Easily accessible from the capital of Brussels, Ghent has been Europe’s best-kept secret for many years. The second largest city in the Flanders region of Belgium, after Antwerp, it’s an enchanting and often overlooked destination. Situated on the confluence of the rivers Leie and Scheldt, Ghent is packed with fascinating architecture, scenic canals, chocolate shops, and bicycles. With a cosy vibe, it has a compact and walkable center, and all the main attractions are located …
Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena is situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia and was Spain’s gateway to its new empire. Trading in gold, silver, tobacco, and, regrettably, enslaved people, the city boomed. These days, Cartagena draws tourists from all over the world, many of them arriving on cruise ships to explore the cobbled streets and colonial buildings of the colorful old city.
The historic streets of Cartagena’s old city are full …
Scenically situated on the banks of the Danube, the Hungarian capital of Budapest had been on my hit list for a while. Although its popularity has soared over the last few years, the city still receives only a fraction of the visitors that heavyweights such as London, Paris, and Rome do. Yet, Budapest has some particularly unique attractions. Where else could you indulge in delicious chimney cake in the morning, luxuriate in hot springs in …
I don’t think I’ve ever visited a more whimsical destination than the enchanting Polish city of Wroclaw. From the colorful houses that are straight out of a Grimm’s fairy story to the hundreds of scattered gnomes that can be spotted throughout the downtown area, this is a city like no other. The third largest urban area in Poland, it’s often overlooked by visitors who head straight to Krakow and Warsaw. Big mistake.
I visited Wroclaw …
The chilled seaside city of Essaouira lies a mere three hours away from Marrakech by bus. A perfect antidote to the chaos of the metropolis, its atmospheric and bustling medina is magnificently located next to a long stretch of sandy beach and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira offers an ideal combination of beach life and Moroccan culture and is also an excellent destination for a winter break, with daytime temperatures remaining balmy throughout the year.…
In the Rif Mountains of Morocco, the bewitching blue city of Chefchaouen was certainly somewhere I dreamt about visiting for many years. Happily, I finally made it there and I’m pleased to say that captivating Chefchaouen lived up to expectations.
With its blue-washed buildings, cute plazas, and delightful doorways, the small city is a feast for the eyes. To add to its appeal, it’s home to a huge population of adorable cats. In fact, Chefchaouen …
If you have a craving to get up close and personal with Argentina’s stunning mountains, waterfalls, and lakes, look no further than El Chalten. A small settlement amongst the rugged peaks of Patagonia, it’s a magnet for trekkers who flock to the town in the summer. Close to Chile’s border, El Chalten is situated in the heart of the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park.
Every year, visitors add considerably to the town’s current population of …
Ushuaia, known as the city at the end of the world, is situated at the southern-most tip of Argentina and is famous for being the gateway to Antarctica. Most people make tracks to the far-flung city to join one of the cruises which sail across Drake Passage and explore the vast frozen continent. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to be taking a cruise, Ushuaia is worthy of a visit – as I recently discovered …
We crept past the sleeping desk clerk and out of the hotel at 1.30 am, walking through Old Manali in the pouring rain. Stray dogs howled and a rat scurried across the street in front of us. Along with my partner Teresa, I had been traveling in India for a few months. I both loved and hated this fascinating, vibrant, consuming and sometimes shocking country. Although there were times when I wished I was elsewhere, …
Guadalajara, located in the state of Jalisco, is Mexico’s second-largest city. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked in favor of the world-famous metropolis of Mexico City. Although Mexican tourists flock to the city, most foreigners have yet to discover the many delights of Guadalajara. Not only was the city the birthplace of mariachi, but it brims with culture and history. You could easily spend a week in the city and still not have time to take in …
The medieval market city of Norwich is situated on the River Wensom in the beautiful county of Norfolk in England. Located around 100 miles north-east of London, Norwich is known as ‘The Fine City’, a phrase coined by 19th century local writer, George Borrow.
With over 1,500 medieval buildings and 33 historic churches within its crumbling mid-14th century walls, Norwich has a higher intensity of ancient architecture than elsewhere in Northern Europe. The …
A road trip around the South Island of New Zealand with my partner was a fun-packed adventure. From breathtaking scenery to amazing wildlife, not to mention the friendly (and occasionally quirky!) locals, our road trip provided us with an abundance of incredible memories. Here is my pick of ten highlights from our South Island escapade.
Jet Boating at Buller Gorge
For a thrilling jet boat ride through pink granite rock canyons, head to Buller near …
Costa Rica is, of course, a paradise for nature lovers. It, therefore, makes sense that many people only wish to spend a minimal amount of time, if any, in the gritty capital of San Jose before heading to the beaches and tropical rainforests.
