Feature Articles (Online)

The Best Free Things to Do in Prague

An article for Lonely Planet, August 2021

"The Astronomical Clock's on-the-hour procession of mechanical figures leaves some tourists underwhelmed. So instead, come between showtimes for a close-up look at the clock itself..."

The Outlander Guide to Scotland

An article for Fodor's Travel Guides, November 2020

"From prehistoric stone circles to medieval castles, dramatic battlefields to majestic palaces, here's our pick of top Outlander locations for anyone looking to recreate the show’s magic..."

10 Spectacular Scottish Castles to Visit

An article for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2020

"You can be driving along a winding coastal road, trekking over a craggy mountain peak, or sailing across a fog-sheathed loch, and suddenly the outline of a castle will hone into view..."

The 10 Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland

An article for Fodor's Travel Guides, February 2020

"With more than 120 active distilleries dotted around the country, Scotland offers opportunities galore to learn the whisky-making process while tasting the amber spirit in its spiritual home..."

20 Places to Travel in 2020: Eastern Europe

An article for Travelzoo, December 2019

"From the fantastic fairytale palaces of Central Slovakia to the moody medieval castles of Transylvania, Europe’s eastern reaches are home to some of the continent's biggest hits..."

Chimp-Spotting on the River Gambia

An article for Lonely Planet, October 2019

"Alpha males confidently chomp on their bananas, fretful mothers clasp their young as they scoop water into their mouths, and hyperactive adolescents swing between the branches.."

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2019

"Opened in 1903 as a luxurious railway hotel, "The Caley" maintains its rose-tinted sandstone façade, its intricately sculpted stone arches and its unmistakable whiff of Victorian grandeur..."

The Balmoral Edinburgh

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, June 2019

"One of Edinburgh’s most instantly recognizable landmarks, The Balmoral was first conceived as a railway hotel. And the Victorian-era baronial property remains a luxurious place to stay..."

A Guide to the Prague Fringe Festival

An article for Rough Guides, May 2018

"Now in its 17th year, the Prague Fringe Festival is firmly established as a major alternative arts event, showcasing award-winning theatre, cutting-edge comedy and genre-twisting cabaret..."

Alternative Prague: Escaping the Tourist Trail

An article for Rough Guides, April 2018

"Explore some of Prague’s ecclesiastical oddities, starting with the bearded woman statue in Loreto Church - this is St. Wilgefortis, who prayed for facial fuzz to help escape a betrothal..."

10 Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

An article for The Independent, March 2018

"Vilnius is known for its historical charm, yet it is a city that's modernising fast. Today, for every baroque church there’s a hipster café; for every old cobbled street, a modernist work of art..."

Dining in Style at The Shore in Leith, Edinburgh

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, March 2018

"The setting is gorgeous – an intimate, minimalist dining room looking out on the water – but it's Restaurant Martin Wishart's imaginative, French-inspired fare that takes all the headlines..."

Boscolo Prague Hotel

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2018

"Even in a city rich with beautiful buildings, Boscolo Prague stands out. The neo-Renaissance facade, swathed in heraldic symbols and architectural allegories, has the look of a palace..."

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Prague

A spa guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2018

"Set within a Renaissance chapel, with the remains of an even older church below your feet, the spa’s illuminated stone walls, arches and frescoes give an immediate sense of serenity..."

Mandarin Oriental Prague

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2018

"Housed in a former Dominican monastery with roots in the 14th century, this elegant hotel is an architectural delight; an eclectic mix of original Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles..."

Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2018

"The bright and breezy Siddharta Cafe is open all day long, serving eclectic European-Asian fusion dishes like grilled filet mignon with udon noodles, pak choi salad and hoisin sauce..."

BoHo Hotel Prague

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2018

"Straddling the border of Prague's Old Town and New Town, BoHo has one foot in each camp with a contemporary, glass-fronted design set within a restored 19th-century factory building..."

Bohemian Krakow: Poland’s Capital of Cool

An article for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), January 2018

"For many, a visit to Krakow is a step back in time. But dig a little deeper and you’ll soon find a more contemporary edge through a host of hip hotels, chic restaurants and boutique shops..."

