At a quiet cafe in Paris, Dan Beckmann has a revelation. Of course he understands the Mona Lisa looks content. She’s surrounded by the capital of France: who wouldn’t be happy?

Too many visitors to Italy rush through the highlights and never stop to absorb their experience. Dan Beckmann revels in the sights and sounds of an open-air market in the heart of ‘The Eternal City’.

Dan Beckmann, like many dads, has to fight to retain a stable relationship with his growing daughter. Travelling together, he finds, has really helped.

At large in Italy’s capital, Dan Beckmann tracks down a restaurant recommended by Rick Steves. America’s favourite guide to Europe proves that on this occasion, at least, his judgement is spot on.