• Emily Pogue, 29, from Fort Collins, Colorado, visited the preserve in September
• She recently opened up about the immense measures she had to take to go there
• She said she had to undergo lessons on how to protect herself from bears

A woman has revealed that she paid $1,200 and had to attend ‘bear school’ just to spend a few hours in Alaska’s ‘extremely remote’ Katmai National Park – which is inhabited by thousands of dangerous wildlife and can only be reached by boat or plane.

Emily Pogue, 29, a freelance writer and avid traveler from Fort Collins, Colorado, recently opened up about the immense measures she had to take – and the steep price she had to pay – to visit the preserve in an essay for Insider.

She explained that she and her husband, Joe, were vacationing in Alaska to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in September, when they decided to book a day trip to Katmai National Park.

She found a package that came with a round-trip plane ticket, lunch, and a five-hour window to explore the park, but it would cost a whopping $1,200 per person.

A woman paid $1,200 and attended ‘bear school’ to spend a few hours in Alaska’s Katmai National Park – which is inhabited by dangerous wildlife and can only be reached by plane

Emily Pogue (seen in Alaska with her husband), 29, from Colorado, recently opened up about the immense measures she had to take to visit the preserve in an essay for Insider

She and her husband, Joe, were vacationing in Alaska to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in September and paid $1,200 for a day trip to Katmai. She’s seen in Alaska

They flew via floatplane from Anchora, Alaska, to Katmai, which is located on a peninsula in the southern area of the state. The view from their plane is seen

While Emily admitted that she was shocked by the how much she’d have to pay to spend a mere few hours at the off-beaten area – ‘I audibly gasped,’ she wrote of discovering the price – she decided to ‘splurge,’ and it ‘ended up being her favorite part’ of their entire trip to Alaska.

Located on a peninsula in the southern area of the state, Katmai is best known for its stunning landscapes that ‘span tundra, forests, lakes and mountains.’

It has also earned favor among adventurers due to its vast amount of brown bears – and while a rare opportunity to get ‘close-up views’ of the animal is appealing, it also poses some risks.

Upon arriving at the park, Emily had to undergo a 15 minute lesson where they were taught to protect themselves if they came face to face with a bear. Some of the bears she saw on the day trip are seen above

In addition, it’s not easy to get there. Emily explained that they had to take a ‘floatplane,’ which ‘can take off from and land on water thanks to special floats on the bottom’ and are ‘a popular way to get around in Alaska, as so much of the state is inaccessible any other way.’

She, her husband, and five other passengers all boarded the tiny aircraft in Anchorage, Alaska, and flew roughly 45 minutes to Katmai.

And she said that the views alone from out the window during the flight made the price ‘worth it.’

‘When I say my face was glued to my window the entire flight, I mean it,’ she wrote in the essay.

‘The landscape seemed to change every five minutes, from glassy water to lush fields and stunning glaciers. 

As for what she was taught during the lesson, she said she learned that the key thing was to remember ‘not to run’ because that could ‘trigger a bear’s predatory instinct’

They were also told to ‘travel in groups’ and ‘talk loudly’ at all times as to not ‘surprise any bears.’ Emily said they saw roughly 40 bears during their day at Katmai, one of which is seen

Emily and her husband spent their five hours in the park hiking and taking in the gorgeous sights. They visited a hot spring (seen) and Brooks Falls

They also went to an ice museum – where they had drinks in ‘ice glasses’ that they smashed on the ground afterwards

‘Our pilot even swooped down to a few valleys, where we saw our first bears fishing in the streams.’

Upon arriving at the park, Emily and the rest of the visitors had to undergo something she called ‘bear school’ so they could learn to protect themselves if they came face to face with one of the creatures. 

‘Roughly 2,200 brown bears live in the park, allowing visitors unprecedented access to witnessing these creatures in the wild,’ she explained.

‘The bears are able to thrive because of the park’s extreme remoteness. But with [thousands] of bears roaming around, the park rangers want to make sure guests don’t scare the animals (or put themselves in danger).

So, the first stop after arrival was sitting through the 15-minute “bear school” to learn the safety rules to follow around bears.’ 

