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 […]
Dogs are a part of the family just as much as the children, your aunts and uncles, and your grandparents – it just wouldn’t be the same without them, would it? So why does that have to change when you go on holiday? You shouldn’t have to leave your four-legged […]
Visiting Malaysia is a unique journey packed with culture, history and natural beauty. There are so many places to visit in Malaysia: within the country’s 13 states are age-old forests, beautiful coastlines, misty hills and majestic mountains. When it comes to unwinding on Malaysia’s incredible beaches, there are plenty to […]
Long known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang has been an important port and vibrant settlement for centuries. Nowadays this extraordinary island state is a place of fascinating contrasts, where the skyscrapers of George Town rub shoulders with British colonial architecture, traditional Chinese clan halls, and wooden stilt house […]
There is a great deal of attraction in riding an elephant. After all, what could be better than riding on top of the largest mammal on Earth as it slowly meanders through the rice fields and jungle… so appealing in fact that when I travelled through Thailand in 2003 I […]
The beating cultural heart of Bali, Ubud embodies a blend of nature and history, overlaid with a refined sense of beauty and wellbeing. Perched in the hills above Bali’s beach resort areas, this is a serene oasis like no other and the centre of Bali’s art scene. Despite the inroads […]
Bangkok offers a hyperactive blend of traditional and modern, bursting with urban energy and authentic charm. It’s perhaps the ultimate city break holiday with its combination of culture, shopping and nightlife. From the gleaming golden chedi of Wat Saket to the smiling face of a street hawker slicing you a […]
The upmarket resort area of Seminyak is one of the most delightful in Bali, with its many luxury hotels, high end shopping and dining scene, and vibrant nightlife. The broad beach, with waving palm trees and relaxed activities like cycling and horseback riding, perfectly complements the boutique shops and fashionable […]