We've all been in a snaking airport security lineup while the clueless guy at the front tries to walk through the metal detector with a pocketful of change, and we think, "Who is this idiot?"

Karl Pilkington, that's who.

Sidekick, curmudgeon and comic foil to Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, Pilkington stars in the hilarious TV series An Idiot Abroad, which tracks his reluctant travels to the Seven Wonders of the World. Gervais and Merchant call frequently to check in, goad him and set him up with local activities. On his trip to Mexico to see the Chichen Itza, he's also coerced into a Mexican wrestling class, and spends most of his trip earnestly looking to acquire "Mexican jumping beans."

But we could learn something from his packing method: pants, tees and plenty of crisps.

Watch the Mexico episode on the Discovery Channel, for a full schedule click here.

Your youngster caught you watching a KISS documentary and now all he wants to do is wear black and white makeup and bang on a drum all day. To keep the peace, trade rock for blocks.

With ShapeMaker blocks and a little imagination, he can still build a replica of Gene Simmons’ painted face (or another wild thing from the animal kingdom). Designed by award-winning Miller Goodman, a UK twosome who creates kids products for the Tate, the 25 block set is made of environmentally friendly rubberwood and hand-printed with non-toxic paint.

Block on!

$112 at Walrus, 3408 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-874-9770, www.walrushome.com and £29.95 at www.shhhop.com

At home, we have magazines lining the bookshelves, splayed across the coffee table and stacked 10 deep. Just when we’re in trouble of being buried in tomes, another must-read publication is birthed.

Twin magazine has the pedigree (a team of editors from British Vogue, AnOther Magazine, Dazed & Confused and Lula) and a cache of contributors (Miranda July, The Selby, Garance Doré and first female poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy) to make it our most favourite—in fact all the art and fashion blogs are buzzing about it.

Just a read of the hardback bi-annual’s motto and we think you too will be seeing double.

£23 at www.twinfactory.co.uk

Sure your baby daddy has traded in his vinyl collection for Raffi CDs and his skateboard for a diaper bag, but you can help him recapture a teensy bit of his twisted youth.

UK-based Twisted Twee has Father's Day presents sure to pass the test of cool dads everywhere. There's the dad and mini twin set made from 100 per cent organic cotton and shipped in a reusable  canvas bag ($60) and a Dad pillow case perfect for an afternoon snooze (because his sleeping in days are done!).

But if you ever catch him complaining about the good old days, show him your stretch marks.

www.twistedtwee.co.uk

When we heard that whimsical London socialite Fifi Lapin had a blog, we hopped right to it.

After all, Lapin is a uniquely stylish bunny and her list of runway must-haves and enviable wardrobe is a dangling closet carrot we love to chase. Plus, we just can’t resist the way she signs off all her posts with “bunny kisses.”

Most recently, Lapin teamed up with LeSportsac as its artist in residence to create a curious and playful collection, like this stylish compulsive shopper bag ($138, pictured).

She may be a silly little rabbit, but her shoe collection is to-die-for.

See more of Fifi at www.fifi-lapin.blogspot.com
Order LeSportsac online at www.lesportsac.com

Our idea of a unique holiday involves boutique hotels not musty motels.

So we’ll be booking our next great escape through Mr & Mrs Smith. The UK travel site—not the film that birthed a tabloid couple—hand picks small luxury hotels from around the globe and provides pertinent information like the best rooms, packing tips and destination to-dos.

Also the publishers of coffee table travel guides, their latest tome, Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique Hotel Collection: The Global Shortlist features saucy he-said-she-said reviews of 30 hot spots from notable contributors (including fashionistas Bee Shaffer and Serena Rees) and comes with a member card which grants you bespoke benefits when booking, like free nights, champagne and massages.

Wonder if we’ll find our Brad at Casa Angelina?

www.mrandmrssmith.com

For years, millions have journeyed to Cork (Ireland’s “second city”) to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. The story goes that it endows the kisser with the gift of eloquence. We went: You be the judge.