As for what she was taught during the lesson, she said she learned that the key thing was to remember ‘not to run’ because that could ‘trigger a bear’s predatory instinct.’ 

In addition, they were told to ‘travel in groups’ and ‘talk loudly’ at all times as to not ‘surprise any bears.’ 

‘We were also instructed to put any food or scented items in special “food cache” buildings so the bears weren’t attracted to any tasty smells on us,’ she added.

‘We were free to explore after getting our “bear school graduate” pins to prove we attended.

‘Although there were plenty of park rangers around, it was emphasized that in Katmai, you’re responsible for your own safety.’ 

Emily and her husband spent their five hours in the park hiking and taking in the gorgeous sights.

Emily, who is seen in another area of Alaska, said: ‘Overall, the day couldn’t have gone any better. I’d wholeheartedly recommend the trip to Katmai to any nature lover’

She gushed of the park: ‘The landscape seemed to change every five minutes, from glassy water to lush fields and stunning glaciers.’ Other areas of Alaska that she visited are seen

They visited hot springs as well as an ice museum – where they had drinks in ‘ice glasses’ that they smashed on the ground afterwards.

The also went to Brooks Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s known to be a prime spot to see bears, who come to the river below to catch the salmon.

‘At one point, we could see 14 bears scattered throughout the river. In total, we saw upwards of 40 bears on our trip,’ she gushed.

When it came time to leave, they got one last treat when they came across a mama bear and her cub just before take-off. 

‘As we approached [the plane to leave], our pilot quietly motioned for us to hop on the plane’s float,’ she recalled.

‘We looked to our right, and a mama bear and her cub had just emerged from the trees down the beach from us.

‘We held our breath as they moseyed toward us, totally unbothered by us tiny humans. 

‘Finally, the cub got a burst of energy and ran by, with his mom reluctantly following.’

On the way back, the pilot ‘swooped down for one last view of the valleys’ and they were able to see ‘more bears, caribou, and even a pack of wolves’ – a perfect ending to the magical day.

‘Overall, the day couldn’t have gone any better. I’d wholeheartedly recommend the trip to Katmai to any nature lover visiting the Anchorage area,’ she concluded.

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‌Ryanair has issued a flight warning for passengers travelling to and from the UK on Thursday December 21.

An airline spokesperson said: “Potential disruptions to and from the UK due to strong winds.

“Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to and from the UK on Thursday December 21 should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of these strong winds, which are outside Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to and from the UK on Thursday December 21.”

British Airways grounded over 20 domestic and European flights due to the impact of heavy winds.

READ MORE The UK’s prettiest winter walks with ‘rugged beauty’

Storm Pia caused several flights to be cancelled as gales are expected to reach up to 80mph in some areas of the UK .

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as strong winds also closed rail lines around the country.

Liverpool Christmas Market has also been cancelled due to high winds as the team monitors the situation.

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Travellers should check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport as it might be delayed.

Airlines should contact passengers with cancelled or delayed flights directly and passengers can contact their airline for more information.

Passengers with a cancelled flight are usually entitled to an alternative flight free of charge if one is available even if it’s on a rival airline.

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As the winter chill sets in throughout the UK, many Brits may be looking forward to escaping the often brutal winter temperatures in exchange for more favourable weather on the continent.

Matagorda, found on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, is the perfect spot for a quick winter getaway to escape the usually unforgiving weather during the New Year.

Found on the east coast of Lanzarote, one of the most popular destinations for European tourists all year round, Matagorda boasts warm temperatures throughout the winter months twinned with usually low amounts of rainfall.

According to travel agent Tui, the average maximum temperature in Matagorda in February in 22C – a far cry from the UK average of 7C to 8C.

Considered the calmer holiday resort compared to the nearby Puerto del Carmen, Matagorda has plenty of sights to see and beaches to relax on, even during winter.

READ MORE: The UK’s prettiest winter walks with ‘rugged beauty’[LATEST]

The beaches in and around Matagorda have fine golden sand, with the water often calm and good for sports and swimming in.

