America (by which I mean the United States of America) is a shopper’s paradise, whether you head to one of its huge shopping malls and department stores, browse charming independent shops or buy branded merchandise from sports venues and tourist attractions. I also have a soft spot for supermarket shopping, as I love buying food ... Read more »
Venice is one of Italy’s most expensive cities in which to eat out, not least because of the added cost to restaurants of bringing in all their supplies via boat, and yet many visitors complain that they did not eat well there even when they splashed the cash. On our first two visits, in 1998 ... Read more »
For those who love both cooking and shopping, a visit to Tokyo’s Kappabashi Dori aka Kitchen Town is a must. Located between Ueno and Asakusa – just 10 minutes’ walk west from Senso-ji (temple) – this stretch of road is lined with dozens of shops selling everything a restaurant could need, except for the food! ... Read more »
A Visit to the Okunoin Cemetary and an overnight Koyasan Temple Stay, are a must-do for many visitors to Japan, especially those seeking a spiritual experience and an insight into Japanese worship and culture. On paper, the journey to reach Mount Koya – respectfully known as Koyasan in Japan – seems a bit convoluted. But the ... Read more »
Japan is one of my all-time favourite destinations, I have absolutely loved the three trips we’ve made there so far, and am busy planning our fourth. It’s also a fantastic place to shop for unusual souvenirs. There are so very many things to choose from! Here are some excellent suggestions for the best souvenirs to ... Read more »
I know I’m not alone in loving to shop during my travels – many travellers love to bring souvenirs back from their holidays; a little something to remember the trip. But what to buy from Italy? Here are some ideas about favourite souvenirs to buy in Italy from me and fellow travel bloggers. Souvenirs to ... Read more »
This post contains affiliate links to booking.com. Where do you take a beer-lover who enjoys travelling for their birthday? A country with a strong beer tradition is a must. And preferably a city he’s not been to before, with plenty to see, do, eat and drink. Ghent (spelled Gent in local Flemish) is a charming, historical ... Read more »
So much has been written about Venice that it’s hard to think anyone could add anything new. And yet, each of us who visit and fall in love with the serene city forge a unique relationship with it. We create our own mental image formed of our personal favourites – from the buzzing tourist hotspots ... Read more »
This post contains affiliate links to booking.com. I went there for the bats! How many times have you heard that given as the reason to visit somewhere? Probably not too often, though I’m not alone. Anyone who loves wildlife spectacles will be thrilled by the sight of thousands and thousands and thousands of bats emerging from ... Read more »
Venice is one of the most enchanting and beautiful cities in the world. Finding the best vantage points to look down on the city from a height gives you a great perspective and some truly magical views. Here are my top three places from which to enjoy that bird’s eye outlook. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Right ... Read more »
The Place of Onions, in old Lille. After last night’s rainstorm the intense sticky heat has broken and today is cool, breezy, fresh… I love it! A drop of… [more]
We went to Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at The Void this morning, an amazing VR experience where we got to be Rebel Alliance members going undercover as… [more]