Prague’s Best Boutique Hotels

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, October 2017

"Until the turn of the decade, a stay in Prague usually meant either an out-of-town chain hotel or a self-catering apartment. But today, luxury boutique city hotels are growing in popularity..."

Tracking Bison in Europe’s Last Primeval Forest

An article for The Independent, September 2017

"Belovezhskaya Pushcha in western Belarus marks the last remnants of a primeval forest that once shrouded the entire European Plain, from the Pyrenees in the west to Urals in the east..."

Cameron House: Luxury on Loch Lomond

An article for About Luxury Travel, December 2016

"Martin Wishart's Michelin-starred restaurant is the culinary apex of a stay at Cameron House. We had the six-course tasting menu, starting with confit of trout with smoked mussel cream..."

Adler Thermae: Hot Spring Luxury in Tuscany

An article for About Luxury Travel, October 2016

"A beautiful and bountiful wellness retreat built around warm thermal springs, Adler Thermae Toscana is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the gorgeous Tuscany countryside..."

Scotland’s Gin Trail Serves Up Tourism Tonic

An article for The Guardian, September 2016

"British gin is synonymous with London. However, in recent years, more than two-thirds of the UK’s total gin production has moved outside the capital, and outside of England altogether..."

Dizzying Illusions at the Camera Obscura

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, August 2016

"Lights flash on all sides of me. The floor lurches down to the right - and my stomach lurches with it. Bright rings of red and paint-blots of green cloud my vision as I cling to the handrail..."

The Cromlix: Andy Murray’s Luxury Hotel

An article for About Luxury Travel, July 2016

"You'll love the Cromlix if you choose small, personal boutique hotels over mega resorts, and love outdoor activities from playing tennis to taking brisk walks to fishing in the house loch..."

What to Do in Glasgow’s West End

An article for WestJet Magazine, June 2016

"Perhaps the most celebrated restaurant in Glasgow, the Ubiquitous Chip has been a West End favourite since the early 1970s, reputed locally for its superb, seasonal Scottish fare..."

On the Trail of Scotland’s Gin

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, May 2016

"When it comes to Scottish spirits, whisky has traditionally ruled the roost. But right now, the tipple on every local's lips is gin, as new craft gin distilleries have opened across Scotland..."

40 Must-See Structures in Scotland

An article for USA Today, May 2016

"As well as its stunning nature, Scotland has amazing man-made structures, from prehistoric settlements to medieval fortifications, Victorian monuments to ultra-modernist parliaments..."

Prague’s Prettiest Parks (and Green Spaces)

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, April 2016

"Prague foregoes one sprawling central park for an array of gorgeous gardens and secluded squares dotted around the centre, as well as vast green expanses skirting the city's edges..."

Sip Scotland On a New National Gin Trail

An article for USA Today, March 2016

"The gin trail features 17 stops, from urban distilleries and bars in Edinburgh and Glasgow to gin makers out on the islands of Harris and Shetland, tempting visitors to explore them all..."

U Medvidku: Prague’s Oldest Brewery

An article for Honey Travel by nine.com.au, March 2016

"For beer lovers, nowhere beats Prague. The capital is the proud home to literally dozens of historic microbreweries and bustling beer halls, including perennially popular U Medvidku..."

Scottish Gin: Get Into the Spirit of Things

An article for The Independent, March 2016

"Scotland may be better known for its whisky, but it is also responsible for producing 70 per cent of the UK’s gin. And it's the huge growth of craft gin that has really raised local spirits..."

The Corinthia, Lisbon: Living the High Life

An article for About Luxury Travel, December 2015

"The Corinthia is one of the Portuguese capital's most enduringly popular high-end hotels: a (literally) towering example of luxury Lisbon accommodation, rising to a sky-high 27 stories..."

Hotel Kamp, Helsinki: A Sumptuous Scandi Stay

An article for About Luxury Travel, October 2015

"A five-star establishment in the historic center of the Finnish capital, Hotel Kamp is where the world's most esteemed visitors come to doze, dine, drink and detoxify (in the three saunas)..."