For those who want a more active holiday, the promenade is popular with runners and cyclists, particularly in the winter months when temperatures aren’t quite as hot as they are in the summer.

Its close proximity to the airport makes for an easy transfer – but also means the area has become popular with plane spotters.

While the area has plenty of restaurants and bars to indulge in throughout your stay, the area is just eight miles from the island’s capital, Arrecife.

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This quiet port city has its own golden-sand beach but also has the allure of its cultural and historic areas.

Just outside the city and not far from Matagorda you will find the castle of San José, built on the orders of King Charles III of Spain between 1776 and 1779.

The Castillo de San José is also home to the International Contemporary Art Museum, one of the most popular cultural attractions on the island.

Due to being a port area on the coast, Matagorda and Arrecife boast some phenomenal seafood restaurants, with local specialities including “vieja” and “sancocho stew” available with local wines to enjoy for lunch and dinner.

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The post The beautiful resort town where temperatures reach 22C in January and February appeared first on My Travel Leader.

Research has found that those who celebrate the occasion by going on a night out close to home end up spending an average of £174 on the festivities – from dinner and drinks, to a new outfit, and transport.

But 39% admit that they find the idea of spending the evening in a UK pub to ring in the New Year boring – with 28% much preferring the thought of enjoying an experience that's totally different to the UK.

When it comes to where they would most like to celebrate, the study, of 2,000 adults, named New York as their top destination – followed by Sydney, Rome, and Las Vegas. Meanwhile, other far-flung destinations like Hawaii, Tokyo, and Dubai also made the top 10 list.

And a third of those polled said they have previously ditched a traditional new year's celebration, to jet off to another country instead.

Some of the top driving factors for this included to broaden their cultural horizons (14%) – and simply needing some time away from family after the busy festive period (8%).

And almost two-thirds (64%) of those who have done so, said that going abroad was the “perfect” stress-free start to their new year.

It also emerged that there has been a surge in booking for new year travel – as Skyscanner data revealed bookings were up 71% in November, compared to October, for return travel leaving between Christmas Day and December 31.

A spokeswoman for Skyscanner, which commissioned the research, said: “Many of us are now looking for ways to see in 2024 abroad, instead of at home.

“Whether it’s creating memories with loved ones, visiting family, or simply getting the perfect snap for the ‘gram, New Year’s Eve trips are becoming more and more popular. With the whole world at our fingertips nowadays, with a bit of planning you could spend this new year somewhere incredible.”

The research also found that, of those who’d like to go abroad for December 31, 17% would enjoy seeing the celebrations of a different culture – while 9% would jet somewhere warm to enjoy the temperature.

Meanwhile, 28% consider planning a New Year’s Eve celebration at home to be either fairly, or very, stressful, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Skyscanner’s spokeswoman, Laura Lindsay, added: “Many of us like to start the year “as we mean to go on” – and what better way than to celebrate New Year's Eve somewhere beautiful, fun, or relaxing, with our loved ones?

“Exploring different customs, tasting unique cuisines, and dancing to the rhythm of a new city, is a fantastic way to enjoy the hours as the clock counts down to midnight.

“There's something enchanting about spending New Year in a place that's unfamiliar, yet welcoming. Whether it's the sparkle of city lights or the tranquillity of nature, being abroad adds an extra layer of magic to the moment.”

TOP 10 PLACES BRITS WOULD LIKE TO SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE:

1. New York, USA
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Rome, Italy
4. Las Vegas, USA
5. Paris, France
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Hawaii, USA
8. Venice, Italy
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
10. Dubai, UAE

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TUI is set to kick off their Live Happy sale, which acts as their Boxing Day and January sale. Though the discounts and deals from the travel giant aren’t set to kick off for everyone until December 22, 2023, at 8am, a select few holidaymakers can get their hands on a deal ahead of time.

Though TUI has not revealed all of the deals and offers set to launch on December 22, customers will be able to get up to £250 off holidays.

With some of the best deals likely to go first, if you have your heart set on a specific holiday or destination and want to make the most of the discounts, then early access could be key.

All you need to do is sign up for a MyTUI account by 8am on December 22, 2023. And the best thing is, it’s completely free to do so.

