Orlando is known for many things, but being an inexpensive place to visit is not one of them. And yet, the number one question I get from family, friends and random strangers planning a visit to the area is “what are some cheap things to do in Orlando? “… Read More

I stayed at the Umi Hotel London for 2 nights in June 2010, on a complimentary basis arranged by Gekko , the hotel recommendation engine which helps you find your ideal hotel. The hotel is located in Bayswater in an attractive square opposite a garden. It takes around 10… Read More

Summer solstice revellers disappointed that coalition government will cut funding to new Stonehenge visitor centre Sometimes the police come in for criticism, while at other times English Heritage attracts the ire of the druids, ravers, hippies and sun lovers who turn out for the summer solstice at Stonehenge. At… Read More

Last week I wrote about the walls of Korčula . This week we venture inside; walk along the lanes, explore the squares and climb the towers of this tiny town. There’s a fair bit to see and experience here – from cultural performances to historic sites. This is what… Read More

Steeped in art, history and architecture, the Tuscan capital is a summer wonder. And you don’t have to visit any of the tourist-trap museums to experience it in full If you are daydreaming about a summer holiday, can I suggest Florence, a city I got to know better in… Read More

Photo: squob.com And does camping have anything to do with it? SO THERE’S THIS travel trend that I’ve been trying to ignore. However, it seems to keep rearing it’s ugly head everywhere I turn, so I thought to myself, “Self, let’s just confront it and get it off our… Read More

How do you like your city: miserable, underrated, or up-and-coming? Photo: carulmare CHECK OUT THE companion post today — U.S. City Rankings: Is Your Hometown “Miserable” or Just “Underrated” ? — where I summarize the findings of three top-10’s of American cities. There’s the most miserable ( Cleveland bagged… Read More

How can you make a run-of-the mill vacation into a Choose Your Own Adventure novel? In the latest issue of Oprah Magazine , writer Catherine Price shows us how, ditching her type-A travel planning techniques by booking a ticket for Tokyo without an agenda. She navigates the city asking… Read More

Paris In The Spring In 2008, Lara Dunston was interviewed about her life as a travel writer and her experiences traveling with her husband, Terry Carter, who is also a travel writer, photographer and now – an expert in the art of eggs – culinary-style. (You think I’m kidding…)… Read More

Surf’s Up One of the great things about living in California is our proximity to both the mountains and the beaches. In fact, just last month I mentioned our plans to hit a local beach to a friend of mine, which prompted him to relate to me his family’s plans… Read More