places

Karl Bushby, who reportedly aims to be the first person to complete a continuous round-the-world walk, opened up about some of his scariest experiences, including being in the “middle of a war zone”

An explorer who has spent a staggering 27 years walking across the planet has named two of the scariest places he visited on his travels. Karl Bushby, an ex-paratrooper who reportedly aims to be the first person to complete a continuous round-the-world walk, started his mammoth journey in Chile in 1998 and will soon return to the UK after nearly three decades on the road.

The 56-year-old, from Kingston upon Hull, has seen his fair share of danger over the years. As part of his aptly named 36,000-mile Goliath Expedition, Karl has swum across the Caspian Sea and walked the American and Asian continents.

Two particular adventures stood out when it came to describing some of his scariest experiences. His first occurred when traversing the infamous Darién Gap, bridging Central and South America, and he found himself in the “middle of a war zone”, reports Unilad.

Karl told CBS News: “And then there’s a whole layer above that of cartels and drug plantations, and then really, really tough jungle.”

Spanning Panama and Colombia, and known as one of the most treacherous migration routes on the planet, the Darién Gap is a notorious 60-mile passage characterised by difficult terrain, including mountains and rainforests.

Its dangers include hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, rivers that people have to cross, mosquitoes, crocodiles, venomous snakes, and criminals, with human trafficking, extortion, robbery, rape and sexual assault reportedly commonplace.

Karl also highlighted a journey he took across the Bering Strait, which lies between the Pacific and Arctic oceans, where he had an encounter with a polar bear. He added: “You’re in a very serious world that will kill you in 20 minutes if you mess up.”

Located between Alaska and Russia, the strait is a wildlife haven home to such species as beluga, bowhead and gray whales and, of course, polar bears. Despite the peril, Karl succeeded in crossing alongside US companion Dimitri Kieffer.

The intrepid duo reportedly crossed from Alaska to Siberia, traversing ice flows and swimming areas of open water, only to be arrested by Russian authorities upon arrival for illegal entry and deported.

As of November 6, Karl was near Budapest as he bore down on his home city of Hull, which he previously admitted would be a “very strange place to be” after such a long time travelling, reports the BBC.

He also confessed that finally ending his journey was a “positively scary” prospect and was “going to be hard”. Karl said: “I’ve spoken with a number of long-distance walkers, some walking five years or more, and they have told me it’s very difficult returning to normal society.

“The key will be throwing myself into another mission, to have another goal.”

Karl also shared his assessment of humanity, revealing that “99.99% of the world is good” and the world isn’t as scary “as you might think”, even in parts that we “might not expect”.

Dramatic hills and medieval charm in Emilia-Romagna

Approaching the town of Brisighella in Emilia-Romagna, it feels as though you are rapidly incorporating yourself in the backdrop of a Renaissance masterpiece, with dramatic rocky hills with singular trees perched upon them, and mysterious towers standing in solitary self-possession – leaving you to wonder what they must have witnessed over the years. The town is the perfect launchpad to explore such remarkably beautiful scenery, but it is also absolutely worth exploring its many medieval alleyways and its particularly unique elevated path, granting private nooks to take in the town’s charm.
Gioia

Walk in the heart of Sicily

We have just walked the Via dei Frati from Caltanissetta to Cefalù on Sicily. During the 54-mile walk across the Madonie mountains, we saw no walkers or tourists. Views are sublime and each day finishes in a beautiful Sicilian village such as Gangi. Although no one spoke English, communication was never a problem.
Michael

Castles and catacombs in Basilicata

The southern Basilicata region is packed with interesting places, but Venosa, birthplace of the Roman poet Horace, is unmissable. Once a major centre, now a remote small town, it has extensive Roman ruins, ancient Jewish catacombs, a breathtaking castle, beauty and interest at every turn. Local food and wine is terrific. Nearby, the castles at Melfi and Lagopesole and the ducal palace at Pietragalla are among several places that would be internationally famous if they were located in more touristy areas, but you can’t easily go wrong in this part of Basilicata as long as you skip Potenza.
Andy

