Laura Sanders
Journalist | Travel Writer | Broadcaster
Online Articles
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The cheapest places to learn to ski
Data exclusively shared with The Telegraph reveals the resorts where skiers will see their investment stretch further.
The Telegraph
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The Camargue: The underrated French region best discovered by houseboat
Sailing into the Camargue reveals a little-known side to one the country’s most popular holiday regions.
The Telegraph
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The secret Italian lakes to add to your bucket list
Venture beyond Lake Garda and discover these mirrored lakes with beaches, pretty villages, and alpine hikes.
Conde Nast Traveller
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I went to Europe’s last true wild frontier to find adventure and escape the crowds
It’s been touted as the next big beach holiday destination, but three-quarters of Albania is mountains, rivers and lakes - Laura Sanders adventures off the beaten track to and unearths unrivalled natural beauty in the Albanian Alps
The Independent
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Italy’s ‘other’ lakes, home to Blue Flag beaches and refreshing temperatures
Bypass Como and Garda and head to the little-known lakes of Trentino instead.
The Telegraph
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No wristband required: Welcome to Coachella, the town most festivalgoers miss
Take a 10-minute drive from the Californian music festival and you’ll find Coachella the town sitting on ancient Native American territory and with a thriving Mexican-American subculture. And it’s well worth a detour, writes Laura Sanders.
Adventure.com
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Why the LA to Palm Springs ‘desert route’ is the perfect California road trip
The direct route takes just two hours, but backroads will guide you through otherworldly desert-scapes that conjure up visions of the Old West – Laura Sanders discovers it’s worth taking it slow.
The Independent
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I'm a travel journalist - Here's why I'm looking to the Balkans in 2024
In the depths of a cost of living crisis, and with lots happening in the Balkans, here's why the region is on my radar this year.
Guest blog post for Undiscovered Balkans
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All aboard the new train route exploring Mexico’s Mayan heartlands
The highly anticipated Tren Maya railway launches this month, offering intrepid travellers the chance to go beyond the confines of tourist-trap Cancun… Laura Sanders checks out the route for exciting new Mexican adventure
The Independent
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The platform that unlocks access to nature from just £1
Access to nature is declining, but the new platform is seeking to reconnect the public to the health benefits of being alone in the wilderness.
iNews
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Searching for the little-known Ojo de Agua in Mexico’s Yucatán
When Laura Sanders stumbled upon Sisal in her search for low-key alternatives to Cancun, what she found was so much more than crowd-free beaches… Behold, a day spent gallivanting in a cenote, forged by a hurricane 40 years ago.
Adventure.com
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Europe's most affordable city break? It's in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This country is home to uncrowded sites, tranquil national parks and quirky culture – for a fraction of the price of Dubrovnik or Barcelona.
Telegraph Travel
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Where to eat, sleep, stay and play in Mostar
You’ll struggle to find a city break as unique as Mostar, with its Islamic architecture, hearty dishes and undisturbed natural surroundings
Conde Nast Traveller
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All the joys of Croatia... but at half the price
Soak up the sun along the Dalmatian Coast for half the price of Croatia – by crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s little-known share of the shoreline.
The Sun Travel
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Why an 11-night holiday could be cheaper than 10 nights
This rare travel hack could save you as much as £1,000.
Which? Travel
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Can a travel agent save you money?
Our mystery shoppers went undercover at high street travel agents to see if they really can find cheaper deals
Which? Travel
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The best restaurants in Tallinn for 2023
Estonia’s cosmopolitan capital celebrates cuisine from all corners of the globe – but if you’re looking for authentic flavours, here’s where to go
Conde Nast Traveller
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Turkey: For sunrise hot-air balloon rides without the crowds, head to Afyonkarahisar
Cappadocia was put on the map by Instagram influencers who discovered colourful hot air balloons bobbing along the horizon amid fairy chimneys and ancient cave settlements. But they’re yet to lead the tourist throngs to Afyonkarahisar, where I found those familiar scenes, among other hidden gems, in a more authentic setting.
Euronews Travel
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Digital detox: Why locking your phone in a box makes for the ultimate mindful retreat
After nearly two years of lockdowns, working from home, and no let up from Zoom meetings, Laura Sanders finds the ideal environment for anybody to try a digital detox – no chanting or funky juice concoctions necessary.
The Independent Travel
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Which destinations need tourism most to survive after COVID-19?
International tourist arrivals worldwide were down on average by 72 per cent between January and October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while many of us remain in lockdown at the start of this year, we’re looking ahead to future travel.
Euronews Travel
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Meet the stranded tourist who stayed on in Peru to support local women
A woman from London decided against returning home from her volunteering placement in Peru when the pandemic hit. Now, she’s launching a slow fashion brand with women from rural communities there.
Euronews Travel
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Here’s what could happen to tourist hotspots if sea levels keep rising
Some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations are at risk of completely vanishing by the end of this century if sea levels continue to rise at the current rate.
Euronews Travel
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Does a vegan lifestyle limit what you can experience when travelling?
So you’ve decided to give Veganuary a try, but now you’re wondering whether this might limit your travel plans. Following our recent conversation with Wendy Werneth, creator of The Nomadic Vegan, we think you might be pleasantly surprised.
Euronews Travel
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The ultimate wine tour is in Croatia, 20 metres under the sea
The Dalmation Coast in Croatia is known for its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and pristine seas. But did you know it’s also home to the world’s first underwater winery?
Euronews Travel
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Why is Nepal trying to ban women from travelling?
