As 2025 draws to a close, I'm looking back on my travel highlights of the year. I travelled to three new countries (Latvia, Guatemala and Belize) and one new island (Mallorca) in 2025. I also enjoyed return visits to destinations like Cannes, the Gorges du Verdon, Cambridge and Windsor. These are the moments and experiences from my 2025 travels that stayed with me — and might just inspire your next trip.
While spending a long weekend in Riga last month, I checked out some of the Latvian capital's many excellent specialty coffee shops. Most of the cafés I visited were located in the Art Nouveau district, although there are also some good options in the Old Town. Sadly, Easter Monday closures meant I didn't make it to all of the venues on my list, but read on to discover my favourite Riga coffee spots.
With Easter approaching, I took advantage of the long weekend to book a city break in Riga. Compact and walkable, the Latvian capital blends rich history with a creative energy and beautiful architecture, from the pastel-hued Old Town to elegant Art Nouveau landmarks. Planning a trip to Riga? Here's how I spent 72 hours in the city and my recommendations for places to eat, drink, shop and explore.
