The Archive

Africa

Start with this article on the best places to visit in Africa. Fancy a spot of adventure? We answer the question: can you drive across Africa?

North Africa

• Hiking in Ouirgane Valley takes walking to a new level
• The highs and lows of driving in Morocco
• How to plan the perfect Morocco itinerary
• What to pack for Morocco: your handy guide
• The Viking Nile cruise review
• What’s new in Ancient Egypt?
• The Viking Explorer Suite review on the Nile (with video)
• Why you should visit Marrakech in winter
• What to wear in Egypt

East Africa

• How the red tsingy in Madagascar are the perfect antidote to travel overload
• The best beaches in Madagascar
• The real pride rock
• The perfect Kenya bucket list
• What you need to know about trekking Kilimanjaro
• An introduction to the culture and traditions of Mauritius
• Ecotourism in Mauritius: how the home of the Dodo is moving on
• What a sustainable food festival looks like in Mauritius
• Mauritius or the Maldives for your next trip?
• Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Southern Africa

• Namibia and the oldest desert in the world
• What safari guides really fear in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
• Why colour still matters in Bo Kaap, Cape Town
• 21 unusual things to do in Cape Town
• Why South Africa is called the rainbow nation
• A poem from South Africa
• The Soweto that Mandela left behind

West Africa

• The best cuisine in The Gambia
• Why it’s worth visiting The Gambia

Asia

Japan

• Japan highlights: the best things to do in Japan
• Powerful words from a Nagasaki survivor
• The igloo festival in Japan that will warm your heart
• What the Hachinoe Enburi will teach you in Japan
• The secret to the longest life expectancy in the world
• How to climb Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo
• How to spend two days in Hiroshima
• How to get off the beaten path in Japan
• The first time travel tips for Japan you need to know

China

• The Yao women who changed how Hollywood washes its hair
• Your China bucket list
• Unusual things to do in Hong Kong
• Why the reed flute caves in Guilin are different

Vietnam, Thailand & the Philippines

• Autumn in Hanoi: the best time to see this city
• How to spend three days in Hanoi
• The floating Vung Vieng fishing village in Vietnam
• The best travel tips for Vietnam
• Your Philippines bucket list
• What is the national dish of Thailand?
• The best things to do in Nan, Thailand’s overlooked province.
• The best souvenirs in Thailand

Singapore & Malaysia

• The best Singapore souvenirs to bring home
• The best things to do in Singapore at night
• How to spend two days in Singapore
• The complete Borneo food guide

Kazakhstan

• Kazakhstan food guide: the 15 dishes you should try
• The story behind the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status
• 17 Interesting facts about Kazakhstan
• Beshbarmak: the national dish of Kazakhstan

India, Sri Lanka & The Maldives

• Mysore food: the 12 dishes you need to know in southern India
• How Mysore Palace history surprises everyone who visits
• The dark side of traditional arts and crafts in Sri Lanka
• How to climb Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka
• The best things to do in Jaffna
• 21 of the best things to do in the Maldives
• The best dive resorts in the Maldives
• The Sri Lankan Airlines Business Class review

Australia

• Unusual things to do in Sydney that are right in the heart of the city
• Have you visited these hidden gems in Australia?
•  What makes Kakadu so special. 
• The secret behind the magnetic termite mounds in Australia
• The best things to do in Darwin in the Northern Territory

Europe

Albania

• The ultimate guide to cycling in Albania

Austria

• A new form of slow travel in Austria
• Traditional dishes in Austria: the 15 dishes you need to try
• Why summer in Austria will make you feel better
• 15 Beautiful lakes in Austria
• The best of Lech in Summer
• Exploring the Käsestrasse, Austria’s Cheese Road
• Dark tourism in Vienna: what you need to know

Graz & Styria

• How to spend one day in Graz, Austria’s second city
• Is Graz really worth visiting?
• Unique things to do in Graz
• The best places to eat in Graz
• Why you will love the Buschenschank Steiermark despite the long name

Tirol

• The best of Innsbruck for kids
• The natural ice palace in Austria’s Hintertux Glacier
• Why St Johann in Tirol is your secret tonic in Austria

Croatia

• What is Croatia famous for?
• How to spend one day in Dubrovnik

Denmark

• How to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen
• What is hygge and why does it matter?