Do
Wander around the vibrant University College Cork channeling one-time student Cillian Murphy and visit the award-winning, architecturally stunning Lewis Glucksman Gallery.

A day trip to the picturesque town of Kinsale, just 30-minutes away, is a must. Ireland's (self-proclaimed) “gourmet capital” offers yachting, whale-watching and lovely scenic walks.

Eat
Graze your way through the local and international fare at The English Market on Princes Street. We loved the wine, the cheese, the fish... well everything really.

Table is a stylish restaurant inside the chicest store in town. Find it on the second floor of Brown Thomas on Patrick Street (another jewel in the Weston family's crown). We recommend the smoked mackerel paté or organic Irish beef burger.

Sleep
Book in to Cork's oldest hotel The Imperial in the heart of the city where classic rooms start at €99. The four-star hotel also houses Escape, Ireland's first Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa. Our pedicure there (€49) was sheer bliss.

London Bridge is falling down? We think not! Here's a guide to the real Times of London.

eat
You'll love the Babylonian palace–inspired Gilgamesh with carved walls and bar, retractable glass roof and model–perfect male servers. Sharing plates are de rigueur–must–haves include the Duck Spring Roll (£7.50) and Prawn Har Gau (£5.50). Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd., Camden, London, 020 7482 5757, www.gilgameshbar.com

drink
Despite a name that's fit for la plage, Beach Blanket Babylon is just the place to live out your romantic Notting Hill fantasies. Sidle up to the action–packed bar and try the Boo Manchoo (£9.50), a tasty blend of organic strawberries, crème de fraise and vanilla vodka that will help you forget your drink cost more than your dinner. 45 Ledbury Rd., London, 020 7229 2907, www.beachblanket.co.uk

shop
From affordable to pure luxury, scale the fashion ranks at Selfridges & Co., owned by Canada's Holt Renfrew clan, stocking everything from TopShop (including the much–hyped Kate Moss line) to Temperley. Don't miss the homegrown Ted Baker range, featuring sleek silk dresses, proper peacoats and textured fabrics for fall. 400 Oxford St., London, 44 113 369 8040, www.selfridges.com

If rolling countryside and castles are your cup of tea, think fall in England.

Herewith, our top two picks for English country retreats.

Malmaison Oxford Castle Hotel

A former prison at Oxford Castle, today there’s nothing masochistic about shutting yourself in at the Malmaison.

The 94 rooms are designed with only punishing decadence in mind. Much of the original fittings and layout have been maintained, including studded metal doors and barred windows, but chic modern updates have created an atmosphere of moody luxury.

The Brasserie and Bar in the cellar are also criminally good.

Rooms from £79. Visit www.malmaison-oxford.com

The Cow and Calf Vintage Inn

Nestled beneath the Cow and Calf Rocks on the Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire, this traditional inn evokes the setting and scenery of Wuthering Heights.

High on the hillside, the blustery location affords breathtaking views of the moors, and the village below. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your very own Heathcliff?

Rooms from £59. Visit www.innkeeperslodge.com

Finally, there’s a way to get the royal treatment you so richly deserve.

The Rubens at the Palace Hotel in London has introduced a “Live Like Royalty” package to help you forget your current station in life (unless that’s you reading Princess Margaret—in which case we do apologize).

Located directly across from Buckingham Palace with stunning views of the main gates, a sojourn in the Rubens’ “Royal Wing” is the perfect place for paparazzi and princesses.

When you arrive, your butler takes your bags to your elegantly gilded room while you take traditional afternoon tea in the Palace Lounge. Later, take a stroll through the Queen’s Gallery, inspect the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace, and enjoy foie gras and pheasant in the library with a fine vintage.

And forget ironing. You’ll finally be able to say, “The butler did it.”

www.hotel-by-buckingham-palace.co.uk