Tallinn is a city that feels like it’s been sketched from two different dreams: one medieval, one modern. Its Old Town - all cobbled lanes, spired churches and honey‑coloured stone - is a UNESCO‑listed wonder that looks almost too perfect to be real. But step beyond those ancient walls and you’ll find a city pulsing with creativity, digital innovation and a Nordic‑Baltic cool that’s entirely its own. For example, beyond the Old Town lies … [Read more...]
Hungary in a Hurry: A Quick Adventure through Enchantment
Soon after landing in Budapest, a friend and I were promptly held in one of several contiguous rooms. People from other flights kept arriving, ultimately packing us in like sardines. One of the more curious souls decided to go talk to the well-armed security guards. Apparently we were under a lockdown due to a bomb threat and we were being held until security until bomb sniffing dogs had made a careful assessment of the situation. After about … [Read more...]
Eddy L. Harris, Writer, Filmmaker and Lifelong Traveler
Eddy L. Harris is a writer, filmmaker, and lifelong traveler who mixes memoir, adventure, and cultural insights in books like Mississippi Solo and Native Stranger. His stories dive into race and identity, inspired by his journeys across the USA and Africa. Q. Back in the 80s, you made a journey down the Mississippi by canoe, solo. What was the hardest part of doing it solo? The hardest thing about doing it solo was doing it. And I imagine … [Read more...]
Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruises Support Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Holland America Line continues its long-standing commitment to celebrate Alaska's wildlife and wilderness by expanding its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)—a renowned nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will introduce a variety of onboard activities designed to … [Read more...]
Crazy House, Dalat Vietnam – January 2024
Also called the Hang Nga Guesthouse, owner and founder Dang Viet Nga quickly discovered that most of her guests were leaving comments about this 'crazy house' in her guestbook and eventually decided that would be the most appropriate name. And when one visits, one quickly realizes this space is perfectly named! Dang earned her PhD in architecture at the University of Moscow and eventually moved back to Vietnam. She began to conceptualize this … [Read more...]
Planning a Tour to Chernobyl
I was fortunate to have visited Ukraine once in my life. This was 5 years ago; I took full advantage of a stop over flight from Moscow to Tbilisi in the country of Georgia. While just a couple of days I got a feel for the city including its gorgeous cathedrals, a visit to Pechersk Lavra – a large complex of Orthodox Churches and a stop to the colorful buildings of Vozdvyzhenka. But one of my highlights was a visit to the National Chornobyl … [Read more...]
Best Countries to Visit in September
September is one of the best times of year for a getaway. It’s often cheaper for flights and accommodation and less crowded than the peak summer months, making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet and explore new destinations before the busy Christmas period begins. But, where do you visit in September? With most popular beach vacation destinations now getting colder weather and most tourist attractions and activities … [Read more...]
Time Spent on the Trans-Siberian Railway
The Tran-Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey: the longest in the world - possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year. A journey of almost mythical proportions that spans two continents while staying in a single country; without leaving your seat you clatter your way along almost a third of the globe. There are three routes that travellers can take to explore the Siberian expanse: The Moscow-to-Vladivostok route at over … [Read more...]
10 Things I Learned During my Stay in Minsk, Belarus
I recently spent a few days exploring Minsk and the nearby countryside. This city of 2 million+ people is at the same time spread out yet rather compact. The city features an interesting mix of noticeable architectural styles mostly dating from post World War II. Unlike a number of Western European countries, Belarus does not yet seem to be on the tourist route. Prices are fairly reasonable and it is easy to get around the historical core of the … [Read more...]
Top 4 cities to visit at 2018 World Cup in Russia
The 2018 World Cup in Russia will be a footballing extravaganza, with 32 nations battling to win the sport's most prestigious trophy. The event offers people the chance to visit some of the world's most beautiful cities, including Moscow which will host the final on July 15. Russia boasts a wealth of cultural and historical riches, and landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for generations. Read on to find out more about the … [Read more...]