Estonia

• Your guide to visiting Lahemaa National Park

Finland

• The Helsinki souvenirs you need to bring home
• How to spend one day in Helsinki

France

• What to do in Monaco in one day
• Your ideal Bordeaux in four days itinerary
• What you need to know about Parc Asterix near Paris
• Is Parc Asterix worth visiting?
• Meribel vs Val Thorens: how to decide between these ski spots
• Read these 39 interesting facts about France
• Uncover seven unique things to do in France
• How to say cheers in French
• The best souvenirs to bring home from France
• The best things to do in Bordeaux with kids
• What is France famous for?

Paris

• The best hotels in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower
• The best secret spots and hidden gems in Paris
• How to spend four days in Paris: your Paris itinerary
• Why you should visit Paris with kids
• How to see Paris like a local
• The best things to do in the Latin Quarter in Paris

Germany

• Quirky and unusual things to do in Germany
• The Berlin Wall: the unheard story of growing up in East Germany
• How to see Berlin in one day
• What is so special about Berlin?
• Why the Nuremberg sausage is so important
• Your Cologne itinerary: how to spend two perfect days in Cologne

Greece

• Beautiful and unusual things to do in Greece
• Your Peloponnese itinerary for a road trip through mainland Greece
• What to pack for Greece: a packing list to download
• Fun facts about Greek food
• The best things to do in Kalamata in the Peloponnese
• The best Peloponnese itineraries
• Greece vs Italy. Which is better for your next trip?
• The best Greek itineraries for curious travellers

Athens

• The Athens Food Guide: what and where to eat in the Greek capital
• Finding the best philosophy tours in Athens
• Is Athens worth visiting?
• 23 Hidden gems and unusual things to do in Athens
• Mykonos or Santorini for your next trip?

Hungary

• How to spend two days in Budapest

Iceland

• Your itinerary for the Snaefellsnes peninsula
• What should be on every Iceland bucket list
• How to travel Iceland with kids
• Your ultimate South Coast Iceland road trip itinerary
• When to visit the Blue Lagoon
• The ultimate Iceland packing checklist

Ireland

• The best way to plan your itinerary through Ireland
• 25 best things to bring back from Ireland
• Quirky, fun and unusual things to do in Dublin
• Your perfect itinerary to see Dublin in two days

Italy

• How to get off the beaten path in Italy with 101 hidden gems
• What to buy in Italy: your guide to Italian souvenirs
• The best Italian themed gifts for people who love Italy
• How to make a real ragu: the traditional Italian dish you can make at home
• What to pack for Italy: the ultimate guide
• Florence or Milan for your next trip?
• The travel tips for Italy that you need for your next trip
• Rome or Naples for your next trip?
• A first-timer’s guide to the Amalfi Coast
• How to plan the perfect Tuscan itinerary
• 31 hidden gems in Tuscany
• How to see Florence in one day
• Florence or Lucca for your next trip to Tuscany?
• The most romantic places to stay in Tuscany

North Italy

• Why Rimini Old Town deserves your time
• Why Trieste food is different to the rest of Italy
• The best things to do in Trieste
• Amazing things to do in Umbria, Tuscany’s overlooked neighbour
• The best things to do in Chiavenna near Milan
• How to get off the beaten path in Venice
• When is the best time to visit Venice to avoid the crowds?
• What you need to know about the Ravenna Mosaics in Italy
• The surprise you’ll find in Comacchio

Rome, the South and Malta

• 21 unusual things to do in Rome to escape the crowds
• 41 fun facts about Sicily
• The candle festival in Malta and why it is so special
• Capri’s most scenic cocktail spots

Latvia

• What is Latvia famous for?
• How to spend three days in Riga

The Netherlands

• Cool and unusual things to do in the Hague
• The perfect 24 hours in Rotterdam itinerary
• How to spend the perfect evening in Amsterdam