Surrounded by volcanoes, coffee plantations, and cloud forests and situated in the central valley, San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. If you travel independently in Costa Rica, …
The small town of Zipolite lies on Mexico’s southwestern Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. A far cry from the concrete jungle of Cancun, the jungle surrounding Zipolite is real. Devoid of high-rise hotels and huge resorts, the beach is lined with cabanas and palapas and a scattering of lodgings unobtrusively tucked away in the jungle. Zipolite is a laidback, open-minded place and Mexico’s only clothing-optional beach. It’s a magnet for hippies, LGBTQ+ travelers, …
The exotic land of Rajasthan is a showcase for India at its finest. From palaces and forts to tigers and temples, it bursts with color, history and incredible landscapes. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited states in country. I first fell in love with Rajasthan when I traversed the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Although my first visit was a mere taster (Jaipur is the only one of …
The town of Tequila had been on my radar for a few years, but it wasn’t until recently that I eventually made it to the fun-packed pueblo in the state of Jalisco. Often overlooked by foreign visitors, Tequila is a popular day trip for Mexican tourists who travel by rail and road from Guadalajara, about forty miles away. I decided to spend a few days in the town, which allowed me to experience the high-spirited …
It’s easy to be seduced by Oaxaca City’s abundant charms. From mouth-watering local cuisine to the streets awash with colorful colonial buildings and cacti, there’s a unique laidback vibe here, rarely found in large cities. Rich in indigenous culture, the area is famous for its folk art, particularly the vibrant hand-carved fantasy figures known as alebrijes which are produced in the surrounding villages and sold in the city. As well as the impressive Museo de …
Although the name Glastonbury is synonymous with one of the world’s most famous music festivals, there is more to the tiny Somerset town than the annual gathering of peace and love at nearby Worthy Farm. With a population of approximately 9,000, Glastonbury brims with myths and legends. It’s a meeting point for some of England’s most important “ley lines” – the metaphysical connections which link ancient spiritual sites around the world.
In addition to tourists, …
Situated a mere fifty minutes from London by train, the cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton is perfect for a day trip or weekend break from the capital. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more laid-back vibe than London offers, Brighton makes an ideal base from which to explore both the capital and the beautiful surrounding countryside of Sussex.
The city itself is known for its free-spirited attitude and vibrant nightlife combined with a big dose …
Whether admiring the stunning architecture or dipping into a quirky absinthe bar, the beautiful medieval city of Prague is perfect for exploring on foot. It’s probably the best way to experience the city, as I discovered recently when I took my first trip to the Czech capital. Sure, there’s an easily navigable and efficient metro system, but for those who like to walk, there’s nothing like pounding the streets to become intimately acquainted with the …
One of the perks of visiting Lisbon is that it’s a short jaunt from both the beautiful Portuguese coastline and, intriguingly, a mountainous whimsical wonderland. Just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, the town of Sintra is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital city. Sintra is tucked away in the mystical wooded hills of the Serra Mountains, surrounded by fairy-tale palaces, and enchanting gardens and overlooked by a Moorish castle. …
Portugal’s enchanting second city, Porto, has gained much attention over the last few years, and it’s easy to understand why. From hip bars to ancient cobbled alleyways, Porto has finally hit the travel headlines and become one of Europe’s hottest destinations. The architecture is diverse and eye-catching, whether it’s the colorful, intricately designed tiles (azulejos) or the abundant ornate churches.
Located on the hills of the Douro River, the city retains a gritty quality that …
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, has a wealth of colorful neighborhoods to explore. The city bursts with history, and its narrow-cobbled streets are a delight to lose yourself in. Known as the City of Seven Hills, locals gather in the squares to shoot the breeze, and trams clatter up and down the hilly streets. Tiny cafes serve traditional dishes such as grilled sardines and Portuguese Codfish. The haunting sound of Fado music drifts from the bars. …
Most visitors to Mexico head straight to the country’s stunning beaches, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. However, there is an abundance of delights in store for those who venture beyond the beaches to Mexico’s beguiling magic towns. The Mexican tourist board has selected 132 pueblos to be included on a list of so-called ‘magic towns’. The towns are chosen for a combination of characteristics, including culture, architecture, natural beauty, cuisine, and indigenous history. …
Most visitors to Mexico head straight to the country’s stunning beaches, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. However, there is an abundance of delights in store for those who venture beyond the beaches to Mexico’s beguiling magic towns. The Mexican tourist board has selected 132 pueblos to be included on a list of so-called ‘magic towns’. The towns are chosen for a combination of characteristics including culture, architecture, natural beauty, cuisine, and indigenous history. …
