Head to the hills of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia to enjoy the fresh alpine air amid stunning landscapes of tea plantations and mountains covered with luxuriant jungle. I quickly fell in love with this former British colonial outpost with its cute bungalows and magnificent heritage hotels with panoramic views. There […]
Nestled on a green hillside beneath a hilltop village in the Marche region of Italy, the agriturismo ‘La Scentella’ is the heartfelt creation of Roberto Ferretti. “Today I would like to make an experience,” says Roberto, drawing his cupped hands towards each other in a gesture that seemed to encompass […]
Driving in to Cairo, Egypt, from the airport I could immediately tell it’s the kind of city I love: a heaving mixture of modernity and history. Gazing out the taxi window I saw mosques with minarets that reach to the sky, and giant billboards atop crumbling tenements that were once […]
I never sleep when travelling by plane. I just can’t get comfortable and even if I nod off momentarily, I am quickly jerked awake as my head lolls forward. Clearly, I’m a motivated traveller and have done countless long-haul flights, particularly between New Zealand and other parts of the world, […]
The bijoux Laos capital may be small but its serenely Buddhist atmosphere is beguiling and sleepy Vientiane is full of charming surprises. Scattered with gleaming golden stupas and the faded elegance of French colonial architecture, Vientiane holidays have a relaxed sense of timelessness. Wander the tree-lined avenues of Vientiane, Laos, […]
A heaving metropolis thronged with motorbikes and dotted with historic sites, Ho Chi Minh City positively vibrates with energy. From the elegant French architecture of historic Saigon to the bustling stalls of Ben Thanh market, experience the fusion of tradition and modernity in one frenetic and fascinating city. With almost […]
It is difficult to pick the best beaches in Vietnam with the abundance of beautiful coastlines facing the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Along 2,000 miles of unspoilt coastline, sun-baked sands are lined with swaying palms and luxurious Vietnam beach resorts. You’ll also find authentic fishing villages […]
Readers of my blog will know that I love to walk in the footsteps of my favourite authors and witness the settings of favourite novels. From Dickens and Shakespeare to Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Alice’s Oxford, stepping into the shoes of literary heroes and places described in novels is […]
Nestled in the verdant jungles and tranquil foothills of south-east Asia’s ‘Golden Triangle’, the towns of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are perfect for a culture fix in northern Thailand. Colourful temples and night markets abound in Chiang Mai, with its picturesque setting and laid back vibe. This northern city welcomes […]