Eco bliss in the Apennines

Eco hotel Mulino delle Cortine, lost at the end of a three-mile dirt track deep in the Apennines east of Florence, is almost cartoonishly peaceful. With its shaded river swimming pool accessed by climbing down a rope into the riverbed, array of hiking trails in the surrounding forests and along streams and not a single bar of phone reception, it’s the perfect place to truly switch off. Rustic plates of pasta, regional cheeses, meats and cheesecakes served slowly under planetarium skies add to the appeal.
Cath

Medieval gem in Friuli

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the north-east, Cividale is a destination that feels like stepping into a living postcard. This Unesco world heritage site is a treasure trove of history, from its Roman roots to one of Italy’s most remarkable medieval sites: the exquisite eighth-century Tempietto Longobardo built by the Lombards. Wander through cobblestone streets, cross the Devil’s Bridge and soak in views of the emerald Natisone River. Beyond its beauty, Cividale offers authentic Italian charm – think family-run trattorias, local wines and vibrant cultural traditions.
Steve Bassett

A mini-Venice without the crowds

I doubt many tourists to Italy know about the mini-Venice, 16 miles south of its more famous sibling city, and easy for a day trip. Chioggia is what Venice must have looked like in an earlier iteration, and was actually mentioned by Roman author Pliny the Elder. It also features canals and narrow alleys, and has an important Museum of Adriatic Zoology to boast about, as well as beaches, a fort and medieval architecture.
Michael

Hiking in the Ligurian Apennines

I used to live not far from Santo Stefano d’Aveto, and I go back to the town in the Ligurian Apennines north-east of Genoa whenever I can. It’s a great base for exploring the Aveto natural regional park with trails winding around Monte Aiona, Monte Penna, Ramaceto and Zatta, with peaks rising to about 1,800 metres. Small lakes lie in the valleys, perfect for a pause on long hikes. The old Gambatesa mine makes a fun stop, especially with kids. Meals are simple: polenta, mushrooms, San Stè cheese, maybe wild boar. It’s not picture-perfect, just real.
Federico Bozzini

Truffle tagliatelle in the heart of Lazio

Tucked away in Lazio’s wild heart, Campoli Appennino perches dramatically on the edge of a vast sinkhole, a medieval village wrapped in dense forests, gorges and the hush of mountains. Hikers lose themselves on the Gole del Lacerno trail, chasing waterfalls and rugged ravines, while rescued brown bears roam freely in the village sanctuary. And then there’s the food: truffle tagliatelle at Il Tartufo, cream-filled pastries that vanish in a bite, and wonderful pizza. Hidden, wild and utterly captivating, Campoli Appennino is the kind of place you stumble upon once – and never forget.
Louise Warrington

Sweet wines in a Piedmont mountain village

Loazzolo is the home of a magnificent sweet wine and many fantastic classic sparkling wines. The little mountain villages are breathtaking, especially in the autumn when the landscape is painted in various hues of reds, yellows and greens. With truffles, porcini and hazelnuts too, this area is a culinary feast, best served in the early afternoon sun. This part of the Piedmont region always surprises me, especially because it is so overlooked by non-Italian visitors. Close to the vineyards of Barolo and the beautiful towns of Asti and Alba, it remains a hidden treasure.
Ruan Smit

Winning tip: explore Roman remains at your leisure, Le Marche

Even the locals thought it was hot when we visited the archaeological park at Urbs Salvia, south of Ancona in the Marche region. Walking between the perfectly preserved Roman theatre, the temple dedicated to Augusta and the amphitheatre, we sheltered under trees, drinking from our rapidly emptying water bottles. The guide clearly thought we were deranged – mad dogs etc – but free from the crowds of Rome or Pompeii, we had time to marvel at the city before us. Afterwards we detoured to Le Logge, a restaurant in Urbisaglia, the medieval upstart neighbour, and had a perfect lunch in the shade.
Alex

IF the life of Spain is calling you and you’re tempted to ditch the UK, then there is one city that has been named one of the best for expats.

it might be tempting to try out the larger cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

But an alternative city that often comes out on top for happy expats is Valencia.

Not only does it have 300 days of sunshine, but it has been raved about by other expats.

