence, which overflow with steady streams of tourists all year round, it's possible to witness Naples without the crowds should you time your trip well.
I visited in the middle of August when the oppressive Italian heat kept most other tourists at bay and fell in love with the characterful place immediately.
Without a doubt, my favourite place is the astounding Museo Cappella Sansevero.
Here, a handful of Europe's (if not, the world's) most beautiful sculptures can be found - all of which feature incredible artistic skill with translucent veils and fishing nets crafted from marble.
And, for anyone not comfortable dining alone, Naples' large range of pizzerias all offer take-out options.
Famed for its inclusion in Elizabeth Gilbert's solo bible, Eat, Pray, Love, the pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele really is some of the best in the city, regardless of the cliche.
But, be prepared to queue - this is a spot loved by locals and tourists alike.
Vilnius, Lithuania
While tourists are getting wise about the charms of Vilnius, it's still fairly under the radar, with around 120,000 visitors per month, compared to Paris' four million.
Known for its medieval old town that features cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, it also feels safe for solo females and is pretty affordable.
Return flights can be snagged for as little as £34 if you're lucky.
My favourite part of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Užupis, a tiny commune that's a haven for artists and art lovers, but there's also riverside walks, plenty of impressive churches to admire, and a range of cosy bars and restaurants to relax in.
Istanbul, Turkey
After spending two weeks in the vibrant Turkish hotspot that straddles Europe and Asia, the pretty areas of Cukurcuma and Cihangir quickly became my favourites.
Delighting travellers with antique stores, historic hammams and cat-filled cobblestones, I found these hip neighbourhoods brimming with warmth and hospitality, without the crowds.
One of Istanbul's oldest hammams, Aga Hamami, is unmissable.
Dating back to 1454, the building itself is as impressive as the treatments on offer, while the nearby Museum of Innocence is well worth a visit, too.
The wide array of cafes, bars and restaurants all are well priced and welcome solo-ers.
Tatbak, Geyik and Mellow quickly became my top spots for dining and drinking out alone.
Sofia, Bulgaria
With an abundance of street art, informative communist walking tours, affordable holiday rentals, and plenty of hearty cuisine, Sofia makes a sound escape for solo travellers.
While it is indeed the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia doesn't get the crowds associated with other European capitals.
This meant I didn't need to make restaurant reservations or plan too far ahead when I last visited.
Even better? Airbnb has over 1,000 listings in the city, starting from just £35 a night for a one-bedroom central apartment.
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THE TIMES AND THE SUNDAY TIMES TRAVEL AWARDS 2025 PRIZE DRAW PROMOTION RULES: 1. By entering this competition (the Promotion), you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (the Terms and Conditions). Completion and submission of an entry form or email will also be deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Promotional materials relating to the Promotion, including all information on how to enter the Promotion published in publications of the Promoter (including social media if applicable) or on the Promoter's websites, also form part of these Terms and Conditions. In the event of any conflict between any terms referred to in such promotional materials and these Terms and Conditions, these Terms and Conditions take precedence.2. The promoter of this Promotion is Times Media Limited (publishers of The Times and The Sunday Times) of 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF (the Promoter). Eligibility 1. The Promotion is only open to residents of the United Kingdom. 2. You must be aged 18 years or older to enter the Promotion. 3. The following individuals are not eligible to enter the Promotion:(a) employees and agents of the Promoter, News Corp UK & Ireland Limited (or any group companies of the Promoter or News Corp UK & Ireland Limited);(b) employees and agents of (i) any organisation directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion (including third party promotional partners); and (ii) any associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies of such organisations or partners; and(c) the immediate families and household members of all such employees and agents referred to in (a) and (b). 1. By entering the Promotion, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and are eligible to claim the Prize you may win. The Promoter may require you to provide proof of your age, residency, and eligibility to enter the Promotion. If a Winner is found to be ineligible, the Promoter reserves the right to award the Prize to another participant and to require the return of the Prize (or any portion of the Prize) if already awarded. The Promoter's decision as to whether an entrant is eligible for this promotion is final and the Promoter is not obliged to provide any reasons for disqualification.2. You must comply with the laws that apply to you in the jurisdiction that you access the Promotion from. If any laws applicable to you restrict or prohibit you from entering the Promotion, you must comply with those laws and, if applicable, refrain from entering the Promotion. Timing 1. The Promotion starts at 00.00am (UK time) on July 20, 2025 and closes at 23.59pm (UK time) on August 31, 2025 (the Promotion Period). Any entries received outside the Promotion