These routes were made for walking

Let the other tourists fight over sun loungers while you head for the hills. Nick Redman suggests 10 great autumn walks in the mountains of Europe

Ask a fellow traveller

The Cycle Touring Club (ctc.org.uk) has three well-established routes and other information for members that can be downloaded from its website. The YHA (yha.org.uk) and the Scottish YHA (syha.org.uk) have a 16-day route between their hostels, which you can download. Book two to three weeks in advance as certain hostels, like those in the Lake District if you plan to tackle the Kirkstone Pass, get very busy. Also worth stopping at Carbisdale Castle SYHA, north of Inverness, possibly the best hostel in the world.

Safety in numbers

Don't know your UVA from your UVB? All at sea about SPFs? Brigid Moss grills the experts on summer's hottest health issue - sun protection.

World of pain

The global reach of more adventurous travel brings exposure to a host of potentially fatal diseases.

Fresh starts

Whether cycling through mountain valleys or hiking around its lakes, you can get an affordable taste of Alpine living in Slovenia. Just don't expect a lie-in, says Gwyn Topham

Careful how you go

Dr Jules Eden tells you how to avoid being taken ill when you're away.