The best cruises in the Med this summer

Simon Calder’s Travel Week ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD04ejY5NGJlcXd5ajlXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Sunday, June 23, 2024     ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD00ZmNuODI2eXB6aWxXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD0yc29jZ2dic3dubmJXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~   One of the most magical ways to see a country is on the water – whether that’s sailing down the Nile, [cruising around the Adriatic](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9jcm9hdGlhL2Jlc3QtY3JvYXRpYS1jcnVpc2UtaG9saWRheS1hZHJpYXRpYy1iMjU2NTI4OS5odG1sP2xpZD1xenZveDJubm5oNThXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) or hopping between the Aeolian islands. So this week at Independent Travel, we’re celebrating [all things cruise](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZT9saWQ9cWloNjdlbWV4OGN2VwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). And by this we don’t just mean the giant ships filled with amenities that take you on multi-week holidays, but also the [calmer river cruises](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXJpdmVyLWNydWlzZXMtd29ybGQtMjAyNC1iMjQ0NjM2NC5odG1sP2xpZD10eGNzem52YzNoa3BXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) that explore [hidden waterways of Europe](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RkaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXJpdmVyLWNydWlzZXMtZXVyb3BlLWIyMzU4MTAxLmh0bWw_bGlkPTR2dHNlaW9jOXhlb1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or the sailboats that allow you to access some of the most remote corners of the globe like the Galapagos and French Polynesia. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTV6MHZwNmVtaXNlelcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Sun-drenched southern Europe is full of holiday hotspots](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWV2Zmhid2JjanE2ZFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3dpbnRlci1zdW4taG9saWRheXMvYmVzdC13aW50ZXItc3VuLWhvbGlkYXlzLW1lZGl1bS1oYXVsLWIyNDE3OTg5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXVkNmowMTY5cXowMVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ If you’re new to sailing adventures, the [Mediterranean is a good place to start.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPW55Y3F6ZjdpMXRnYVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Southern Europe boasts an incredible 28,600 miles of coastline dotted with [beautiful cities](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9iZXN0LWJ1ZGdldC1ldXJvcGUtY2l0eS1icmVhay1iMjMyMTg5NS5odG1sP2xpZD05bGU5NWp1YTFzbWFXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) that are filled with culture and excellent cuisine. Or if you want to look further afield, try Egypt with its many felucca cruises, a journey down the Mekong River in a traditional Cambodian boat, or even an epic expedition to Antarctica. Read on more inspiration.   For 30 years I have been writing as The Man Who Pays His Way – with the strongest of incentives to seek out the best value in travel, and to hold holiday companies, airlines and the rest of the industry to account. They still advertise with The Independent, and work with us in partnership on commercial ventures (all of which are clearly badged, incidentally, to keep them distinct from pure editorial). During those three decades, the travel desk has always been small but focused: telling the stories of innovation, indulgence and adventure, along with a reliable tangle of transport chaos along the way. My excellent colleagues (all of whom seem to be even younger than me) are also formidably productive. The work has become sharper and faster since The Independent went entirely online eight years ago, and as a reader I believe the journalism is even better. To judge for yourself, [try taking out a subscription](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD1tMHIyaGRkb3piaHdXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~); by doing so, you will join the elite who can ask direct travel questions of me every week, in [our special Premium Ask Me Anything newsletter](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD1teHBqbWt4ZDdmbzZXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). And for a limited time only, you can [secure 6 months for just £1](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD15NHBjaDh6NWZwOHNXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). Looking forward to hearing from you. [SECURE 6 MONTHS FOR JUST £1](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD00dmRoejBja2VwYmhXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL2VuZ2xhbmQvZm9sa2VzdG9uZS1iZWFjaC1zZWFzaWRlLW1vdmUtbG9uZG9uLWIyMTYxNjk4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWdiYjJ2eTFnN25ta1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ High life in Gib At the far western end of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar offers cruise visitors the “Thrill Seekers Trail”: one of the world’s greatest urban hikes, including the Windsor Suspension Bridge. [48 HOURS IN GIBRALTAR](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0SGaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9naWJyYWx0YXItdHJhdmVsLWd1aWRlLWJlc3QtaG90ZWxzLXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzLXRoaW5ncy10by1kby1iMTc2NzIzMS5odG1sP2xpZD0weWpibnZrNmFwODlXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0ReaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL2Jlc3QtbW91bnRhaW5zLWNsaW1iLXVrLWIyMzQ0NzExLmh0bWw_bGlkPWxoMTZieGp6b2JyY1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Kotor call The most dramatic approach of any Adriatic cruise port is Kotor in Montenegro, which involves sailing inland along a narrow fjord. The town itself is also well worth exploring. [OUR GUIDE TO KOTOR](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9tb250ZW5lZ3JvL2tvdG9yLW1vbnRlbmVncm8tY2F0cy10cmF2ZWwtbWVkaWV2YWwtYjIzMTgzMjMuaHRtbD9saWQ9cnM1NGtlNzlhZDM1VwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2FuZGFscy5jby51ay8_bGlkPTBycGRwZWwxdXNzeVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Extra £125 off an all-inclusive Caribbean holiday](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0SLaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGlzaGFpcndheXMuY29tL2VuLWdiL2Rlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy9ob3RlbC1pbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9NaWFtaS9LaW1wdG9uLUhvdGVsLVBhbG9tYXItU291dGgtQmVhY2gvVVMtUDg1LTYyODIwMDA_bGlkPW55dXRqYWJ6MmRsdFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Offer applies to 18 adults-only Sandals Resorts and three family-friendly Beaches Resorts. [Learn more](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2FuZGFscy5jby51ay8_bGlkPThrZTBmYXBybWhxc1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RcaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZnVubmVsLmNvLnVrL2lzbGUtb2Ytd2lnaHQtaG9saWRheXMvdG91cmluZy1jYW1waW5nLXBhY2thZ2VzP2xpZD0waG12ZzhsNXBtcnRXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Enjoy an Isle of Wight camping break from £124](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RcaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZnVubmVsLmNvLnVrL2lzbGUtb2Ytd2lnaHQtaG9saWRheXMvdG91cmluZy1jYW1waW5nLXBhY2thZ2VzP2xpZD1sbWhnY25hcHp4ZjBXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Red Funnel is offering a Camping & Touring Package starting at just £13 per person a night. [Learn more](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RcaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZnVubmVsLmNvLnVrL2lzbGUtb2Ytd2lnaHQtaG9saWRheXMvdG91cmluZy1jYW1waW5nLXBhY2thZ2VzP2xpZD1zdHR5b2oycDdqNG1XBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RBaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGlzaGFpcndheXMuY29tL2VuLWdiL29mZmVycy9zYWxlP2xpZD1qYmQ5ZWZmOWdrZXlXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Save on New York flights with British Airways](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RBaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGlzaGFpcndheXMuY29tL2VuLWdiL29mZmVycy9zYWxlP2xpZD0yMWRjenRpZjUzbXhXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) The sale, which runs until July 11, includes flights and holidays to a range of destinations. [Learn more](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RBaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGlzaGFpcndheXMuY29tL2VuLWdiL29mZmVycy9zYWxlP2xpZD1wbjdlYTU2ZGpvMGFXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9jcm9hdGlhL2Jlc3QtY3JvYXRpYS1jcnVpc2UtaG9saWRheS1hZHJpYXRpYy1iMjU2NTI4OS5odG1sP2xpZD1qZmQ2empxbmhtenhXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ Spotlight on Cruising Croatia From walled cities and lush island gems to wine tastings, we've rounded up the best experiences you can enjoy on a Croatia cruise. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0SEaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFtZXJpY2EvdXNhL2Zsb3JpZGEvZGlzbmV5LXdvcmxkLXRyYWluLW9ybGFuZG8tZmxvcmlkYS11c2EtYjI1MDc5MDYuaHRtbD9saWQ9cnRkdm1ocnBxZ2ZqVwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj[See the full list.