Gleneagles: Golf Galore (and More)

An article for About Luxury Travel, August 2015

"The world-class golf is just one of the hotel's myriad draws. From cultured cuisine to warming whisky, in-house spa treatments to off-road driving, Gleneagles is the perfect luxury escape..."

Catch Champagne Bar: London’s Finest Fizz

An article for About Luxury Travel, May 2015

"With a blend of traditional and contemporary design, Catch fuses Victorian grandeur with 21st century chic. Sit at the bar for a curated Champagne tasting or just unwind at a private table..."

London’s Most Luxurious Experiences

An article for About Luxury Travel, March 2015

"Even in a city renowned for fine dining, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is an uncommonly opulent experience. Try the seven-course tasting menu with its sommelier-selected wines..."

Seven Bold Vacations That Break the Mould

A contribution to an article for Huffington Post, December 2014

"North Korea is among the least visited countries in the world. Although the U.S. government strongly advises against travel, Reaney says it is worth the trip for the Arirang Mass Games..."

London’s Gastronomic Revolution

An article for Destinations of the World News, September 2014

"In the 1980s, a gourmet restaurant may serve you a three-course menu of a prawn cocktail, a kidney-crammed pie and a worryingly wobbly dessert. 30 years on, things are very different..."

Celebrity Hotels: Where the Stars Stay and Play

An article for The Johnnie Walker House Edit, August 2014

"Perhaps the most famous celebrity hotel on earth, Chateau Marmont, which opened in 1929, drips with Hollywood history. It's been a favourite check-in of film stars throughout history..."

The Importance of Localising Travel Content

An article for Travolution, July 2014

"Skilled travel writers harness the power of words to whisk their readers far from home. Yet they also keep the style and structure of the language firmly rooted in their home comforts..."

Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague: Chic Czech Boutique

An article for About Luxury Travel, May 2014

"The Czech capital offers a variety of large luxury hotels with big-brand names. Yet Prague visitors who prefer more intimate luxury can choose beautiful boutique Buddha-Bar Hotel..."

Stay for Free: Sleeping with Strangers

An article for National Geographic Traveller, May 2014

"I am folded in half. My knees are tucked up to my chin - my chin tucked into my chest. I can’t even feel my feet. In fact, my only sensation is the sharp jabbing below my shoulder blade..."

Why Social Media Matters in the Travel Industry

An article for Melt Content, April 2014

"Recent research reveals one in 10 companies in the UK travel sector do not have a presence on social media. Here are 10 reasons why being social is vital for modern travel companies..."

How London Surpassed Paris as Dining Capital

An article for USA Today, March 2014

"How has London's dining scene transformed itself from the butt of French jokes to the king of continental cuisine in a mere 30 years? It is down to immigration, inclination and inspiration..."

Creating Online Travel Content That Sells

An article for Melt Content and Travolution, January 2014

"Explore the sites of any major travel agent, airline or tourist board and you'll be bombarded with a never-ending stream of travel content. Yet little of this actually offers tangible results..."

Brand Boutique: Defining a Hotel Sector

An article for The Huffington Post, October 2013

"London's boutique hotel sector is booming. Despite a climate of declining hotel occupancy and the spluttering economy, the capital's boutique hotels have enjoyed startling success..."

My Guard: Terror in Transnistria

An article for PureTravel, October 2013

"My finger is deep inside my right sock when I spot Him. Furtively glancing over the headrest in front of me, I spy the dark uniformed figure holding out an imperious palm to halt the bus..."

London’s Best International Dishes

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2013

"London's diverse range of influences results in a great gastronomic smorgasbord. This is a city in which you can sample cuisine from almost every nation and region around the globe..."

Russian Limos Back On Production Line

An article for Brummell Magazine, August 2013

"After more than 20 years, the Likhachev Automotive Plant in Moscow is back in business. Leaders like Khrushchevv and Gorbachev once rode the streets in these luxury Pullmans..."