TUI is offering an array of affordable holiday options to the likes of Greece, Spain and Turkey under £400 per person.

TUI has flights throughout the year to the likes of Spain, the Balaerics and Turkey, as well as some long-haul destinations, with prices under £300 per person return. 

Chances are, you’ll need a MyTUI account to book your holiday anyway, so by signing up ahead not only do you get access to the sale early, you’ll also be one step closer towards your dream escape.

• You can sign up for a MyTUI account here.

Customers with a MyTUI account will also have access to an array of additional exclusive deals throughout the year, including selected myTUI secret deals that you won’t find anywhere else.

Though most of the deals have not been released yet, Express.co.uk searched the TUI website to get a taste of some of the savings on offer today for MyTUI customers:

• MyTUI customers can save £100 on a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma in Mexico flying on January 17, 2024 from Manchester.
• MyTUI customers can save £100 on a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Margaritaville Island Reserve in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, flying on January 15, 2024, from Manchester.
• MyTUI customers can save £100 on a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Riu Madeira in Portugal, flying on January 8, 2024, from Birmingham.

Once the full TUI Live Happy sale commences you can find all of our favourite deals and top picks from the sale in our full guide to the latest TUI deals.

All deals included in this article are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.

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TUI is offering an array of affordable holiday options to the likes of Greece, Spain and Turkey under £400 per person.

TUI has flights throughout the year to the likes of Spain, the Balaerics and Turkey, as well as some long-haul destinations, with prices under £300 per person return. 

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The post Save £250 on a TUI holiday and get early access to the sale with this tip appeared first on My Travel Leader.

Christmas is meant to be a time to put your feet up and relax, but travelling during the holidays can sometimes make you dread the festive season. 

Whether you are driving, taking a train or flying, this time of year is incredibly busy and it can be easy for things to go wrong if you are rushed or do not prepare. 

Geoff Whitmore, a travelling journalist and expert, has shared his best tips for stress-free Christmas travelling so you can get to your loved ones as efficiently as possible this festive period. 

He wrote: “Traveling during a busy season, such as summer or around winter breaks, can add more pressure. 

“If you are travelling this holiday season, there are several tips to keep in mind to help make your journey as smooth as possible.” 

Read more: ‘I’m a flight attendant and these are the unbearable things passengers do at Christmas’

READ MORE: The best Christmas gifts for travel lovers – from hand luggage to quirky goodies[GREAT GIFTS]

Be prepared in advance and arrive early 

It is common sense to always leave early to travel no matter the occasion, but during Christmas is it even more essential as airports, train stations, and roads will be extremely busy. Plan your travel well in advance, pack days in advance and have a list of everything you need checked off the morning you are to leave. 

Geoff wrote: “Travel is subject to delays, regardless of whether you travel by car, train, or plane. There can be technical issues (like we saw with Southwest Airlines at the beginning of the year), bad weather, or a delay from one part of the country that creates a domino effect.” 

Sign up for alerts

Having a travel app for whatever your transportation is will help keep you updated on the latest traffic and weather information. It can help you stay informed about delays at the last possible moment, so be sure to download a road, train, or airport app or sign up for text or email alerts. 

Geoff added: “I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being on an international flight and finding out via a text alert that my connecting flight was cancelled. Because I knew this before we landed, I was able to get a jump on moving my flights before it was too late.” 

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Shop around

If possible, avoid travelling during the peak dates over Christmas, as not only will it be busier but it will likely be much more expensive, so try to avoid travelling the few days leading up to Christmas if you can. Also try to think outside the box when booking, as going to the biggest airport or train station in your area will likely be much more packed. 

Geoff explained: “When booking flights, take some time to check the surrounding airports in your intended destination. Sometimes, you’ll find special deals at smaller airports. It is also worth checking if flying one-way instead of roundtrip is cheaper.

Travel with only carry-on luggage

Take time to consider packing and try to pack lightly if you can. This is not always possible if you are bringing Christmas presents, but if you can have them delivered through post or order online it will make travelling much more convenient, especially for those travelling by plane. 