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9jcm9hdGlhL2Jlc3QtY3JvYXRpYS1jcnVpc2UtaG9saWRheS1hZHJpYXRpYy1iMjU2NTI4OS5odG1sP2xpZD1nbjExamZkM2FnN3FXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0SDaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFtZXJpY2EvdXNhL2Zsb3JpZGEvYmVzdC1mbG9yaWRhLXRoZW1lLXBhcmtzLWRpc25leS13b3JsZC1iMjQ5Mjg5Ny5odG1sP2xpZD0yNTEzajh6OWM3OHBXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [READ MORE](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9jcm9hdGlhL2Jlc3QtY3JvYXRpYS1jcnVpc2UtaG9saWRheS1hZHJpYXRpYy1iMjU2NTI4OS5odG1sP2xpZD14aGN6bHR3czlycmJXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2FmcmljYS9hZnJpY2EtY3J1aXNlLWhvbGlkYXktc2VuZWdhbC10aGUtZ2FtYmlhLWdoYW5hLWIyNTYwNjc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTRkd2xmeHhiNnFvOFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Adventure travel Africa's wildest coast With demand growing for adventurous escapes, our writer set sail on a holiday at sea that takes travellers away from the usual tourist spots. [Read more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2FmcmljYS9hZnJpY2EtY3J1aXNlLWhvbGlkYXktc2VuZWdhbC10aGUtZ2FtYmlhLWdoYW5hLWIyNTYwNjc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWQxeXgwdjdkdWJ0aVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0SHaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFtZXJpY2EvdXNhL2Jlc3QtdXNhLWNpdGllcy1zb2xvLWZlbWFsZS10cmF2ZWwtc2VhdHRsZS1hdXN0aW4tYjIzMDY2MDMuaHRtbD9saWQ9NDg5ZmpoOW9zaWxtVwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS90dXJpbi1sYW5naGUtaXRhbHktcGllZG1vbnQtY3VsdHVyZS13aW5lLWIyNDQ0NjQ0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTdldjZkcWM2NjR1c1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [LEARN MORE](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2FmcmljYS9hZnJpY2EtY3J1aXNlLWhvbGlkYXktc2VuZWdhbC10aGUtZ2FtYmlhLWdoYW5hLWIyNTYwNjc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPW95bjg0YzZzOGx3aFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) From my cabin, balcony doors flung open to enjoy dolphins and Atlantic breezes, I watched Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia come and go. Mark Stratton Travel writer ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTgwOWM2YjNodmVjMVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Inspiration Top Mediterranean cruises With excursions exploring the Greek gods and enjoying platters of tapas, southern Europe offers some of the best at-sea experiences. [Plan your trip.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWF6eXV6cm5yZzRmblcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [GET INSPIRED](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW1lZGl0ZXJyYW5lYW4tY3J1aXNlLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy0yMDI0LWIyNTY1MzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXQ1ZTR6em8zejV2alcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW5vcnRoZXJuLWxpZ2h0cy1jcnVpc2VzLWIyNDY3Mzc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWVtbzFidnQwenJnd1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ How to do it Spot the Northern Lights It doesn't get much better than watching the aurora borealis dazzling from your deck or balcony – these are the best ways to do it. [Read more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW5vcnRoZXJuLWxpZ2h0cy1jcnVpc2VzLWIyNDY3Mzc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWV6aXU1Y2EwcTNlcVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [EXPLORE NOW](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LW5vcnRoZXJuLWxpZ2h0cy1jcnVpc2VzLWIyNDY3Mzc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPW13NzgzYXRwMGl1d1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXNvbG8tY3J1aXNlLWxpbmVzLXNpbmdsZS1wYXNzZW5nZXJzLWIyNTI5NDYyLmh0bWw_bGlkPXFpcWdpb2Q2MjlpbFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Sea you later: The best lines for solo cruising](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXNvbG8tY3J1aXNlLWxpbmVzLXNpbmdsZS1wYXNzZW5nZXJzLWIyNTI5NDYyLmh0bWw_bGlkPXZjYjN6bGZ3ODBiaFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXJpdmVyLWNydWlzZXMtd29ybGQtMjAyNC1iMjQ0NjM2NC5odG1sP2xpZD1hNm9sdDk3cDRwcGpXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [How to have holiday on the world's most incredible rivers](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LXJpdmVyLWNydWlzZXMtd29ybGQtMjAyNC1iMjQ0NjM2NC5odG1sP2xpZD1nYnU5bWZvMWRnN3ZXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RhaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LWNhcmliYmVhbi1jcnVpc2VzLWIyNDAyNjc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTR6bmNpYnYwZWlkNVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Tropical