Jonathan writes regular features for the national press, specialising in travel and aviation. Links to some of his recent articles can be found below.
THE SUN, 01.03.25
“The Greek city that’s better to visit in winter with cheap Ryanair flights and funicular railways”
Jonathan Samuels discovered that Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/33626232/greek-city-cheap-winter-flights/
THE DAILY MAIL, 02.11.24
“The wacky afterlife of the Boeing 747: Wedding venue, film set, cockpit capers - the much-loved jumbo jet is still in business”
Retired British Airways jumbo jets are being turned into visitor experiences. Jonathan Samuels heads to Cheshire to try one out...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-14032469/boeing-jumbo-747-british-airways.html
THE EVENING STANDARD, 22.10.24
“The Store, Oxford hotel review: classy, breezy, historic hospitality”
What was once Britain’s second oldest department store is now Oxford’s chicest new hotel. Jonathan Samuels went for a browse
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/the-store-oxford-hotel-review-b1188122.html
THE SUNDAY TIMES, 13.10.24
“The hot and hectic city break that proved a surprise family hit”
Some people take their clan to Cornwall or Corfu. Our writer gambled on something else — a trip to Istanbul that turned out to be a triumph across the generations.
https://www.thetimes.com/article/83383d07-93d5-47c7-9529-e5da3940ef85
THE INDEPENDENT, 27.09.24
“Ten years ago I visited Uluru with William and Kate – now I am back with my own family”
After following the royals to the same spot 10 years ago, Jonathan Samuels is back with his family to experience Uluru’s ancient offerings, camel rides and the rock’s golden hour.
SKY NEWS, 04.10.24
“Inside a flying school with a 100% electric aircraft”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is an all-electric powered aircraft designed for pilot training and short hops, with the hope that one day they will be used for short-range commuter flights.
https://news.sky.com/story/inside-a-flying-school-with-a-100-electric-aircraft-13223374
THE SUN, 26.06.24
“The hugely popular Greek island with no hotels, restaurants, nightlife or cars – but A-Listers and reality stars love it”
It is no surprise celebs flock to this part of Crete; in fact the stars of Love Island love this island.
The Independent, 08.05.24
“Visiting David Attenborough’s ‘favourite place’ – why you should explore the reefs and rainforests of North Queensland”
Home to the Daintree Rainforest and with the Great Barrier Reef off its coast, this region is heaven for nature-lovers, finds Jonathan and family.
THE GUARDIAN, 1.02.24
“On the centenary of the first winter games, the French host town has lost none of the allure felt by pioneering skiers, curlers and skaters”
100 years of Winter Olympic history: Jonathan discovers why Chamonix is still king of the slopes.
SKY NEWS, 28.11.23
“Guilt-free flying or clever PR? What it was like on Virgin Atlantic's new 100% sustainable aviation fuel flight”
The Boeing 787 test flight from London Heathrow to New York's JFK airport was the first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
The Sunday Times, 21.05.23
“The remote Scottish islands now more accessible than ever”
A new direct flight from Heathrow has opened up the small but mighty Orkney Islands. Reliving childhood family holidays, Jonathan takes his son time-travelling.
THE EVENING STANDARD, 19.11.23
“Wolterton Hall: a weekend at one of Norfolk’s grandest stately homes”
This 18th century pile (not far from Sandringham) has been restored to its former glory. Jonathan experiences what it’s like to reign over a 500-acre estate for a few days.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, 21.05.23
“What it’s like to report on Queen Elizabeth’s funeral as the ‘Richard and Judy of news”
When covering the biggest story of his career, Jonathan Samuel found his domestic life interweaving with the story unfolding on our screens.
THE SUNDAY TIMES, 25.12.22
“Sofia city guide: your weekend break sorted”
From boutique stays to easy skiing, Jonathan discovers the Bulgarian capital is both a blast and a bargain.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sofia-city-guide-your-weekend-break-sorted-7bfhhxtgh
THE SUN, 4.11.22
“Terminal recline”
Jonathan goes back in time with this airport converted into a 60’s hotel.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/20330453/airport-converted-into-hotel/
THE SUNDAY TIMES, 5.3.22
“Rome with the family: a history lesson with added gelato”
Tales of emperors and gladiators are sure to entertain the kids on an Italian city break, says Jonathan Samuels. If not, there’s always pizza
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rome-with-the-family-a-history-lesson-with-added-gelato-tctlghtp3
THE SUNDAY TIMES, 25.4.21
“Our first canal boat adventure in Cheshire”
A flotilla of beginners is trying holidays on the UK’s canals and rivers. Jonathan Samuels and family test the water
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/our-first-canal-boat-adventure-in-cheshire-ld32rw93l
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, 17.08.20
“The perfect holiday destination to fly, flop, and (almost) forget Covid”
The largest Greek island is back on the UK's travel 'safe list', but Cretans are far from complacent.
From the archives:
23.02.19
“Pampered like a sultan in Morocco”
Jonathan goes off the beaten track to experience a stunning corner of Morocco in a travel feature for The Express.
Jonathan over an oyster bed in Morocco
22.09.18
“Take a flight of fancy back to 1973 with the Pan Am Experience in Los Angeles”
Aviation geek Jonathan couldn’t resist trying out the 1970s PanAm experience for The Sun.
Jonathan boarding a 1973 flight from LA
The Sun, 20th August 2017
20.08.17
"Isle of Sky"
A travel feature by Jonathan for The Sun about his technology, gadget (and luggage) free family holiday to Colonsay, a remote Scottish Hebredian island.
Colonsay's glorious, mile-long Kiloran beach
The Sun, 13th July 2015
13.07.15
"COVER-UP IN PARADISE"
An article written by Jonathan for The Sun newspaper when he was reporting from Thailand on the murder of two British backpackers.
The Sun, 22nd March 2014
22.03.14
"heartbreak hotel"
An article written by Jonathan for The Sun newspaper when he was reporting for Sky on the missing Malaysian airlines Flight MH370.