"Turkish hospitality is impossible to ignore", proclaims the in-flight magazine as I fly to Bodrum. You can't miss it when you set foot in the airport: the welcome visa costs $20. By the exit, the passengers are greeted by a forest of A4 sheets with the names of the people to take to the hotel. It is nice to go to an unknown place, and find somebody waiting for you and calling you by name: in this case, Turkish hospitality will set you back $40. … [Read more...]
Amazing Moscow
Amazing Moscow. A visit to Moscow only leaves you wanting to spend more time here. Moscow delivers beautiful architecture including incredible onion domed cathedrals, world class museums, shopping and nightlife. We recently spent a few days in this amazing city. We recommend at least 4-5 full days to experience the highlights of Moscow. First things first; all visitors to Russia must acquire a visa before entering the country and the tourist … [Read more...]
Acapulco: Litterly the Mother of all Mexican Resorts
I was walking on the Costera Miguel Alemn, Acapulco's main thoroughfare, with a colleague who had last visited the city in the early 1960s when he remarked, "I can't believe how Acapulco now looks! When I was last here all I remember is the grit, annoying peddlers, polluted beaches and unsafe streets. Look at it now!" He continued, "Now what some travellers once described as 'a dazzling resort spreading on the green towering Sierra Madre del … [Read more...]
Architecture, Tango and Amazing Landscapes
It's hard to know where to start when describing Argentina: a country of vibrant cities that somehow find their way onto every backpacker's wish list, Argentina is also a place of incredible diversity and natural beauty. From tango clubs in charmingly chaotic Buenos Aires to breathtaking treks across the Perito Moreno Glacier, it's a truly beguiling travel destination. What's more, despite its modern (and often quite 'European') metropolises, … [Read more...]
Backpacking from Edinburgh to the Hebrides
Scenic Scotland From ancient standing stones to remote mountain peaks, Scotland is packed with stunning scenery and wild countryside. It's also a surprisingly affordable destination for budget travelers thanks to a range of great hostels in Scotland catering for backpackers keen to get off the beaten path in the UK and explore some of its beautiful, unspoiled spaces. Setting Off from Edinburgh The capital, Edinburgh, makes a great … [Read more...]
New Orleans
Welcome to Southern Louisiana! Or if you prefer, Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll). Here, in the "south" the people are friendly, the food is amazing and music is an ingrained part of people's daily life. It has been many years since the disastrous events of Hurricane sisters Katrina and Rita. Today there is little evidence of their disastrous swaths - now you actually have to look to find it. Time heals physically but … [Read more...]
The Guns of Central America
My journey started in Havana - probably the safest capital in Latin America. The Castro regime has put so many cops on the streets that I was instantly told from the very beginning that any assault on a traveller is unthinkable. Scams, theft, yes. But in terms of violence, it is pretty obvious on the streets of Havana who is the boss. Then I flew in to Yucatan, Eastern Mexico. As I wait in the queue for passport control, a guy in front of me … [Read more...]
America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia
An article is due on the practicalities of attending the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, which will draw huge international crowds this summer of 2007. Here is the vital info and insider tips. All of the action will take place in the America's Cup Port, a magnificently designed complex built specifically for this occasion by the local government of Valencia. The central ultre-modern Veles I Vents building, a sort of command tower for the press … [Read more...]
Planning Your First South America Vacation
South America presents a beautiful world with a wide range of unique landscapes. Choosing a place to visit is quite difficult with highlights like Machu Picchu, the Perito Moreno Glacier, regions like Patagonia, Pantanal and Amazon and cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. This article is written to serve as an introduction to some of the best places to visit in South America and how to combine the best highlights in one trip. Each … [Read more...]
Polar Dreams Iceland
I land with jet lag after a simple 4 hour flight. Too short for sleep and too long to stay awake. There quarters of Iceland is covered in ice yet when we arrive to sparkling Reykjavik, there is no snow. Surely global warming is a reality if there's not even a flake in mid-February! We embark on a city tour to see the famous sites followed by hotel check in and grateful that we are in the heart of town. Everyone enjoys the Viking style … [Read more...]