Period are automatically disqualified. How to Enter 1. To enter you must complete and submit the entry form available at during the Promotion Period only.2. Participants may make a maximum of one entry per person during the Promotion Period. Participants may only win one Prize per person, irrespective of the number of entries submitted. Bulk, automatically generated or third party entries are void. 3. The Promoter reserves the right to remove or temporarily suspend any entries submitted from the Promotion if it reasonably suspects any breach of these Terms and Conditions or if it receives any complaint from any third party relating to such entry.4. Any entries received other than via the official entry method will not be accepted. Use of script, macro or any automated system to enter the Promotion is prohibited. Entries made (or which appear to have been made) using any such system may be treated as void. Any illegible, incomplete or fraudulent entries will be rejected. No purchase of any product or service is required to enter into this Promotion. 5. Incomplete or illegible entries will be void. Winners and Prizes 1. There will be only 10 (ten) winners of the Promotion (the Winners), who will receive a Prize (as defined below). The Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries for this Promotion received during the Promotion Period by a computer process that produces verifiably random results. There will be no prizes for any other participants.2. The Prize is: Prize 1: Seven-night stay at Chateau Les Bains including LeShuttle car passes One Winner will win a seven-night self-catered stay for up to ten guests at Chateau Les Bains chateau and cottage in the Loire Valley. Accommodation is provided on a self-catering basis. Accommodation includes stocked fridge/pantry on arrival (up to the value of €200), maid service for three hours per day, bathrobes and slippers and wi-fi. In the unlikely event that the villa is no longer available with Oliver's Travels a replacement villa will be provided of equal or greater value. Prize also includes two standard LeShuttle car passes. Subject to availability, Prize must be redeemed within one year and booked at least six weeks in advance of departure date. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates apply including Christmas, New Year, Easter, and July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. Winner and his/her guests must travel on the same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with the same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Winner can invite additional guests, up to a total of twenty (20), at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Oliver's Travels terms and conditions. Stay must adhere to the terms listed here: Prize 2: Seven-night stay at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia One Winner will win a 7 (seven) night holiday for two adults to Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia only. Winner and guest will be sharing a Premium Bedroom Hilltop Villa with a pool. Accommodation is provided on a bed and breakfast basis. Prize includes $100 (one hundred dollars) spa credit and a day trip to the Sulphur Springs and waterfalls, with local lunch. Prize also includes return economy flights. Exact flight date/time will be selected at Prize provider's discretion. Prize includes overseas transfers to the resort only. Prize excludes UK transfers. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from UK airport at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked by April 1, 2026 and must be booked 30 days in advance of departure. Prize must be taken between 1 October 2025 and 1 October 2026, except on the following dates: October 24 to November 2, 2025, December 19, 2025 to January 2, 2026, February 12 to February 22, 2026, April 2 to April 9, 2026, May 6 to May 12, 2026, July 16 and July 23, 2026, local holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on the same itinerary. Flight upgrade cannot be purchased on airfares with cash or Frequent Flyer points. Once tickets have been issued they are valid for the flights/dates shown only. Lounge passes and upgrades are not permitted with these tickets. Compliance with any health or other government requirements is the responsibility of the Winner and guest. 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All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to The Oberoi Group terms and conditions. Prize 4: The Blue Danube River Cruise One Winner will win a 7 (seven) night Danube River cruise for two adults, sharing a cabin. Accommodation is provided on a full board basis. Prize includes return economy flights from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Luton, Gatwick, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham (dependent on selected departure date) with 20kg checked luggage. 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Prize also includes a luxury goody bag for all guests, dinner for four people at Primo Salcombe restaurant, and a private rum tasting experience with the Devon Rum Company. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from Hope Cove at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked by April 1, 2026. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026, except on the following dates: May 22 to May 30, 2026, August 2026, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Winner and his/her guests must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to The Lanterns' terms and conditions. Prize 9: Seven-night Mediterranean cruise with Princess Cruises One Winner will win a Mediterranean cruise sailing from Rome to Athens for two adults, aged 21 or over only. Prize includes a 7 (seven) night cruise for two on board Sun Princess on May 2, 2026 only. Winner and guest will be sharing a deluxe balcony stateroom. Accommodation is provided on an all-inclusive basis. Prize includes onboard main meals (excluding speciality restaurants for which a cover charge will apply), entertainment and most facilities onboard, plus drinks, unlimited wi-fi (one device) and pre-paid gratuities as part of the all-inclusive Princess Plus Fare. Prize includes return economy flights from the Winner's chosen airport (up to the value of £400), with airport lounge access in the UK (if available). Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from UK airport at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize is only applicable to the single departure date provided (May 2, 2026). Prize must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. The Prize does not include travel insurance (adequate insurance is a condition of travel), parking, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, shore excursions, spa treatments, personal expenses, casino, or additional gratuities. The Winner and their guest must have a full valid passport (with validity for 6 months or more beyond the date of travel) to take the trip. The Winner of the cruise will be bound by Princess Cruises' booking terms and conditions and policies (visit Princess Cruises reserves the right to substitute a Prize of equal or greater value and reserves the right to hold void, cancel, suspend or amend the promotion or withdraw the Prize where it becomes necessary to do so, including but not limited to where the cruise is cancelled for reasons outside of Princess Cruises' reasonable control. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Prize is subject to global travel restrictions. Princess Cruises will use the personal data you provide for the purpose of administering this competition and to facilitate redemption of Prize. Personal data will be processed in accordance with Princess Cruises' privacy notice at Prize 10: Eight-night cruise with Explora Journeys Prize is an eight-night cruise for two adults only. Prize includes an 8 (eight) night stay for two on board EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II OR EXPLORA III (launching in summer 2026) and return economy flights from the UK to Europe only, and return economy class transfers (from the destination airport directly to the port). Winner and guest will be sharing an ocean terrace suite. Accommodation is provided on an all inclusive basis. Subject to availability, Prize is valid for travel within 12 months from the end of the Promotion Period, and blackout dates apply including Monaco GP journeys, journeys over Christmas and Thanksgiving. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have a full valid passport (with validity for 6 months or more beyond the date of travel), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Cancellation is allowed until 90 days before the journey. Within 90 days, cancellation will cause the loss of Prize voucher validity. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Explora Journeys terms and conditions. 1. The Prize is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant supplier and their privacy policy will apply to the processing of your personal information.2. The Prize is non-exchangeable and non-transferable. The Winner has no right to request or receive an alternative to the Prize, and the Prize cannot be redeemed for cash or its monetary value, in whole or in part. 3. Notwithstanding paragraph 17 above, in the event that, for any reason beyond the Promoter's reasonable control, the Promoter is unable to award the Prize as described in these Terms and Conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the Prize. The Promoter also reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the Prize if in its reasonable discretion it is appropriate to do so.4. The Winner is responsible for paying all costs and expenses that are not included within the Prize, but are incidental to the Winner redeeming the Prize, including (for example) transport, accommodation, meal costs, spending money, insurance and any other incidentals. The Winner is also personally responsible for any personal expenses and any VAT, national and/or local tax liabilities (if any) incurred in claiming or using the Prize. 5. By participating in the Promotion, participants agree that the Prize is awarded on an 'as is' basis and that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, neither the Promoter nor any of its subsidiary or affiliated companies, make any guarantees, representations or warranties of any nature with respect to the Prize. Winner Notification and Claiming Prize 1. The Promoter will use its reasonable endeavours to notify the Winner by email or phone or using the other contact details provided to the Promoter within 14 days after the end of the Promotion Period. The Winner needs to confirm acceptance of the Prize within 14 days of being notified they have won. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their Prize. 2. If a Winner (i) cannot be contacted within this 14 day window or (ii) refuses or is unable to confirm acceptance of the Prize, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw a new Winner (at random, using a computer process that produces verifiably random results), from the remaining valid entries that were received during the Promotion Period.3. The Prize will be delivered, or details with instructions on how to book or obtain the Prize will be communicated, to the Winner within a reasonable time and by no later than 28 (twenty eight) days after the Prize has been accepted. Publicity and Data Protection 1. The Promoter will collect and process participants' personal information in accordance with the privacy policy at See also clauses 21 to 23, with regard to announcement of the Winner. 