“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ― Bill Bryson
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ― Bill Bryson
For a relatively small continent, Europe is overflowing with iconic sights. Seeing as it’s the birthplace of western civilisation, this is hardly surprising. These are countries that aren’t just featured on the majority of postcards, they’re basically the places where postcards were invented. Such are the depths of art, culture and lifestyle present across these unforgettable countries.
Explore the once decadent heights of the British Empire in London. Traverse underground tunnel systems lined with skulls in Paris. Weave through the monumental pillars of 4,000 year old structures in Athens. While these might sound like the stuffy outings of cashed-up pensioners, Europe has also consistently been a mecca for young backpackers looking for a party.
Neon-soaked beach parties in Barcelona are just the beginning, with raves in abandoned train stations in Prague and clubbing in the iconic (and mindbogglingly huge) Berghain in Berlin. Come back to Europe a dozen more times and you’ll still find unforgettable sights and experiences down its cobbled alleys.
From where to stay and what to eat, to things to see and bars that cannot be missed - read through my Rome city guide for everything you need to know about beautiful Roma.
Cinque Terre is one of those places you see in photos and wonder if it could ever truly exist. The image of perfection, the five towns of the Cinque Terre are vibrant clusters of colourful buildings perched one after the other, along the north-western coastline of Italy in an area called La Spezia.
If you're currently drifting through the streets of Rome (lucky!), planning a trip or simply dreaming of a Roman getaway - bear these ideas in mind and you'll be sure to leave this city with a satisfied belly, stunning happy snaps, unforgettable memories and a perpetual yearning for more - you've been warned!
If one could imagine Venice sans the gondolas and countless tourists, with wider canals and cobble footpaths but with that same enchanting feel, then that is Treviso Italy.
Lipari is one of my favourite places on this Earth. Sunrises and sunsets are always captivating to me but they somehow felt more magical in this place than they have in almost any other.
In a city as magnificent as Rome it's not hard to imagine the vast number of places from which you can witness the beauty of the setting sun but finding a prime spot above The Forum should not be overlooked.
Pass by La Bocca Della Verita to find an equally romantic, if not more romantic, and certainly much less crowded spot to unwind in this beautiful Eternal City.
There’s something to be said for waking up early. It's the ultimate struggle, but drag yourself out of bed before the sunrises in Rome and you'll be thanking yourself later for sure.
Sometimes you need to take the bad in with the good. In Rome, that means with the incredible architecture and delicious food, you need to accept some of the most unreliable public transportation you may ever have experienced.
Beautiful scenery, delicious home made cuisine and the most peaceful atmosphere - Lake Bracciano has it all!
How many steps to Palamidi Fortress? More than enough. I'm not one for strenuous activity but when there's an epic view involved, I make an exception. This exception was well worth the sweat.
If you're holidaying on a shoestring, the Greek Islands are less than ideal. But it can be done. Read how to plan a holiday in Greece.
Small though it may be, visitors to Santorini have a few different options for where to stay. Between Fira, Imerovigli, Oia and Perissa, find out where to stay in Santorini.
With less than two days in Mykonos, we had the odds stacked against us. But I was intent on seeing four beaches in one day. And I did. Kind of.
When a local recommends you spend your first evening in Mykonos enjoying a sunset cocktail in Little Venice, you know exactly where you'll be when the sun goes down. Probably...
A trip to Athens would not be complete without a walk through the many galleries of the Acropolis Museum.
There's so much more to Greek cuisine than souvlaki and moussaka. Read through these delicious Greek dishes for your next trip to the mediterranean hotspot.
When you think Greek food, do you think souvlaki? What about gyros or kebab? Do you know the difference?
The Parthenon is probably the most well known site in Athens and for good reason. This Ancient has survived so much trauma - that it still stands is as close to a miracle as you can get.
Have you ever had that, 'This is the best meal I've ever eaten' moment? Have you ever gone back to a place in search of it? This is for you.
Wrap yourself up with an overcoat and scarf, get a steaming cup of Glühwein between your mittens and soak up some Christmas cheer with a tour of London’s Christmas markets.
This 12th century abbey was once one of England’s largest and most prosperous. That is, until 1536 when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Over the following centuries, Fountains Abbey was slowly reclaimed by nature.
On my road trip from England to Scotland, I spent a day in Kirkby Stephen - a tiny country town on the way to the Lake District. It was the most refreshing reminder of the importance of slowing down from time to time.
London is best explored by foot - slowly and with curious eyes. There are surprises around every corner, as my latest London walk confirmed. Beginning at Postman’s Park and ending at St. Dunstan in the East Church Gardens, I encountered many beautiful gardens and buildings along the way.
A visit to Kew Gardens is always a good idea! There is so much to see and do at these expansive botanical gardens - and you’ll love every moment of exploration - but be sure not to miss these highlights!
If you have just eight hours in Cambridge, you’ll only see a small portion of what this charming university city has to offer — but you can certainly get a good taste. Be sure to set your sights on these top things to do in Cambridge.
There's more than one way to spend a day in Bath. Whether you spend your day visiting museums or wandering through Bath’s Georgian-era landmarks, you’re sure to fall deeply in love with this picturesque city.
My mum made her first visit to London. Determined to show her how fantastic this city is, I put together the ultimate London itinerary. Two weeks in London with mum went like this...
Sitting on the 38th floor of the third tallest building in London, Duck & Waffle is a restaurant defined by its inability to be defined.
It’s not just the location that makes The Barge House so highly sought after. Famous for its ‘Breakfast in Bread’ brunch menu, the name (almost) speaks for itself.