Poland

• The stories behind the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Things no one tells you about visiting Auschwitz alone

Portugal

• The best Portugal road trip itinerary
• Work out where to eat in Lisbon with our food guide crafted from local advice.
• Authentic and unusual things to do in Portugal
• Check out the best places to stay in Lisbon here. 
• The best Spain and Portugal itinerary
• 21 Unusual things to do in Porto, city of the north
• Avalon Alegria Review: Is a Portugal Douro River Cruise for You?
• The best souvenirs from Porto
• Bola de Lamego: the Portuguese treat that’s better than it looks
• The best things to do in the Costa Vicentina, the untamed coast of Europe
• Is Porto worth visiting?
• How to spend one day in Porto
• Secret streets of Lisbon: your self-guided tour

San Marino

• The ultimate San Marino travel guide

Slovakia

• Is Bratislava worth visiting?

Slovenia

• How to spend 24 hours in Ljubljana

Spain

• The ultimate Spain and Portugal itinerary planner
• Is it worth visiting Spain in winter?
• Everything you need to know about travelling solo in Spain
• How to get off the beaten track in Spain
• How to spend the perfect week in Spain
• The best road trips in Spain
• 21 Unique and unusual things to do in Spain
• The ultimate Spain packing list
• What does skydiving in Spain feel like?
• 101 Questions about Spain: the Spain quiz for curious people
• 49 Interesting and Fun Facts about Spain
• How to spend a summer in Spain
• Can you drink tap water in Spain?
• The best things to do in Spain in October
• How to prepare to walk the Camino de Santiago

Andalucia/ Andalusia

• The best southern Spain itinerary through Andalusia
• What you need to know about the olive harvest in Spain
• Helpful Alhambra quotes for your instagram captions
• The hidden side of Malaga

Seville

• 21 Hidden gems in Seville
• What you need to know about Holy Week in Seville
• What to do in Triana, Seville’s wild side
• No8Do in Seville: the city’s secret code
• The best tapas bars in Seville
• The best things to do in Seville
• What to buy in Seville: the souvenirs to bring home
• Where to stay in Seville: the best neighbourhoods to know
• How to pronounce Seville the right way
• Seville or Madrid? Which Spanish city is best for you?

Catalunya / Catalonia

• The best things to do on your own in Barcelona
• 5 of the best luxury villas near Barcelona with a private pool
• Barcelona off the beaten path
• The best neighbourhoods to stay in Barcelona
• What does skydiving feel like in Spain?
• What does a hot air balloon ride feel like in Spain?

Asturias & Galicia

• Asturian cuisine: the 5 dishes you need to know
• Your Asturias road trip itinerary
• Asturias highlights: the best things to see in northern Spain
• The secret to pouring cider in Asturias
• The best Galicia road trip itinerary

Central Spain

• 31 Fun Facts about Madrid
• Inside Madrid’s Literary Quarter
• Eating churros at the oldest chocolatería in Madrid
• The best neighbourhoods to stay in Madrid
• Is Madrid worth visiting?
• How to find the Salamanca frog and what it means
• Talking with a Race Engineer at the Valencia Grand Prix

La Rioja

• Finding the best bodegas in La Rioja
• The perfect La Rioja itinerary

The Basque Country

• You San Sebastian itinerary
• Bilbao or San Sebastian for your next trip?
• Why you need to visit Gaztelugatxe

The Balearic Islands

• How to spend one day in Palma Mallorca
• Interesting facts about Ibiza
• Unusual things to do in Menorca
• The Menorcan gin distillery with a secret inside

The Canary Islands

• The best things to do in North Tenerife
• How to make patatas arrugadas
• The Tenerife Food Guide
• 21 Fun and unusual things to do in Tenerife

Sweden & Norway

• 21 fun facts about Sweden
• What is fika? The secret from Sweden that will change how you relax
• What is Norway famous for?
• One Day in Bergen: Your Gateway to the Fjords
• What to add to your Norway bucket list