Geoff wrote: “Traveling with only one carry-on bag isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can swing it, you can forgo long check-in lines and head straight to security. You also won’t have to wait around for your bags to arrive.”

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The post Four tips to make Christmas travel ‘as smooth as possible’ this holiday season appeared first on My Travel Leader.

Every year Travel Weekly publishes its year in review, a cover story on the biggest travel stories of the year. Here on the Folo to talk about Year in Review 2023 with host Rebecca Tobin is news editor Johanna Jainchill, who assembles, manages and writes Year in Review, and editor in chief Arnie Weissmann.

During the discussion we examine how many of these many 2023 developments directly affected or were driven by travel sellers – specifically, NDC and the push to expand the ranks of travel advisors (hello, high demand). And we look at cruising’s comeback, airline mergers and JetBlue’s big year, the reach of war, Oceangate, space travel, what’s NOT on the list and how we pull this whole thing together.

This episode was recorded Friday, Dec. 15 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations

Related links:

The year in review 2023

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A Central European city has claimed the coveted number one spot for the merriest place to spend a holiday this year.

Prague, often touted as a must-visit, is renowned for its enchanting festive atmosphere, filled with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and a rich historical backdrop. But, the city’s charm is particularly pronounced during the festive season, earning it a reputation as one of Europe’s best Christmas destinations, according to loveholidays.

What sets Prague apart is its array of Christmas markets, featuring six key locations, including the Old Town Square, adorned with toy town beauty, a real-life nativity scene, carol-singing choirs, and a dazzling Christmas tree. The Wenceslas Square market further captivates visitors with craft stalls, unique discoveries, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond the festive allure, Prague’s castle complex, the largest coherent castle complex globally, offers a fascinating historical journey. The city played a significant role in World War II and witnessed the Velvet Revolution against the Soviets three and a half decades ago.

Adding to Prague’s holiday charm is an average snowfall of 12.2cm, combined with 8.5 hours of daylight in the winter months. The city transforms into a starlit wonderland, especially after the annual tree lighting ceremony in late November. 

Travellers can experience the festive magic in Prague with a starting price of £168 per person for a five-night trip, including flights and hotel, departing between November 10, 2023, and December 31, 2023, from UK airports.

For budget-friendly travel options, Ryanair offers flights starting from £54 in November. Additionally, a scenic 13-hour train journey with three changes from London provides an alternative route through central Europe. Travel enthusiasts looking to extend their journey can explore multiple European countries with an Interrail pass, available for around £180. Affordable accommodations, such as the £17 per night Bar Fontana Airbnb, add to the appeal of a festive visit to Prague.

Oslo and Vienna secure second and third places on the loveholiday’s list, with Oslo boasting significant snowfall averages of 55.5cm and Vienna offering a rich selection of over 11 main markets. Rounding out the top five are Stockholm and New York, with Oslo standing out for seven hours of daylight and abundant snowfall, while Vienna’s charm lies in its diverse market offerings.

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New York holds a special place for festive film enthusiasts, having been the backdrop for over 400 Christmas movies, including classics like Elf and Home Alone 2.

Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at loveholidays, said: “As Christmas approaches, a lot of us love getting into the festive spirit, and we find ourselves seeking more of that magic from beyond the UK.

“Short getaways to European cities like Prague, Oslo and Vienna create the perfect setting for your own Christmas fairytale, complete with snow-draped markets and events with added sparkle. Coincidentally, Prague also offers the best-value trip for the season, with a five-night getaway including flights and accommodation costing as little as £168 per person.”

The festive rankings

(Includes the cheapest available five day trip cost in November or December)

1. Prague, Czechia – £168
2. Oslo, Norway – £215
3. Vienna, Austria – £200
4. Stockholm, Sweden – £344
5. New York, USA – £444
6. Chicago, USA – £555
7. Munich, Germany – £228
8. Toronto, Canada – £219
9. Salzburg, Austria – £211
10. Copenhagen, Denmark – £244
11. Helsinki, Finland – £607
12. Zurich, Switzerland – £286
13. Warsaw, Poland – £262
14. Berlin, Germany – £177

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• He spoke as part of a new survey that delved into UK tipping culture 
• The study revealed that the biggest tippers in the UK are 18 to 24-year-olds
• READ MORE: Time Out ranks the 24 best things in the world to do in 2024

Britons are by their very nature quite cautious with restaurant tips. But an etiquette expert is advising them to loosen up over the festive period and be more generous.