According to couple Alastair and Alison, who moved to Spain themselves and give their advice online, it is one of the best ones.

They said: “Valencia City is significantly cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona in terms of rent and daily expenses.”

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Not only is there a big English speaking community, but they also said it is “big enough to have urban amenities but small enough to be manageable”.

Another 2024 Expat City Ranking also ranked Valencia as the no.1 Spanish city for expats, praising it for its good quality of life.

And a Reddit forum of expats talking about where they moved – Valencia was often praised.

One wrote: “I’d recommend Valencia, I’ve lived in 8 different countries and it has the best quality of life. Security, beautiful park and beach.

“Sunny all year around, mild winter and long summer. Not as hot as the rest of Southern Spain thanks for the sea close by. It’s also a very multicultural city.”

Another said: “I can’t recommend Valencia enough. If you are retiring Valencia is great.”

According to figures from Numbeo, when it comes to renting, an average one bedroom flat can range from €840 to €1100 (£741-£970) depending on location.

For living costs, things like a monthly gym membership are on average €36 (£32) while bills can be around €127 (£112).

Bottles of beer can be around €3 (£2.50).

Last year, Valencia was named the best city in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler.

However, we spoke to some Brits who left the UK for Spain on some of the big no-nos when it comes to trying to blend in.

Johnny, who left the UK with his wife Sarah in 2003, told Sun Online Travel: “Brits tend to underdress in Spain.

“Spanish people dress quite smartly, while Brits can sometimes show too much flesh.”

She also added the Brits need to expect things to move a bit slower, such as supermarkets.

She explained: “You might be in a short queue at the supermarket, but the person who is being served is more interested in having a conversation with the cashier than packing their shopping away and paying.”

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EUROPE

Robert Browning’s Florence apartment

The Casa Guidi in central Florence dates from the 15th century and was divided into graceful, high-ceilinged apartments in the early 1800s. In July 1847, it was rented, initially for three months, by Elizabeth and Robert Browning – but the couple carried on living there until Elizabeth’s death in 1861. The apartment has been restored as closely as possible to the Brownings’ family home, based on a painting Robert commissioned, family letters and an inventory of their son Pen’s belongings. The furnishings include the works of art the couple collected around Europe, the original drawing room mirror and a copy of the brocade curtains described by Elizabeth.
Three nights from £870, sleeps five, landmarktrust.org.uk

An interwar hotel in Kraków

Puro, a small Polish group of hotels, reopened its branch in Kraków’s old town in 2021 after a renovation by a local design office. The revamp was intended to capture the spirit of bygone Kraków, especially the cafes and restaurants that proliferated between the first and second world wars. The aesthetic is also inspired by two legendary midcentury hotels, Cracovia and Forum, and Kino Kijów, a cinema that is still open today. There is lots of pale oak panelling, natural stone, handmade glass and ceramics, and local art. Rooms have retro radios and Bauhaus-inspired furniture. Trams rattling past and chatter from cafes in the nearby square complete the illusion.
Doubles from €95 B&B, purohotel.pl

A 1970s hotel in Sweden

Billengehus opened in 1970 on the top of a hill in Skövde, western Sweden. The entrepreneur Arne Sandberg and his wife Maja wanted to build a hotel that combined relaxation and exercise: as well as a swimming pool and tennis courts, it had football pitches, trails for running, cycling and cross-country skiing, and a ski slope and lift. The hotel was recently refurbished and now has a new spa; it still offers hiking, biking and skiing packages. The 70s style has been preserved (lots of brown velvet!), and some rooms have record players and disco balls for a private boogie – to Abba, of course.
Doubles from £110 B&B, billingehus.com

A medieval palazzo in Sicily

Palazzo Previtera, in Linguaglossa on the slopes of Mount Etna, tells the story of 500 years of Sicilian history. It was built in 1649 and has been restored by descendants of the original owners. There is a 12-room museum, a library of rare books, including limited editions by Thomas Aquinas and John Milton, and a restaurant under the old arches. Four rooms and two cottages cater to overnight guests – three of the rooms are in the oldest part of the palazzo. They combine ornate painted ceilings, original floor tiles and antique furniture with designs inspired by different people and periods: the composer Vincenzo Bellini, 1930s Italian art deco, contemporary cinema. Members of the Previtera family are on hand to give guests guided tours.
Doubles from about €130 room-only, palazzoprevitera.com