Switzerland

• Everything you need to know about an ebike holiday in Verbier
• How to spend two days in Geneva
• Your 24 hour itinerary for Geneva
• Why you should spend summer in Switzerland
• The 10 most scenic train rides in Switzerland
• Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
• How to plan a train trip through Switzerland
• Why winter in Lausanne is so special
• The best things to do in Geneva in winter
• The Marmites de l’Escalade and a chocolate I’ll never forget

Turkey

• What Istanbul is like in winter
• Is Istanbul in Europe or Asia?
• The best Turkish souvenirs
• Istanbul to Athens cruise

United Kingdom

• 21 interesting facts about the UK to surprise you
• The most walkable cities in the UK

England

• How to spend 48 hours in Manchester
• The best things to do in the Cotswolds with kids
• Alternative and unusual things to do in the Cotswolds
• Fun facts about Cornwall
• What is Somerset famous for?
• Your Bristol bucket list for England’s sassy city
• How to spend a weekend in Harrogate, the spa town of the north
• The best things to do in Brean, Somerset
• The best things to do in Lavenham, England’s prettiest village
• The best things to do in Sandwich, Kent
• The best beaches in Salcombe, Devon
• The best things to do in the Lake District with kids

London

• 101 great ideas for autumn in London
• The best things to do in Belgravia, London’s most refined neighbourhood
• How to spend 72 hours in London: your perfect London itinerary
• The best things to do in Kingston upon Thames in London
• 31 Unusual things to do in London
• What is London famous for?
• 15 interesting nicknames for London and what they mean
• Which airline has the best business class to London?

Wales

• Unusual things to do in North Wales
• How to plan a one week road trip through Wales
• 21 Fun and unusual things to do in Cardiff
• Cwtch: a new way to hug from Wales
• Unusual things to do in Pembrokeshire, the land of coastal parks in Wales
• The best things to do in Fishguard, Wales
• How to spend one day in Cardiff

Scotland

• How to spend one week in Scotland: your Scotland road trip itinerary
• The travel tips for Scotland that you need to know

More About Europe

• The best art cities in Europe
• Capital gains: exploring Europe’s longest river
• The best winter sun destinations in Europe

South America

This beautiful continent has some of the most impressive natural landscapes on earth. For example…

• The ultimate Amazon travel tips for your next adventure

Brazil

• The best things to do in the Amazon
• What to pack for the Amazon rainforest
• Why the meeting of the waters in Brazil is so important

Ecuador

• The oldest market in Quito and what to buy in Ecuador
• Why the pre-Colombian art in Quito matters
• Why everyone should visit the cloud forests of Ecuador
• What do the words Galapagos mean?
• Have you heard of this tradition in Quito?

The Caribbean

While the Caribbean islands may share the same pristine beaches and sparkling shores, the history, landscape, culture and food make each and every island distinct. 

Start with this guide to the best Caribbean islands for solo travel (even if you’re not travelling solo.) Some of the easiest islands to get to include Nassau in the Bahamas and Barbados. But to get off the beaten track, try this beautiful spot in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

• Brilliant things to do in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Bring Barbados home with grandma’s Bajan Recipes
• The Shocking Story of Green Turtle Cay for Americans
• What are the best things to do in Nassau to avoid the crowds?
• The best things to do in Virgin Gorda

Dominican Republic

• What to pack for the Dominican Republic
• The best food in the Dominican Republic
• Why you should travel to the Dominican Republic with kids

The Middle East

Frequently misunderstood, the Middle East is one of the most intriguing and hospitable places that I’ve ever been to visit. Perhaps I’m biased, I lived in Saudi Arabia as a small child. But my subsequent travels have revealed layer upon layer of warmth and friendship, outstanding natural landscapes, fresh food and world altering history.

But where should you start? Right here with this article on the best places to see in the Middle East.

