For many people, travelling is about the thrill of the new, of discovering things you didn’t know about, satisfying a curiosity to experience something you’ve never seen or done before. Often this means searching out newly discovered or off-the-beaten-track destinations, but it can also mean seeing existing places through fresh eyes, or considering a destination…
On the trail of orcas, whales and bears on Vancouver Island, Canada
Question – How many humans in history have been killed by a wild orca, the huge and ferocious creatures feared for their razor sharp teeth? Answer – None. Zero. Not a single one. A couple of injuries, yes – but no documented deaths. Hardly worthy of the name “killer” whale then, you may think. In…
Ice climbing in Alberta, Canada – braving the almost impossible
We all have a favourite superhero (especially if you’re a young-at-heart man approaching middle age, like me), but Spider-Man is certainly up there with the best-loved of all the planet-saving characters many of us have grown up with. At some point we’ve probably all wanted to be able to climb up the side of a…
Eco-friendly exhilaration in the magnificent Canadian Rockies, Alberta
The temperature read a “high” of -7C and my fingers, even inside my thick gloves, verified the fact. I clipped on ski boots for the first time in 10 years (not that you would even guess I’d ever skied before, if you were to watch me sliding down a mountain…), and joined my guide as…
9 fabulous winter adventures to indulge in Alberta, Canada (even if you don’t ski)!
Arriving in Alberta’s section of the Rockies, arguably the most picture-postcard perfect area in Canada, the first thing that strikes me is that everyone should visit this part of the world at least once in their lifetime. Such a shame it would be to never set eyes on mountains this majestic, witness skies this blue…
Vancouver Canada – the world’s most perfect major city?
We’ve all heard the reports of Vancouver winning numerous awards as “the world’s most livable city” – but what exactly is it that makes this place so livable, so likeable, so lovable, so…perfect? I guess I should start out by saying that I don’t actually believe in perfection – something somehow can always be improved…
Exploring Chernobyl – one of the world’s most unique and haunting travel destinations (inc.video)
Chernobyl is a city in the restricted Chernobyl Exclusion Zone located in Ivankiv Raion of northern Kiev Oblast, Ukraine, near the border with Belarus. It was tragically the scene of worst nuclear accident in history in 1986 and has been covered with airtight structure after years of work. Visitors are now allowed to travel to…
A weekend in Stayokay Utrecht Centrum – Utrecht’s coolest new hostel
Having been a fan of hostels since my first 3-month backpacking trip around the USA in the mid-90’s, during the last 20 years or so I’ve been witness to some wonderful developments in the world of affordable accommodation. Gone are the days….
Exploring Utrecht, Holland – more than just a mini Amsterdam?
Located barely a 30-minute train ride direct from Schiphol airport, but for a more relaxed, and dare I say authentic, slice of Dutch life this town….
In BIG pictures: the magic of China
China the endlessly fascinating exotic travel destination that seemingly everyone wants to explore at least once in their lifetime. Arguably now most famous for its rapid and dizzying modernisation and in spite of overwhelmingly growth and change….