A swinging 60s hotel in Prague

The four-star Vintage Design Sax in central Prague is full of retro furniture classics by designers including Verner Panton, Luigi Colani, Eero Saarinen, and Charles and Ray Eames. It has 25 rooms (some have a view of Prague Castle) with original pieces and accessories, psychedelic wallpaper and orange, 60s-style bedding. The hotel’s central atrium is something of an art gallery, showcasing statement pendant lights, chairs and mirrors. It is part of LH Hotels, a small Czech group of seven stylish but affordable hotels.
Doubles from €78 B&B, hotelsax.cz

UK

Georgian cottages in County Durham

Which? magazine has named the top nine Christmas market cities in the UK, heaping praise on certain festive fairs and completely ignoring large parts of the country

The nine best Christmas markets in the UK have been named, with large stretches of the country totally missing out.

As the nights draw in, the temperature drops, and the desire to wrap your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate reaches breaking point, there’s little more fun to be had than heading to a Christmas market.

Unfortunately, your access to a top-quality festive fair very much depends on where you live in the UK, if Which?’s annual ranking of the best Christmas market cities is to be believed. Those living in Wales, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, and London live in top-quality Christmas market deserts. While there is one of the top nine in Scotland, if you live in the large part of the country that isn’t in Edinburgh, then you’re out of luck.

Here are the best of the best, according to Which?

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Bath: More than 200 wooden chalets line the cobblestone streets of Bath during one of the UK’s biggest and best-known Christmas markets, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. With Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths as a picturesque backdrop, stallholders sell handmade wooden furniture, garden sculptures, Bristolian knitwear and indie fragrances. Seasonal treats are also a highlight, including festive bakes from Flapjackery and the Pudding Wagon. You can continue the celebrations at nearby Royal Victoria Park with a turn on the ice rink or a winter stroll along the city’s famous Royal Crescent.

Chester: This year, Chester’s market has grown to include 80 stalls around the Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, offering handcrafted candles, upcycled cutlery, artisan liqueurs and more. Independent traders can also be found in the double-deck shopping arcades known as the Rows, which date back to the 13th century and remain one of the city’s most distinctive features. Across the city, Roman ruins, ancient gatehouses, Tudor buildings and Georgian and Victorian architecture add to Chester’s enduring appeal.

Durham: Durham’s Christmas market is a quiet and peaceful event, made up of around 30 stalls spilling out of the Market Hall and into nearby flagstone streets. Visitors can browse locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing, sweet treats and handmade decorations. A crafts and gifts marquee with more than 120 extra stalls is also available, although it requires paid entry. After sampling the festive food, you can climb the 325 steps of Durham Cathedral for a rewarding view.

Winchester: Set within the grounds of the stunning Winchester Cathedral, the city’s Christmas market features wooden chalets offering silk scarves, wooden toys, pet portraits and handmade homeware. Local choirs and musicians provide the soundtrack as you shop. Seasonal food such as artisan cheese, a traditional hog roast and handmade scotch eggs adds extra indulgence. Winchester’s independent shops are also worth exploring, and a visit to the cathedral itself is highly recommended.

Wells: This market takes place on just one Saturday in mid-December, so timing is key. More than 100 stalls fill Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place on Saturday 6 December, making it a worthwhile festive outing. The medieval city has plenty to offer for a weekend escape, including a wide selection of independent shops and eateries.

Liverpool: Liverpool’s Christmas market sits in front of the fairy-lit St George’s Hall, with stalls styled as gingerbread houses and grottos. Visitors say it is less traditional than some markets, with fewer artisan crafts and mince pies and more 80s Christmas pop, fairground rides and comforting street food such as roast ham baps and mac and cheese. Beyond the market, Liverpool offers plenty to see, including the museums at Albert Dock, the Walker Art Gallery and the city’s two cathedrals.