bliss: The Caribbean cruises for a taste of island living](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0RhaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2NydWlzZS9iZXN0LWNhcmliYmVhbi1jcnVpc2VzLWIyNDAyNjc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTR5OG9jN2l4NmJkbVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   [Travel pillow](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRjemhZU04_bGlkPXo5aHRpanRjcWtnYVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Stay comfy on long journeys with this [memory foam travel pillow](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRjemhZU04_bGlkPTVhb2UycHJpOHd0aVcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), now reduced to less than £14. [Garnier ](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRjdVo5elY_bGlkPWtwMDN2N2diZm40c1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Protect your skin for less – this [Garnier SPF30 dry mist spray](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRjdVo5elY_bGlkPXBhMDB6MDRscmRrNlcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) is half price.   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlL2FwcD9saWQ9bGtsbDNjNnQwNTZ2VwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q9aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL25vNXgvZDI1ZTc0Y2M_bGlkPTJya3JzaWczeTM4cFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   [Travel cups](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2hvdXNlLWdhcmRlbi9jb2ZmZWUvYmVzdC1yZXVzYWJsZS1jb2ZmZWUtY3Vwcy1hOTM5MzQ4MS5odG1sP2xpZD15MTg5dWxyMW50cGZXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) We've rounded up the best travel mugs to take on your adventures. [READ NOW](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2hvdXNlLWdhcmRlbi9jb2ZmZWUvYmVzdC1yZXVzYWJsZS1jb2ZmZWUtY3Vwcy1hOTM5MzQ4MS5odG1sP2xpZD11ZGdkaDZpbGlzZXNXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [best tents](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L3RyYXZlbC1vdXRkb29ycy9jYW1waW5nL2Jlc3QtY2FtcGluZy10ZW50cy1iMjU1Nzk5Mi5odG1sP2xpZD05aGU4eDZ3cjNiODNXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Browse the 13 best tents for camping in the great outdoors. [READ NOW](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0R3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L3RyYXZlbC1vdXRkb29ycy9jYW1waW5nL2Jlc3QtY2FtcGluZy10ZW50cy1iMjU1Nzk5Mi5odG1sP2xpZD0yY2FuYjZob3RvbHFXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge](~/AAAHagA~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~) and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](~/AAAHagA~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): 0808 2000 247   [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD1sbHc5bWExNzF0ajlXBXNwY2V1QgpmdKDXd2ZyrCyHUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Join the conversation or follow us [X](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0QwaHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9JbmRlcGVuZGVudD9saWQ9aHc2bHRhY2d5djV0VwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Instagram](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q2aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3RoZS5pbmRlcGVuZGVudD9saWQ9NGRreXFkamN1Y2JpVwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Facebook](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL1RoZUluZGVwZW5kZW50T25saW5lLz9saWQ9M2k5Nm84NmJnY2kxVwVzcGNldUIKZnSg13dmcqwsh1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Download the free Independent app [Google Play](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q9aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPWNmOW1id3M3ajQ3a1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Apple App Store](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q9aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPXFldWRxOWY4ZWI3cFcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Google Play](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q9aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPXl6bDc5Z2w5bzJhNlcFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Apple App Store](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoWlygP0Q9aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPWhtdG41ODZjcGNjb1cFc3BjZXVCCmZ0oNd3ZnKsLIdSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter To unsubscribe from The Independent Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please [click here](~/AAAHagA~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~). 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