In fact, he recommends doubling the amount they’d normally offer.  

John-Paul Stuthridge said: ‘We Brits like to tip deservedly, not excessively. Christmas time is the one time of the year we ramp it up a little. Nobody has to, but stepping the tips up is all part of the good and convivial festive spirit.

‘This may mean tipping in higher amounts – 20 per cent instead of 10 per cent – or simply tipping more often.

‘Tipping on the spot via the card machine is still not fully normalised to many people, but if a server or establishment till has a plate, coffee cup, or similar, then dropping a couple of pounds in there is always welcome. Hospitality staff work deeply unsociable days and hours this time of year, and so tip accordingly for that – especially on or around Christmas day.’

Etiquette expert John-Paul Stuthridge (above) said: ‘We Brits like to tip deservedly, not excessively. Christmas time is the one time of the year we ramp it up a little’

The younger generation, however, may not be minded to follow the advice of John-Paul. 

He was speaking as part of a survey into tipping culture by card payment and solutions provider Dojo, with the study revealing that 18 to 24-year-olds generally tip over three times more than older generations, at an average of £18.24 per £100 bill. 

In comparison, those 65 and over pay an average of £5.11 per £100 bill, which falls under the typical 10 per cent tip. 

John-Paul Stuthridge said: ‘Hospitality staff work deeply unsociable days and hours this time of year, and so tip accordingly for that – especially on or around Christmas day’

The survey, based on 2,000 UK adults, revealed that respondents aged 55 to 64 offer even less, with an average of £5.01 on a £100 bill. 

This group also claimed that they would prefer to abolish the typical service charge and give a tip based on the service they received.

The survey revealed that those in the 45 to 54 age bracket offer a slightly higher tip – an average of £5.15 per £100 bill – those between 35 and 44 tip £6.52 per £100 and 25 to 34-year-olds leave an average of £9.26. 

While this is a more generous amount than the older generation, and puts this age bracket in the runner-up spot, it still falls under the 10 per cent average. 

HOW TIPPING CULTURE VARIES BY GENERATION IN THE UK

Age

18-24 

25-34 

34-44 

45-54 

55-64 

65 and over  

Tip for a £100 bill on average

£18.24

£9.26

£6.52 

£5.15 

£5.01 

£5.11 

Source: Dojo 

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• Milan is often likened to a ‘giant catwalk’ – particularly during its Fashion Weeks
• So says Kate Wickers, who explores its vintage and pre-loved fashion scene
• READ MORE: From Potter to Paddington, London’s movie filming locations 

A young woman in an electric-blue catsuit and thigh-high, spike-heeled boots is pouting and flicking her long glossy hair in front of Giorgio Armani’s flagship store, while her boyfriend tries to capture the perfect photos for Instagram.

Classic Milan, in other words.

The capital city of the Lombardy region in northern Italy is often likened to a giant catwalk, but it’s particularly so during its spring and autumn Fashion Weeks. They are when top designers rent out the grand 18th Century houses and museums in which to launch their collections, and wannabe models do all they can to be discovered.

‘You’d never catch anyone from Milan posing like that,’ says Valeria Zulbarti, who grew up here and is the guide I found through the Tours By Locals website. ‘The Milanese are all about understated style.’

This seems like nonsense after you’ve clapped eyes on Armani’s window display. So who then, exactly, is buying its expensive crystal-embellished stilettos, I ask. ‘The Russians,’ Valeria whispers.

Shopping chic: Kate Wickers embarks on a fashion-focused tour of Milan, starting at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (pictured), which she describes as ‘the world’s oldest and most beautiful shopping centre’

Above, the entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was built in 1865

My fashion-focused tour begins at the world’s oldest and most beautiful shopping centre, the soaring neo-classical Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built from iron and glass in 1865 and shaped like a crucifix in a nod to Milan’s impressive Duomo next door.