Edinburgh: One of the UK’s most striking cities becomes even more enchanting at Christmas. Wooden chalets line East Princes Street, selling Yuletide gifts and cosy stocking fillers. A mini funfair features a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that nearly brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel with views of Edinburgh’s medieval castle and Arthur’s Seat. After browsing, you can explore the winter gardens, go ice skating or wander the New Town for more shopping in a city famous for its Hogmanay celebrations.

York: Known as St Nicholas Fair, York’s Christmas Festival has been a seasonal favourite for more than 30 years and is ideal for finding gifts. Alpine chalets decorated with twinkling lights fill Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where shoppers can pick up art prints and Christmas decorations. Which? praises the market’s strong focus on accessibility, with initiatives for visitors with limited mobility and quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience. The city’s rich history offers even more to explore, including York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval street lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.

Belfast: Now in its 21st year, Belfast’s Christmas market fills the grounds of the City Hall and is a favourite with food lovers. Visitors can sample flavours from around the world, including ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, along with classic sausages, beer and speciality cheeses. With more than 100 traders, there is plenty to explore, along with a funfair for children. Additional food options can be found at St George’s Market, which is packed with local producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, or you can visit Cathedral Square for bars, restaurants and galleries.

An opulent stay in Venice

My husband and I stayed in a beautiful 500-year-old Venetian palazzo for just €100 for a double room. The exterior of Palazzo Abadessa, tucked away in the sleepy backstreets of the Cannaregio district, is low key enough, but the grandeur and opulence begin to hit your senses as you explore. First we strolled through the lush ornamental garden, then the huge entrance hall decorated with frescoes and Renaissance paintings going back to the golden age of Venice, lit by glittering Murano chandeliers. The reception area is furnished with an antique velvet armchair, perfect for sipping a prosecco or Venetian spritz. Back in the 16th century, the original owners provided Venice with two of its doges, and today the stone corridors and high-ceilinged rooms have a classy, noble air, as if the ghosts of Caravaggio or Tintoretto might appear any moment and begin painting. Breakfast of cappuccino and croissants in the courtyard served by the friendly owners was a delightful way to start the day.
April

An Italian cookery school in an old castle

Castello di Montalero, east of Turin in the heart of the Monferrato region of Piemont, is a beautiful building with history going back to the 11th century, though much of the present structure was built ​on the old castle foundations around 1700. It has been lovingly restored by the family who provide a fantastic residential cookery school, plus interesting outings and adventures. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Christine Mason

A beautifully restored manor in Romania

Sitting above the Romanian village of Mâlâncrav in Transylvania, the 18th-century Apafi Manor is a beautifully restored manor house next to one of the region’s most exquisite Saxon fortified churches. At the end of a lush forested valley, the grand but comfortable interiors by the British designer David Mlinaric feature historic local art and furniture, making you feel as if you have stepped into a 19th-century historical novel. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the veranda made by a cook from the village, and while away afternoons in the magnificent library. It sleeps up to nine, and reasonable prices make for an affordable and magical retreat.
Benjamin

A castle above the Danube in Germany

If you fancy going medieval, then this 13th-century castle perched on a cliff overlooking the Danube in Baden-Württemberg should satisfy. We arrived at Wildenstein Castle youth hostel via a punishing zigzag cycle up the near-vertical outcrop, having ridden from the grand old river’s source in the Black Forest. The whitewashed walls conceal a large courtyard with comfy rooms and a great tavern in a crypt. The panoramic setting provides brilliant views across the Upper Danube nature park and wonderful sunsets. It is reputedly haunted, and exploring the passages and alleyways for ghosts is great fun for all. The abundant breakfast had plenty of delicious pastries, fuel for the next leg of our cycle.
Matt Lunt

Stay in a pineapple in Scotland

It is hard to explain the Pineapple. Stay to appreciate this 18th-century tribute to a fruit and the rise and fall of an estate. It is perched on the Dunmore Estate near Stirling, and was the location of our first Landmark Trust holiday. One wing contains two bedrooms and a bathroom, separated from the simple kitchen and comfortable living room by the Pineapple tower. It’s certainly quirky – walking across the lawn to the loo was a novelty for four nights. It’s dog-friendly and sleeps four, with historic reading and logbooks dating back to 1970s offering entertainment in the absence of TV and wifi.
Berenice