Hundreds of women’s rights activists and their supporters have been rallying in Nepal this week against a proposed law which would stop them from leaving the country freely.
Euronews Travel
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Lockdown: This female travel community is exploring the world through postcards
Members of a female travel group on Facebook have set up a weekly postcard exchange to explore the world safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Euronews Travel
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Travel after 2020: The new reality
Hit hard by the global coronavirus pandemic, the travel and tourism sectors are expected to rebound from 2021 – with a new kind of experience economy at their heart.
Euronews Travel
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A holiday in the Balearics will soon be free from single-use plastic
A new law in the Balearics aims to reduce plastic pollution from tourism and hospitality in the region.
Euronews Travel
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10 destinations where your pound will stretch further in 2023
We compare the cost of flights, hotels, food and drink, and exchange rates to find the best-value holiday hotspots.
Which? Travel
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Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
The latest government advice for visiting Turkey following the earthquakes.
Which? Travel
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Are flight prices really rising? Flights to Europe 50% cheaper than pre-pandemic
Return flights to Venice and Barcelona for this summer were less than £100 when booked in March.
Which? Travel
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8 ways to avoid airport queues and other travel disruption on holiday
While flight cancellations are out of your control, there are some steps you can take which will make your journey run smoothly.
Which? Travel
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What to do if your luggage is lost or delayed
Airlines are liable for lost and delayed baggage. Find out what your consumer rights are and how to claim compensation.
Which? Travel
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How to take advantage of Spain’s free train travel
Get savvy and see Spain’s top sights with free train travel up to 186 miles.
Which? Travel
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Where’s hot for a holiday in January?
Find respite from the cold in southern Europe or embark upon a tropical escape to the Caribbean, Brazil or Cambodia.
Which? Travel
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5 exciting European cities you can reach by train in under 7 hours
In the time it takes to get through the airport, fly and retrieve your luggage at the other end, you could be taking the scenic route by train and still get there quicker.
Which? Travel
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Five winter sun destinations where your money will go further
Unwind in Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels, go whale watching in the Caribbean or soak up the sunshine on the California coast.
Which? Travel
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Six ways to save on Disneyland Paris holidays
From website hacks to sourcing cheap souvenirs, here’s how to do Disney on a budget.
Which? Travel
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Bamboo: Eco-friendly fabric or environmenal disaster?
We look into whether the plant-based textile is as sustainable as the fashion industry has led us to believe.
Euronews Green
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One Romanian garment worker breaks her silence on COVID-19 pay cuts
Fashion brands refused to pay for $16 billion worth of goods worldwide during the pandemic.
Euronews Green
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AWARD-WINNER: Which destinations are safest for booking a holiday this year?
Awarded by European Best Destinations in partnership with the EU Commission, I was recognised for promoting safe and sustainable tourism in Europe.
The awarded article was for Euronews Travel .
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My night inside Britain's most haunted inn
Laura Sanders braved a night in the Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire. The inn sits on a former Pagan burial site and the intersection of two ley lines.
MailOnline
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Can a robot book your holiday?
ChatGPT and other AI bots give inaccurate, out of date and biased travel advice, Which? finds.
Which? Travel
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The winter sun island with £18 mountain feasts and the world’s oldest wine
There is a movement to reinvigorate tourism in the mountains of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which has year-round tourist appeal.
iNews
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Laranaca or Paphos: Which city in Cyprus should you visit first?
Craving lazy days on the sand with some Cypriot culture thrown in? You've come to the right place. Larnaca and Paphos boast dreamy beaches surrounded by some of Europe's cleanest bathing waters.
Weather2travel.com
Print Articles & Features
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Waitrose Food magazine
European foodie cities perfect for a weekend break.
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Waitrose Food magazine
The best UK staycations come rain for shine.
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Investigation: Should you let AI book your holiday?
For Which? Travel, September 2023
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Are you being tricked by holiday greenwashing?
We look at the eco claims made by travel companies and reveal how easy it is to be duped by the promise of a green getaway.
Which? Travel
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Lonely Planet Gourmet Trails of Europe (2023)
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Advice: The 10 cheapest destinations to visit in 2023
Published inWhich? Travel magazine, November 2022
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Investigation: Package holiday hotel swaps
Published in Which? Travel magazine, March 2023
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Advice: Shrinking airline seats
Published in Which? Travel magazine, January 2023
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Travel news & advice
Published in Which? Travel magazine, November 2022
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Travel news & advice
Published in Which? Travel magazine, January2023
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Case study: GHIC delay
Published in Which? Travel magazine, March 2023
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Which? Money
Column for Which? Money magazine, June 2023.
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Investigation: Will I catch dengue fever in Europe this summer?
For Which? Travel, July 2023
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Advice: Budget sunscreens you can rely on
Advice and reviews of sunscreens we put to the test in our labs.
For Which? Travel, July 2023
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Mini investigation: Pay less for a longer holiday
This story was picked up by lots of the national newspapers, including: ITV, The Independent, The Mail, Travel Weekly, The Chronicle, This is Money, Euronews, HuffPost, The Times, Sky News.
Originally published in Which? Travel, July 2023
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Travel consumer advice
For Which? Travel, July 2023
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Travel consumer advice
Which? Travel, September 2023
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All the joys of Croatia...but at half the price
Soak up the sun along the Dalmatian Coast for half the price of Croatia – by crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s little-known share of the shoreline.
The Sun
Broadcast & Podcasting
The True Travel Podcast
Available on all major podcasting platforms.
Got a guest or want to appear on the podcast? Email truetravelpodcast@gmail.com.