It’s here you’ll find the first Prada store, then known as Fratelli (Brothers) Prada, where handbags are still displayed in the original wooden cabinets. Across the way is Italy’s most famous hat store, Borsalino, named for master hatter Giuseppe Borsalino, who opened his first shop here in 1857.

Even if you haven’t got the cash to splash, don’t be nervous about entering these hallowed halls. You’ll be treated with courtesy, even in the swankiest of shops, as I am when I ask to try on a felt fedora in midnight blue. By the way, it was a Borsalino that Humphrey Bogart wore in Casablanca’s unforgettable last scene, and Al Pacino also sported one in The Godfather.

Fashion tourism doesn’t just cover shopping, although visiting the flagship stores of Milan’s design titans – such as Prada, Armani, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, who all launched their careers here – is immense fun.

Next we stroll to the La Scala opera house, where Valeria is keen to show me that fashion isn’t just about what you wear.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to Prada’s first store (pictured). Handbags are still displayed in the original wooden cabinets, reveals Kate

In vogue: A dress on display at La Scala opera house. Kate’s tour guide reveals that when it opened, ‘no one came to listen to opera… they came to be seen’

‘Milan is fashion,’ she says. ‘It encompasses everything from clothes and food to art and music. La Scala has always been at the centre of this.’

The theatre opened in 1778 and has six tiers of private boxes, now with sumptuous red velvet and brocade interiors but which were once individually decorated by their owners as an expression of how modish they were. ‘No one came here to listen to opera. They came to be seen, play cards, drink and heckle the poor singers,’ Valeria explains.

La Scala currently houses an exhibition on the late soprano Maria Callas, one of the world’s greatest singers, featuring a red silk dress of hers – easily the jewel of the show – that was designed by Giorgio Armani.

I’m staying at Portrait Milano, which sits slap bang in the centre of the fashion district known as the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quad). Although the building, once a seminary dating from 1565, and its huge cloister is still owned by the church, it is run by Italian fashion royalty, the Ferragamo Group, which was established in 1927 by shoemaker to the stars Salvatore Ferragamo.

I spy Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren sporting his elegant footwear in black-and-white photographs in the stairwells, and Ferragamo’s sketches, which look more like plans for futuristic skyscrapers than shoes, hang on the walls in the guest corridors. My elegant suite has a burgundy and cream colour scheme and there’s a lot of polished walnut, reminiscent of the interior of a 1930s Bugatti. In a cabinet I find cocktail glasses, a silver shaker and a bottle of Campari.

Heavenly: Kate stays at Portrait Milano hotel (pictured), which sits in the centre of Milan’s fashion district 

Fashion experiences available in the city range from the mundane – being bussed to outlet centres on the edge of town – to being styled to within an inch of your life before getting the chance to strut on a catwalk.

Inherently clumsy, I stay away from the runway and head instead to the civic fashion collection housed in the decadent 18th Century Palazzo Morando, the former home of Countess Bolognini, with frescoed ceilings, period furnishings and artworks showing Milan during the Napoleonic era. Across four rooms you’ll find exhibits on Milanese fashion, including dresses designed by long-forgotten pioneering women, such as Jole Veneziani, who opened a high-end workshop in 1944 and helped put Milan on the international fashion map.

Another museum not to be missed is the Armani Silos, which charters the fashion powerhouse through 50 years of design.

Although many would argue that buying a Prada handbag is like investing in art, few of us have the budget. But Milan has a growing vintage and pre-loved fashion scene – although, be warned, this can also be pricey.

In one shop I spot a ’90s Missoni dress for €1,500 (about £1,290).

Without breaking the bank, I scoop up a 1960s bracelet of green malachite for €35 (£30) in Madame Pauline Vintage, leaving me happy that, when I step out into Milan that night, no fashionista will have one like it.

TRAVEL FACTS 

B&B doubles at Portrait Milano from £799 (lungarnocollection.com). B&B doubles at Milan Suite Hotel from £100 (milansuitehotel.com). London to Milan Malpensa returns from £30 (easyjet.com).

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