Travel journal

Fossil hunting can be more than a pastime. It’s a hands-on encounter with Earth’s story – and there’s no better place for it than England’s Jurassic Coast. Steve Etches spoke warmly of the benefits that amateur fossil collectors, such as himself and Mary Anning, bring to the world of palaeontology in this blog about the fossil hunters and legacy makers of England’s Jurassic Coast. 

Imagine you’re on a small, wooden fishing boat, pitching and rolling in the biting wind and foul weather of the North Sea. It’s the dead of winter, in the depths of World War II. You can’t see any lights and you have only a compass to guide the way. The sea is black and merciless.

This isn’t fiction. This was the Shetland Bus, a small but vital secret wartime operation that ran between Norway and the Shetland Isles of Scotland.

Two passionate, self-taught fossil collectors from the English coastline, separated by time but united by curiosity. Mary Anning and Steve Etches have each helped unlock the story of life on Earth. We spoke to Steve Etches about their lives, work and how the Jurassic Coast continues to deliver.

We’re excited to announce that as of April 2025, GeoCultura is officially a TravelStride partner!

Offering immersive small group tours led by expert guides, GeoCultura invites travellers to explore the fascinating connections between geology, history, and nature across some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. 

The best time to visit Madeira? The clue is in its nickname! Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira ticks all the boxes for a subtropical escape at any time of year. Every month brings a new perspective on its volcanic terrain, verdant hills and Atlantic shores.

We learned so much about what makes you happy with our first British Isles tours. Everything you’ve told us has gone into making our 2025 and 2026 guided tours better than ever. From taking you to our latest favourite locations to showing you amazing new discoveries, our small group tours are always evolving to bring you the very best experience available.

Jon leads our tour showcasing spectacular scenery and dinosaurs in Canada’s Rocky Mountains and Badlands, and provides participants with some unforgettable experiences while doing so. But what do leaders do for their own vacations?

Mention California and what images come to mind? Likely sunny beaches, Hollywood glamour, charming small towns, rolling vineyards, surfer dudes and Silicon Valley: think Tinseltown, Santa Barbara, Chateau Montelena Winery, the Beach Boys and iPhones.

Scotland’s landscapes are layered with stories told through geology, food and cultures past and present. Each month brings its own character, and the time you choose to visit shapes how you experience this fascinating country. Here’s what to expect, whenever you visit.

England is not much bigger than Ohio. But for such a small country, it packs in a lot. Stately homes and quaint villages adorn the rolling countryside. Here are five compelling reasons to join our expert-led small group tours of England.