The puppetry arts are an ancient creative form, with archaeological evidence from early civilisations, and although some people may think it ‘old hat’, in parts of the world special artists and craftspeople strive to keep the magic of traditional puppet theatre alive. Puppet theatres nurture a truly unique artistic language […]
Cultural Travel Ideas
Travel ideas from around the world inspired by films and books. Literary travel ideas and movie travel ideas.
Wandering in romantic Verona, Italy
Is Verona the most romantic city in the world? The romantic appeal of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has always seemed a bit dubious. Young lovers and doomed love; destroyed by fate or unlucky chance. Why would you want to model a relationship on that? Or is it Juliet’s challenge to […]
The ultimate one-month New Zealand trip itinerary
Here is my ultimate one-month New Zealand trip itinerary. I have included a mix of the main attractions and places that will not appear on a travel agent’s New Zealand itinerary! A few tips for planning your New Zealand trip itinerary Overall, when planning your New Zealand vacation, aim to […]
If you’ve only got one day in Venice, Italy
Obviously I am not actually recommending that you only spend one day in Venice but what if your travel itinerary allows you only enough time for one day in La Serenissima? Venice in a day is still worth doing! “So now, thank God, Venice is no longer a mere word […]
Wandering with Titian in Pieve di Cadore, Italy
At the end of my big week hiking in the Italian Dolomite Mountains I landed in Pieve di Cadore, a tiny town at the head of the Lago di Cadore in the province of Belluno. My first priority on arrival in Pieve di Cadore was taking off my hot hiking […]
USA: Top 8 off-beat attractions in Los Angeles
Forget about the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the theme parks. Don’t be put off by the urban sprawl and the terrible traffic. Los Angeles is one of the world’s most famous cities, full of enough interesting attractions to keep a visitor happy for weeks. The gorgeous weather doesn’t hurt […]
Wandering in Leighton House Museum, London
Leighton House Museum is one of my favourite London Museums – definitely one of those “hidden gems” that most people have never heard of but which I have returned to again and again over the years when visiting London. The reason I’ve never written a post about Leighton House Museum […]
25 photos that will make you want to visit Cuba
With scheduled travel services to Cuba starting in 2016 and the political environment improving consistently, there has never been a better time to visit Cuba. Gorgeous architecture, a fascinating history, mesmeric music, beautiful beaches and most importantly the warmth of the Cuban people make Cuba an incredible destination. Here are 25 […]
Italy: Wandering with Florence Trevelyan in Sicily
I’d never heard of Florence Trevelyan before I visited Sicily. But her story has become one of my abiding memories of my time here, beginning with wandering around the Isola Bella. Florence Trevelyan was an upper-crust Englishwoman who became the talk of the town in Edwardian England after she had an affair […]