Jordan

• Why Bedouin coffee is about more than the drink
• How to find the right Jordan itinerary for you
• 10 Interesting facts about the Dead Sea
• The best time to visit Jordan
• What to wear in Jordan
• 21 Essentials to pack for Jordan
• Is Jordan safe for solo female travellers?
• When is the best time to visit Jordan?
• Jordanian Food: the 21 dishes you need to know
• What is it like to visit Petra?
• Is Petra at night worth it?
• How the Madaba mosaics show the pathway to peace
• How to create your Jordan bucket list

United Arab Emirates

• Your Dubai packing list
• 15 hidden gems in the U.A.E
• 21 Interesting facts about Dubai
• How to rent a car in Dubai
• Interesting facts about Sharjah, the creative hub of the U.A.E
• The mystery of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve
• What you need to know about culture and tradition in the U.A.E

USA and Canada

• Santa Monica vs Venice Beach? Which is right for you in LA
• How to spend one day in Detroit, America’s comeback city
• 21 cool and unusual things to do in Vancouver
• How to Plan Your San Francisco to Santa Barbara Road Trip
• Los Angeles or Miami – which one should you choose?
• Is Seattle worth visiting? 21 reasons to visit the Emerald City
• The ultimate LA to Santa Barbara road trip
• The best California road trips

Canada

• Nova Scotia’s lighthouse route: the ultimate road trip
• What to eat in Nova Scotia: the 15 dishes you need to try
• The best things to do in Peggy’s Cove

Florida

• The ultimate Florida bucket list
• 21 Weird things to do in Daytona Beach Florida
• 21 Unique and unusual things to do in Sarasota, Florida
• Your ultimate Florida west coast road trip itinerary
• How to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida
• Is Sarasota worth visiting?
• How the Marie Selby gardens will surprise you
• What is Miami famous for?
• Miami or Key West for your next trip?
• Your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

New Orleans and Louisiana

• The best two day New Orleans itinerary
• The strange story behind Pirate Alley in New Orleans
• How to see New Orleans with kids
• The surprising story behind Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World in New Orleans
• The secret behind the beignets of Cafe du Monde
• The Tabasco Factory tour: meet Louisiana’s hottest attraction
• How to plan your New Orleans road trip
• Why you need to drive the Great River Road in Louisiana
• What is the difference between a swamp and a bayou?
• What is the nickname for New Orleans?

Alabama & The South

• What you really need to know about civil rights in Alabama
• What is Alabama known for? 101 Fun facts about the Yellowhammer State
• Meet the real Maycomb from Harper Lee’s Mockingbird
• The best Alabama road trip itinerary for your next trip

New England

• Your perfect New England road trip itinerary
• How to spend two days in Boston: your weekend Boston itinerary
• One day in Boston: a thoughtful traveller’s guide
• The best cranberry bog tours in New England
• The best things to do in Nantucket: the Faraway Place

Travel Tips

Responsible Travel

• Check out the benefits of sustainable travel here.
• Why it’s important to do nothing from time to time
• How to be a responsible tourist
• 15 sustainable beach tips for your next trip
• Is dark tourism ethical? Let’s discuss.
• Our favourite sustainable travel blogs
• The emotional meaning of home
• 5 powerful ways travel helps the planet
• The best ethical travel destinations
• Have we got it wrong about marking historical milestones?
• How to join our Patreon – and why you should
• Exploring ecotourism in Mauritius
• What sustainable food tourism looks like in Mauritius
• A new form of slow travel in Austria
• Cork trees in Portugal. A lesson for us all.

Road Trips

We love a road trip! Few things beat the freedom of the open road and the sense of possibility and exploration. It’s a great way to travel slow, to travel with kids, with friends or all by yourself. 

But a good road trip does take some planning. 

