AUNT ESME’S Christmas gifts were always a surprise. She either raided the local charity shops, rummaged through the middle aisle of the big supermarkets, or won some random competition online. Rowena

You don’t need an awful lot of fancy kit to start your Walk1000Miles journey. Just get the basics right and you’ll be laughing, even if it rains.

BEHIND THE Screens

An airline pilot once gave me an invaluable travel tip that has proved a lifesaver. Never, he said, stand up from a cafe table or waiting room seat without checking behind you. Public spaces can be di

1 DO YOUR RESEARCH Start by shopping around. Price comparison sites such as Travelsupermarket.com and Kayak. co.uk are great for getting a feel for costs. Experiment with different dates – timing can

MAKE SENSE OF THE CLUTTER AND CHAOS WITH HELP FROM THE EXPERTS