First world war history in Belgium

In the city of Poperinge, one of the few Belgian towns that did not fall to the Germans in the first world war, Talbot House was transformed into a club to offer relief to British soldiers. The house has been very well preserved by knowledgeable volunteers, and the chapel in the attic is a very special place of remembrance. The rooms and breakfast are lovely and very much in the spirit of the original club.
Zoe Leonard

Courtyard apartments in Seville

Seville is steeped in historic hotels, but most were more than my budget. Corral del Conde was surprisingly affordable and near the city centre. It’s a 16th-century corral (although it has Mudéjar origins in the medieval period) – a traditional community of apartments around a courtyard, with shared ovens and laundry sinks – and it’s incredibly pretty. It is a particularly evocative place for any fans of Spanish golden age theatre, because stages would be built in these corrales and locals would watch performances from the wooden balconies. For contrast, it’s a short walk from the giant mushrooms of Las Setas, a very different (and more modern) structure made of wood.
Sarah Collings

An old station in Staffordshire

Our stay with children and older relatives at Alton station, a Landmark trust property in Staffordshire, was both exciting and relaxing. It has glorious Victorian features, including stunning Minton tiles, and one of the bedrooms was the ticket office. It is incredibly interesting for railway enthusiasts, and leisurely bike rides down the disused railway were enjoyed by all.
Esme

Fishers’ cabins in Norway

Touring the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands of Norway, we stayed in several historic fishers’ cabins, but the best place was a little wooden house in Andenes. It is traditionally furnished in 19th-century style and forms part of a small private museum. Alma House is redolent of a time when life for fishing communities was isolated and dangerous, but time at home was precious. Like many holiday rentals in Norway, you may have to share with other holidaymakers, but that only adds to the unique experience.
Noelle

Winning tip: Parador paradise in Spain

SANTA CLARA — This is not a one-off.

This is no hot streak or a flash in the pan.

So don’t look away. Pay attention.

Otherwise, risk missing the master class that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is conducting this season.

One that has the 17th-year pro squarely in the conversation for his first NFL most valuable player award.

“I see those people say stuff like that,” Stafford said Sunday after passing for four touchdowns in the Rams’ 42-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, “and all I can think about is like I’m just lucky to have unbelievable teammates.”

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Gary Klein breaks down what went right for the Rams in their 42-26 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Stafford, 37, is playing as if he were in the middle, not near the end, of a possible Hall of Fame career.

On Sunday he tossed touchdown passes to receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and tight ends Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson as the Rams avenged an overtime loss to the 49ers in Week 5 and improved to 7-2.

How efficient has Stafford played this season?

He has passed for a league-leading 25 touchdowns.

With only two interceptions.

“He can walk on water right now,” Nacua said.

In the last three games, Stafford has passed for 13 touchdowns. His second touchdown pass Sunday, to Allen, was the 400th of his career.

Stafford’s name already fills the NFL record book. He is among the top 10 in several passing categories. But he never has been this efficient for this long.

Stafford has not had a pass intercepted in the last six games, the longest such stretch of his career.

“It looks like the game is really in slow motion to him right now,” coach Sean McVay said.

Rams players (from left) Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford, Jordan Whittington and Davante Adams celebrate in the third quarter of a 42-26 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

(Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

Stafford’s recent run of excellence is on par with other awe-inspiring Los Angeles sports icons.

He has been as dominant as the UCLA fast break and full court press from the 1970s. Clayton Kershaw’s 12-to-6 curveball. Freddie Freeman’s walk-off homer swing.

This is a Wayne Gretzky assist. A Nolan Ryan no-hitter.

A Reggie Bush breakaway run. A Serena Williams backhand winner. A Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sky hook, a Magic Johnson no-look pass, a Kobe Bryant game-winning three. A Lisa Leslie low-post move. A Candace Parker dunk.

