Recognise this very frustrating scenario? You have been super-disciplined for a few weeks or longer , you have lost weight, you are looking and feeling good, you are ready to bare all on the beach and determined to enjoy every single minute of your well-deserved break. But, somehow or other … Continue reading
It was a sunny lunchtime but I was trapped in a dark, underground state-cellar with 150, aged Australians. After an average meal, I was forced to clap and sing to cheesy songs (think ‘Que Sera Sera’) by a strutting, lederhosen clad, German blonde-bombshell who appeared to think he was Mick … Continue reading
Paris – a name associated with culture, art, the opera, the bourgeoisie and foremost a world-class cuisine. The French capital invites not only with an incredible charm, but also with an interesting mixture of old and modern architecture. Many artists flock to Paris in the summer to paint the beautiful … Continue reading
There’s something intrinsically satisfying about riding the train to the end of the line. Some thirteen hours out of Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani province is nearly at the Thai-Laos boarder. The city of same name to a working town with none of the picturesque colonial stylings, enduring cultural practices, sunny beaches … Continue reading
You meet them in droves when traveling, people who’ve ‘done’ Fiji, the Amazon and China. Three weeks on a tourist bus and they have miraculously acquired supreme knowledge of the food (delicious but avoid the water), the people (so friendly!) and sites (amazing, but not nearly as good as Angkor … Continue reading
Stark red earth, the dry gray-green of stunted plants, kangaroos and unending flat, disorienting planes; I doubt I am alone in these images of the Outback, culled from postcards, films and friends’ Facebook albums. But after a year of record rains, this is a land transformed. Blanked in thorny shrubs, … Continue reading
To get a real feel of a place it is always best to travel outside of the high season and avoid the hordes of tourists. Granted not a lot of the typical postcard and expensive coffee shops will be open but what will be open are the usual shops the … Continue reading
Traveling from Koh Sok to Koh Tao is an easy and affordable trip on the tourist bus and boat. If you are after a little more freedom and adventure or are feeling the need for a lie-in (the tourist bus leaves at 6am), a couple of local buses and an … Continue reading
Located 32 km from the more famous Rishikesh, Haridwar is often merely a side trip on many Western traveller’s agendas. Bustling with temples, markets and rich historical past, it is a town more than worthy of its own distinction. For many, Haridwar’s primary attraction is its profoundly religious significance. Known … Continue reading
Cycling with zebras is not something you are likely to forget in a hurry. At Hell’s Gate National park, its high time you did away with your safari stereotype, put down the North Face khakis, slip on your trainers and get on your bike. Located just an hour and half … Continue reading
For the hip young things, Bangkok’s Chatacak market is old news. Overpriced, crawling with sweaty tourists and baby bunnies in tutus, swelteringly hot, row on row of the same stuff all held in a purpose built market. And, let’s be honest, a purpose built market? Who does that these days? … Continue reading
Located in the centre of south East Asia and bordered by Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Malaysia, Thailand has become a massive hot spot for tourists. It seems to cater for all, from the humble backpacker to the extravagant jet setter. With the contrast of ancient towns and temples in the … Continue reading
Melanie Macro continues to discuss safety on cruise ships in the second part of her article from an insider’s perspective. If you missed Part 1, click here to read it. When the Costa Concordia sank, it was reported that people didn’t understand what was going on, that it was ‘every … Continue reading
When a ship sinks it is big news, and so you’ll probably already know that two Costa ships have been in trouble in recent weeks, and that people have lost their lives. Whenever there is a ship at trouble, the tale of the Titanic is regurgitated, never more so than … Continue reading
The Baths: Virgin Gorda is a small island just off Tortola in the Caribbean. On the south side of the island is a national park known as The Baths, which is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places I have been lucky enough to visit. There is a short … Continue reading
This is the question many people deliberate over each year when deciding upon what to do for their holiday. Is relaxing by the beach ‘a waste of time’ compared with exploring a new country? “Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation.” – Elizabeth Drew I think she’s … Continue reading
The weather at home has been diabolical. You’ve saved hard all year for your two weeks of sun, sea and sand, you want to chill and relax, but how likely is this? I suspect most of us think flying is the most difficult, stressful part of our holiday, but what … Continue reading
“I love my country, but I love Nicaragua more.” This phrase was frequently heard whilst travelling throughout Central America. Prior to setting off, our knowledge of Nicaragua was pretty limited: we’d read travel guides but relied on a travel agent to ensure our itinerary included the most interesting destinations. More … Continue reading
This year saw my first trip to Thailand, and while I was determined to not fall into the student-esque stereotype of riding on elephants, drinking my body weight in cocktail buckets, and covering myself in neon paint, I couldn’t help but notice that there were certain other categories that many … Continue reading
I love the Caribbean’s warm blue seas and powder-white beaches but hate huge, impersonal all-inclusive hotels where, having no will power, I invariably put on half a stone in two weeks. So, after a hectic three-month trip around South America, we chose to spend our final days on Providencia, a … Continue reading
The walled city of Rome is a labyrinth of winding streets and ally’s that lead to historical squares or impressive empowering statues, world famous fountains and decaying monuments. The hustle and bustle of tourists trying to fit in as much as possible make this city a fast paced one. For … Continue reading
The bus slows gently as the driver changes down through the gears; annoyingly the moment before it stops he breaks sharply and sends every passenger lurching forward from their seats. After settling back into my original position I look out the window and notice another person waiting to board. This … Continue reading
Do you fancy an idyllic but different break in India? Did you know that there are a host of unique holiday destinations in India that are just a few hours away by flight or road from the tourist traps in major cities? Here is our take on five unique holiday … Continue reading
How far is too far? Is there such a thing? It’s one thing following your man to the pub when he wants to watch football and you want to be seen as the ‘supportive girlfriend’. It’s another thing perhaps when he wants you to follow him to the other ends … Continue reading
Earlier this year, inspired by a tasting of Greek wines, I decided to take the CWB family on holiday to a Greek island. Eschewing the prospect of being just another tourist in some large, beach-front hotel floating on a lilo in the pool by day and eating at identikit tavernas … Continue reading
Forget country cottage weekends in the UK; if you really want to broaden your horizons, the only way is Prague. The Czech capital is fast becoming one of Europe’s trendiest city break destinations, thanks to its jazz scene and strong pub culture, but there’s also plenty of history to uncover … Continue reading