The Boutique Streak

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"Despite a significant slowing of Britain’s economy in recent years, the boutique hotel sector has been expanding at an extraordinary rate. How have the boutiques bucked the trend?..."

London’s Top Afternoon Teas

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"The perfect option for lighthearted luxury, the Mad Hattertakes you on a trip down the rabbit hole, with menus hidden in vintage books and teapots decorated with kings and queens..."

Eastern Europe’s Gastronomic Renaissance

An article for Vertu Select, April 2013

"Eastern Europe may have established a reputation for hearty, rather than haute, cuisine, but now things are changing. There's a culinary revolution afoot in this corner of the continent..."

China: World Leaders in Business Travel

An article for Vertu Select, April 2013

"The United States has been sitting pretty atop the business travel market leader board for a long time, but a new contender may be about to take its place. No prizes for guessing who..."

Jordan’s Luxury Oases in the Desert

An article for Vertu Select, January 2013

"It was 200 years ago that explorer Johann Burckhardt found Petra. While trekking across the desert between Syria and Egypt, he heard tales of an ancient city carved out of sandstone..."

Prague: Eastern Europe’s Cultural Hub

An article for Vertu Select, January 2013

“It's 29 October 1787, and we're in the Czech capital. Rapturous applause echoes around as an Austrian gentleman skips onto the stage, takes a bow, and then says four famous words…”

Prague Airport Renamed After Václav Havel

An article for Vertu Select, December 2012

"Ever since the much-loved former Czech dissident, poet and politician Václav Havel died in December last year, the country has been looking for a suitable way to commemorate him..."

The Best City Cruises in Eastern Europe

An article for Vertu Select, November 2012

"Medieval hilltop castles, gold-domed churches and ancient trading ports: Eastern Europe's cities have a wealth of treasures to discover. And there's no better way than with a cruise..."

Jordan’s Surprise Luxury Tourism Trend

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, November 2012

“It was 200 years ago that Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt rediscovered the Nabataean capital Petra. And the city, made from sandstone, has been a booming attraction ever since…”

The Rise of the No-Choice Restaurant

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, September 2012

“Commonly known as a prix-fixe (fixed price) or table d’hôte (host’s table), the idea is simple: restaurants offer a set menu at a set price, so they can focus on just a few perfected dishes…”

SAPSAN: RUSSIA’S SPEEDY SUCCESS

An article for Vertu Select, August 2012

“It once took eight hours to travel the 650 kilometers from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Then, in 2009, Vladimir Putin halved the time with the launch of the luxury high-speed train Sapsan…”

London’s 10 Best Secret Sights

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2012

“London attractions like the Tower of London and Big Ben welcome millions of tourists each year. But there are other, lesser-seen, secret attractions concealed amid the urban bustle..."

Noma Restaurant Pops Up in London

An article for Forbes Travel Guide, July 2012

“The restaurant - named the best in the world on S. Pellegrino’s list three years in a row - will close shop in Copenhagen later this month and relocate to the ballroom of Claridge’s hotel..."

KIEV’S ARSENALE 2012: RETURN OF THE ART

An article for Vertu Select, May 2012

“The 20th century was a difficult period for Ukrainian art. After a promisingly avant-garde to the 1900s, everything came to a sharp halt in 1922 with the foundation of the Soviet Union..."

Sleeping with Strangers in Busan

An article for Everywhere Magazine, January 2012

““I am very sorry” he says, with a bow, as the door swings open. “This is all that is left.” I look down at my bed for the night - five-feet long, two-feet wide and three-feet deep - and smile..."

The Search for Ischia’s Wild Seaside Spa

An article for Amateur Traveler, January 2012

"The steam spirals into the sky, pirouetting beneath the delicate winter sun, as the blistering spring water trickles, lathers, into the salty sea. A seagull swoops from the frosted cliff top..."

Why I Love the Manc Accent

An article for Red C Magazine, January 2010

"When I was growing up, I was always jealous of people with accents. Wouldn’t it be brilliant, I thought, to be able to ask for jellied eels, or a sausage barm, without sounding like a twat..."