A Jim Murray or Bill Plaschke column.

A fill-in-the-blank run of excellence.

Overblown? Perhaps. The NFL is a humbling league. Stafford’s recent run could end next Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.

So enjoy it in real time. Follow Stafford’s lead.

“I have fun out there,” he said when asked about what Nacua described as Stafford’s ‘shimmy shake’ touchdown celebration. “I lose my mind when we score touchdowns.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford smiles while being interviewed after the Rams’ win over the 49ers on Sunday.

(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)

That’s how defensive coordinators must feel when Stafford completes one of his patented no-look passes.

Adams played eight seasons in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers. He knows what an MVP looks like.

“It’s looked like MVP play to me all year,” Adams said, pointing to a Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans, when Stafford shook off an interception and led the Rams to victory. “Just to rally a team and continue to lead at a high level when things don’t go your way, I think that’s what really shows what an MVP is like.”

Stafford’s success harks to 2021, when he passed for 41 touchdowns and led the Rams to a Super Bowl title. He is on pace for an even more impressive statistical finish.

“The heater that he’s on, it’s elevating everybody else’s play,” Nacua said, “and we’re continuing to jump on that bandwagon with him and let him take us as far as he can.”

If Stafford continues his stellar play the Rams could find themselves right back here at Levi’s Stadium.

For Super Bowl LX.

ONE of the best places to visit in Europe next year is right here in the UK and it has a ‘singing sands’ beach.

There is no doubt that Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations, and now another has been recognised as a top spot to visit next year.

According to Conde Nast Traveller, Islay is “a Hebridean escape for whisky connoisseurs, in 2026 Islay will be home to even more distilleries than ever before”.

The small island is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, lying off of the west coast of Scotland.

And the destination is well-known for its whisky, thanks to numerous distilleries.

These will also be added to when two new distilleries open soon on the island.

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Laggan Bay Distillery will be the 12th to open on the island and it will be located near the island’s longest beach, Big Strand.

Visitors will be able to try whiskies that feature a peaty and smoky flavour.

Another distillery will then open in 2026 called Portintruan.

At Portintruan, visitors will be able to see old-style production techniques to produce whisky.

Islay is also home to a new luxury hotel, by the French luxury brand LVMH.

At Ardbeg House, guests can choose from 12 bedrooms, “each inspired by the histories and legends of Ardbeg” according to the hotel’s website.

The rooms feature dark woods and colours, with rich fabrics such as velvet.

Even the wallpaper features clues to folklore and myths from the island including the story of Airigh Nam Beist (Shelter of the Beast) – for generations, locals have believed that a fearsome creature lives in the hills.

And for an added treat, hidden somewhere in the room is a miniature dram for guests to find.

The hotel also has a restaurant serving homemade bread and farmers’ and fishermen’s dishes, as well as a bar.

A stay is likely to set you back around £230 per night.

Just along the road from the hotel, you can also visit Ardbeg Distillery, which has been running since 1815.

When on the island, make sure to head to some of the beaches as well.

One top spot is Singing Sands Beach – supposedly, if you rub the soles of your shoes over the sand, you will hear singing.

Nearby is also the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada which was built in 1832, which visitors can walk to over a metal bridge.

Unusually, the lighthouse is square and doesn’t have a lantern; instead, it has a small beacon mounted at its top.

The lighthouse sits opposite Port Ellen, the second largest town on the island.

The town features a handful of pretty, golden beaches and lots of places to grab a bite to eat.

For example, you could head to SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway, where you could sit in and have some classic fish and chips for £18.50.

Or grab a hot drink from Copper Still Coffee.

The quickest way to get to Islay is by flying with Loganair from Glasgow.

There are usually two flights a day, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.

Though this will set you back around £80 each way.

Alternatively, head over to Islay on a ferry from Kennacraig.

There are two ferries, with one travelling to Port Ellen, taking around two-and-a-half hours.

And the second is to Port Askaig, which takes just under two hours.

A return ferry fare costs £17.40 per adult and £8.70 per child, or a return car fare costs £87.80.

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For more inspiration on Scotland trips, there’s a sunny island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday.

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