How to visit the stunning Dune du Pilat in south west France

Day trip guide: Dune du Pilat and Arcachon from Bordeaux

Planning a holiday to Bordeaux and wondering if the famed Dune du Pilat and charming Arcachon are worth visiting as a day trip? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Welcome to Helen on her Holidays

Hello, I’m Helen. I’m a travel blogger near Manchester, UK with a full-time job and a mission to make the most of my annual leave. 

Read more about me

Latest posts

The outside of the JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku hotel in Tokyo

JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku hotel review

Close to Shinjuku Station with Tokyo attractions on your doorstep but comfortable, quiet and safe? The JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku hotel is the perfect Tokyo base.
Ronda is one of the best day trips from Malaga
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Day trips from Malaga: exploring the best of Andalucia

Málaga is wonderful in its own right, but one of its best features is the number and variety of day trips you can do from Málaga, even if you don’t have a car.
Visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
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14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

Pompeii is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists but can seem daunting to visit. Here’s some of the advice I found most useful, along with some tips from my visit.
A bullet train at Odawara station

The best short bullet train ride from Tokyo

Desperate to travel on a high speed Shinkansen train in Japan but short on time? Read about the best short bullet train ride from Tokyo with tips for your trip.

Travel advice

A pirate ship sailing on Lake Ashi in the shadow of Mount Fuji on the Hakone Loop

Hakone loop: complete guide with tips and clockwise itinerary

Scenic trains, views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, an active volcano and a pirate ship – visiting Hakone is a must for your trip to Japan!
A KLM Premium Economy seat, from the perspective of the person sitting in the seat

KLM Premium Comfort class review: is it worth it for a long flight?

I tried KLM Premium Comfort on two 13 hour flights. Here’s my full review of KLM’s premium economy, covering the seat, service, food and more.
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11 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)

Ischia’s an idyllic island off the coast of southern Italy. It’s only around six miles wide, but manages to pack in an amazing number of attractions. Here are the very best things to do in Ischia,
Where to stay for the Bernina Express
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Where to stay for the Bernina Express

The best places to stay for a trip on the Bernina Express or Bernina line railway, with hotel recommendations for Chur and Tirano and ideas for places to stay along the line.
Tips for the Bernina Line
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Travelling the Bernina line from Switzerland to Italy – Bernina Express vs local train

Compare the Bernina Express vs regional trains on the Albula and Bernina rail line. Get useful tips to make the most of your trip between Switzerland and Italy.
Visiting Madeira: 13 top tips for your trip
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Visiting Madeira: 13 top tips for your trip

Visiting Madeira for the first time? There are a few dos and don’ts that it’s good to know about before you go. Read on for 13 essential tips for your trip.