Luckily, we have what you need. Start with our Road Trip Handbook and then check out the articles below…

• How to plan a road trip and avoid the most common mistakes
• Download our guide to car rentals here
• Enjoy these road trip quotes to keep you inspired.
• The best campervan accessories
• 101 fun road trip questions to keep you busy
• How to drive across Africa
• Your ultimate road trip checklist

Getting the Right Gear

With the right gear, anything is possible. Hunting for the Northern Lights at minus 40 in the Arctic Circle becomes a joy. Cocktails in Miami, easy peasy. With the wrong gear, everything becomes harder. Despite this being a luxury travel blog, I’m not a big believer in shopping for shopping’s sake, nor spending just for the sake of it. What I do know is that the right gear makes almost everything alright

We run in-depth reviews on individual pieces of equipment, but to get started, check out these articles:

• Your ultimate international travel checklist
• Your complete holiday packing guide with printable PDF
• The Osprey Transporter 120 Review: the family size one
• The Osprey Farpoint 36
• The Osprey 65 Review: a backpack on wheels?
• The recycled Osprey Daylite Duffel
• Reviewing the Osprey Tote
• The best carry-on luggage for women
• Level8 luggage review: the Russian doll suitcase with a difference
• The best safari camera gear for your next trip
• How to find the perfect tent for you

You can also find my recommendations on my Amazon page.

Gift Ideas

Hand-checked ideas to help you buy presents for the ones love.

• The best travel gifts for couples
• The best Italian themed gifts for people who love Italy
• The best gifts for hikers
• The best luxury travel gifts for him
• The best gifts for an outdoorsy girlfriend
• The best gifts for someone going travelling
• The 21 best souvenir ideas for 2024
• Why a travel photo book makes the perfect gift

Packing Lists

Browse our packing lists and download the ones you need.

• Your ultimate pre-travel checklist
• Your complete holiday packing guide with printable PDF
• What to wear on a beach holiday
• What to pack for a cruise
• What to wear in the Amazon
• What to pack for a walking holiday
• Your cycling holiday packing list
• What to pack for a Bahamas cruise
• The beach camping checklist you need
• The ultimate self-catering checklist
• The only moving abroad checklist you need
• What to pack for Europe in summer
• The ultimate travel capsule wardrobe for men

Family Travel Tips

Family travel is a wonderful thing – as long as you’re prepared! Start with this travel bucket list for families and bucket list for the summer. Then add to the planning tools above with these child focused travel tips.

Need a way to keep the children entertained? Check out our list of the best travel journal ideas and prompts for kids.

For Younger Children

• The baby travel gear you need (and what you don’t)
• The best travel toys for toddlers on planes
• What to know about breastfeeding on a plane
• The best places to travel with a baby
• The best zika-free babymoon destinations

Flying Tips

• Long haul flight essentials – what you need for a more comfortable flight
• How much does it cost to charter a plane?
• Which airline has the best business class to London?
• The Cathay Pacific Business Class Review
• The British Airways Business Review: the new Club Suite
• The Virgin Business Class Review: is it worth it?
• The traditional British Airways Business Class Review
• Can laptops go in checked luggage? What you need to know.
• Flying with contact lenses: how to do it safely
• The Sri Lankan Airlines Business Class Review: is it worth it?

Cruise Tips

• The best solo cruise tips to make sure you have a great time
• The best cruise packing tips
• How do you organise a cruise to Greenland?
• The best time to cruise the Mediterranean

Cruise Reviews

• An introduction to river cruising with Avalon on the Danube
• What the Viking Aegir Danube Waltz Cruise is really like
• The Viking Jupiter cruise review
• The Discovery Princess Review: going high tech at sea
• The Viking Nile cruise review
• Istanbul to Athens: Viking’s Mediterranean Treasures route

General Travel Tips

• How to travel more with a full time job
• How to become a race engineer: careers that travel the world
• The best ways to connect to the internet abroad
• The best travel websites and resources year on year
• 101 Food and drink quiz questions to quench your thirst
• Creative travel journal ideas for your next trip
• The best wildlife experiences in the world
• 31 luxury travel tips for your next trip
• How to set up a travel journal: your creative guide
• The ultimate business travel safety tips
• The best summer bucket list
• How to display travel souvenirs at home
• The travel money tips I learned the hard way
• What swimmers should eat to fuel long training sessions
• How to travel with allergies
• How to travel with glasses: what you need to know
• Entry to the UK has changed: do you need an ETA to get in?
• How to stay fit while travelling