2. The Promoter is required to either publish or make available information that indicates a valid award took place. As such, (and subject to any objections of the Winner) the Promoter will send the surname and county of the Winner and, if applicable, copies of their winning entries, to anyone that contacts the Promoter at the address given above by no later than 28 (twenty eight) days after the end of the Promotion Period. 3. The Winner of this Promotion may be asked to participate in publicity.4. If a Winner objects to their information being published and/or made available, or participating in publicity as described above, they should inform the Promoter at the earliest opportunity by emailing care@ The Winner acknowledges that the Promoter may still be required to share their details with the Advertising Standards Authority or other regulators. Liability 1. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall in any way limit or exclude the Promoter's liability for fraudulent misrepresentation, death or personal injury caused by its negligence or for any other matter where liability may not be limited as a matter of law. 2. The Promoter will not be responsible for any damage, loss or injury resulting from participants' entry into the Promotion or their acceptance and/or use of the Prize, or for technical, hardware or software failures, lost, faulty or unavailable network connections or difficulties of any kind that may limit or prohibit participant's ability to participate in the Promotion. Your statutory rights are not affected.3. The Promoter will not be responsible for any lost, damaged, defaced, incomplete, illegible or otherwise unreadable entries. Proof of sending an entry (whether by post, email, SMS or other method) is not proof of receipt by the Promoter of any entries.4. Without prejudice to a participant's statutory rights and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Promoter, its agents or distributors will not be responsible or liable to compensate the Winner or accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by or any personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up a Prize.5. The title in the Prize and any risk of loss or damage to the Prize will pass to the Winner upon delivery of the Prize to such Winner. The Promoter is not liable for or obliged to replace any defective, lost, damaged or stolen Prize where such defect, loss or damage is not due to the fault and/or negligence of the Promoter. General 1. If you have any difficulty accessing or entering this Promotion, please contact the Promoter at care@ If you would like these terms and conditions in another format (for example: audio, large print, braille), please get in contact and the Promoter will endeavour to provide it.2. The Promoter's decision as to the Winner of the Prize is final and binding on the participants. The Promoter will not enter into correspondence with participants in relation to this decision.3. Participants agree to keep confidential any information of any nature regarding the Promoter and its businesses, personnel, agents, sponsors and event promoters received by participants as a result of winning or participating in any Promotion.4. The provision of the Prize does not imply endorsement by the Promoter of any third parties concerned in any way with the Promotion. Any complaints or queries relating to the use of the Prize should be directed to the prize provider. 5. Unless otherwise stated in the promotional materials, this Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant Prize. Participants are providing their information to the Promoter and not to the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant Prize (although, if a participant wins, their details may be disclosed to the Prize provider in order to provide them with the Prize).6. Participants must not do anything illegal and/or dangerous and/or that would put themselves or others at any risk with the Prize or in connection with the Promotion in any way. 7. Any participant who enters or attempts to enter the Promotion in a manner, which in the Promoter's reasonable opinion is contrary to these Terms and Conditions or by its nature is unjust to other participants (including tampering with the operation of the Promotion, cheating, hacking, deception or any other unfair playing practices such as intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other participants or the Promoter and/or any of its agents or representatives) may be rejected from the Promotion at the Promoter's sole discretion. Furthermore, where such actions have significantly impaired the Promotion, the Promoter may, at its sole discretion, add further stages to the Promotion as it deems reasonably necessary in order to resolve any problems arising from such actions.8. The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to cancel, modify or amend any element of the Promotion and/or these Terms and Conditions. Any such cancellation or any material amendment will be notified by posting the updated Terms and Conditions on the Promoter's website. The Promoter is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to you as a result of any event outside the Promoter's control.9. These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute or claim arising in association with the Promotion or these Terms and Conditions.10. The Promoter may transfer all or part of its rights under these Terms and Conditions to someone else without obtaining your consent; provided such transfer does not significantly disadvantage you.11. Any provision of these Terms and Conditions which is deemed illegal and/or prohibited or unenforceable under any applicable law will be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
ALEXANDRA SHULMAN'S NOTEBOOK: My guide to making our US friends feel at home
A few months back I wrote of how the Americans were coming to London, bringing with them early dining and a takeover of the capital's tennis courts. Many of those escaping Trump's America are also bringing the big buck spending power we urgently need now that wealthy non-doms are leaving en masse. So we must welcome the Americans, keep them close and make sure that they don't skip off to Portugal or Spain after one British winter (they don't speak the language there, so there's hope). Writer Lena Dunham, whose TV series Girls in the mid-2010s defined an era of New York singledom, is one of those who has relocated here. It seems to have inspired her new Netflix comedy series Too Much, in which the central character, Jessica, is posted to London for work. Unlike most hyper-organised Americans I know here, Jessica is a chaotic hot mess. 'Do the British find American accents as sexy as we find yours?' she asks her new London boyfriend, who fails to come up with the correct answer, which should be, 'Of course. We love listening to you!' To ensure we Brits don't make similar mistakes with our valued new guests, I have devised a few guidelines to make Americans feel more at home: Do not ask 'What's a person like you doing in a place like this?' – as I heard one Brit say to my American ex-husband over dinner in a club. Do not make jokes about Toto to an American who mentions Kansas. Do show your amazement that they manage to get tickets to every sold-out show in town like Oasis or Wimbledon. Do not ask 'How much did you have to pay for that?' Americans like to drink spirits. Never greet them with 'Would you like a glass of red, white or pink?' Prepare them for the fact that whenever somebody asks how long it takes to get somewhere, the Brits will always underestimate and claim you can get there in no time at all. Cheltenham has never been an hour and a half drive from London. Don't mention Trump – no matter which political side they are on. They are fed up with hearing our opinions on that subject. Sarah may bloom out of the limelight Like many, I've bought my fair share of plants from Sarah Raven. Some have thrived, some haven't – just like plants I've bought anywhere. For years, Sarah's been the face of her gardening company, with its sumptuous catalogue and website that tempts even the most hopeless gardener into orders of cafe au lait dahlias. There she is, dressed in smocks and gardening aprons, secateurs at the ready. Now, as her business hits trouble, she's suffering the usual backlash directed at any woman who is the public face of their company. Being in that position swings both ways. Customers often buy from women they want to emulate – Victoria Beckham, Charlotte Tilbury, Trinny Woodall. They want to hear them speak, watch them move, see what they wear. Their personality is a big part of the draw. But it's hard work being so visible – and when bad times roll in, it is the woman leading from the front who gets personally attacked. Often, like perfumer Jo Malone or homeware designer Cath Kidston, you even lose the rights to your own name and have to watch strangers do with it what they will. I'm sure Sarah Raven will recalibrate her business and will soon be tempting us with her spring bulbs again. But perhaps this time with her face slightly less conspicuously on the tin. Michelle's hair now has a life of its own Cherchez la femme, cherchez les cheveux. If you want to know what's going on with a woman, the best place to look is her hair. Michelle Obama is the perfect illustration of this truism. During her First Lady years, Obama's hair was a straightened helmet – as rigid as Lady Thatcher's famous shampoo and set. Since leaving the White House her hair has taken on a whole new identity. In the videos that accompany the IMO podcast she shares with her brother Craig, her ever-changing hairdos tell the story of her liberation from the presidential lifestyle. Now her daughters have left home and her husband is no longer in office, her life is 'totally about me', she claims. So enter the intricate braids and buns, extensions and weaves that she presumably felt she couldn't indulge in when her husband was leader of the free world. She often looks like a fabulous warrior queen. I wonder if Rachel Reeves will go wild when she no longer has to convince the country she knows what she's doing with our economy. Will she run free and let that neat bob morph into a rock chick layered shag? An Astute present that's fit for a Queen Some might consider the personalised clingfilm dispenser HMS Astute given to Queen Camilla for her 78th birthday a little odd. Not me. The business of severing film from the roll is not part of my skill set and, invariably, I end up with a nasty tangle of the stuff, incapable of keeping anything fresh. I'm sure the Navy have come up with something a notch above your bog-standard cardboard number. I'd love to know where they got it. A houseful of clutter – what's not to love? What cheering news that the young are apparently turning to analogue entertainment, buying DVDs and even searching out vintage Walkman players to listen to cassettes. They'll discover it's much more satisfying than streaming. We still have shelves of old record albums and CDs in the house, which I've been unable to throw out even though I rarely play them. They're like the clothes you keep in your wardrobe which are highly unlikely ever to fit you again. You feel content in their company. They are faithful old friends reminding you of times past.
