Art & Culture

DK Eyewitness Prague

A travel guidebook (extract) for DK Eyewitness, September 2022

"A long and rich history has bequeathed Prague a wealth of unique artistic treasures, from Gothic sculpture and Baroque painting to interwar design and contemporary installations..."

Scotland: Northern Highlands & Western Isles

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2022

"As Scotland in miniature, the landscape on Skye ranges from the lush, undulating hills and coastal tracks of Sleat to the deep glens and saw-toothed peaks of the Cuillin Mountains..."

Scotland: Inverness and Around the Great Glen

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2022

"The Great Glen is world-famous for its hill walking, with some of the best routes around Glen Nevis, Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Look out for golden eagles..."

Essential Scotland: Edinburgh & The Lothians

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2022

" From floor-stomping ceilidhs to avant-garde modern dance, Edinburgh’s calendar of cultural events - including the Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest arts festival - is truly outstanding..."

What to See and Do in Dusseldorf, Germany

An article for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), October 2021

"Dusseldorf may not be as well known as Berlin or Munich, but this German city on the banks of the Rhine River packs a genuine punch when it comes to art, fashion, culture and sports..."

Budapest Guidebook: Side Trips From Budapest

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2021

"As one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Budapest naturally hogs the limelight. But those who venture just a bit farther afield find themselves rewarded with a host of Hungarian highlights..."

Budapest: Varkerulet (Castle District)

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2021

"Attraction-packed Castle Hill is a long, narrow plateau of cobblestone streets with beautifully preserved baroque, Gothic and Renaissance houses, crowned by the glorious Royal Palace..."

Budapest Guidebook: Belvaros (Inner Town)

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2021

"The Inner Town is the beating heart of Pest, and the city’s most visited neighborhood, thanks to its blend of lovely, stroll-worthy streets and grand avenues lined with stately old buildings..."

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..."

Austria: Innsbruck, Tyrol and Vorarlberg

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2021

"The provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg make up the western tip of Austria with Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, as the historic and economic center. Come in winter to find unrivaled skiing..."

Austria Guidebook: Salzburg

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2021

"From the Mirabellgarten to Nonnberg Convent, it is hard to go anywhere in Salzburg without hearing someone humming The Sound of Music's How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?..."

Austria Guidebook: Day Trips From Vienna

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2021

"The area along the Danube and around Vienna unfolds like a treasured picture book, with its vast Roman ruins, medieval castles and Baroque monasteries perched high above the river..."

England: Hadrian’s Wall and the Northeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2021

"Winding through the wild and windswept Northumberland countryside, Hadrian’s Wall once formed the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, and it remains an important Roman relic..."

England: Canterbury and the Southeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2021

"Gardens are a real English specialty - and at Sissinghurst, Wisley, Chartwell and even Hever Castle, you can easily while away a long afternoon wandering through acres of exotic flora..."

Essential England: Experience Chapter

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2021

"A true afternoon tea consists of cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones with jam and clotted cream displayed on a tiered stand and served with steaming pots of loose-leaf tea..."

Prague Guidebook: Day Trips from Prague

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2021

"As the saying goes, the world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page. The same applies to travellers who come to the Czech Republic but choose to visit only Prague..."

Prague Guidebook: Zizkov and Karlin

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2021

"These two neighborhoods, which border the New Town on its eastern edge, are known for their after-dark adventures, from no-nonsense hospody (pubs) to sweaty live music clubs..."

Prague Guidebook: Vinohrady and Vrsovice

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2021

"Dotted with pretty green parks, charming turn-of-the-20th-century houses, and several of the city's best cafés and restaurants, these are two of Prague’s most appealing neighborhoods..."

Prague Guidebook: Smichov and Vysehrad

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2021

"Separated by the Vltava River, Smichov and Vysehrad are like night and day. And that’s when they're best experienced - spend a day exploring Vysehrad then hit Smichov in the evening..."

Prague Guidebook: Castle and Hradcany

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2021

"Despite its monolithic presence, Prague Castle is not a single structure but a collection of structures dating from the 10th to the 20th centuries, all connected by internal courtyards..."

Scotland: Northern Highlands & Western Isles

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, April 2020

"The Northern Highlands is a region where roads hug the coast, offering stunning views over the clear blue ocean, across dramatic mountain peaks, or along stunning heather moorland..."

Scotland: Inverness and Around the Great Glen

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, April 2020

"Defined by its spectacular topography, the Great Glen brings together mountains and myths, history and wild nature, then lets you wash it all down with a dram of the world’s best whisky..."

Essential Scotland: Edinburgh & The Lothians

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, April 2020

"Edinburgh is "a city so beautiful that it breaks the heart again and again," as Alexander McCall Smith once wrote. Its seven hills make a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history..."

Hamburg, Germany in 24 Hours

An article for Fraser Cachet Magazine, January 2020

"Known as the Gateway to the World, Hamburg offers everything from awe-inspiring art to never-ending nightlife. This maritime city wakes up early, so start your day with caffeine..."

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..."

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..."

Perth, Australia in 24 Hours

An article for Fraser Cachet Magazine, August 2019

"Effortlessly laid-back, charmingly cosmopolitan and with a whole host of natural, cultural and culinary hits, Perth is a perfect place to spend a day. And no day here starts without coffee..."

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..."

Essential Great Britain: Experience Chapter

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, January 2019

"Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay are just the tip of the culinary iceberg, as chefs nationwide now indulge their passions for high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients..."

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..."

Scotland: Northern Highlands & Western Isles

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2018

"Wild and remote, Scotland's Northern Highlands and Western Isles have a timeless grandeur. Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and craggy peaks rising out of moorland like islands in a sea..."

Essential Scotland: Edinburgh & The Lothians

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, March 2018

"Take time to explore Edinburgh’s streets - peopled by the spirits of Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson - then enjoy a candlelit restaurant or a folk ceilidh..."

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..."

What’s Hot in Prague for 2018

An article for The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, February 2018

"Field has redefined the boundaries of Bohemian fare. The decor is minimalism incarnate - all beige walls and unadorned tables - but look up to see street art projected onto the ceiling...."

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..."

Northern Beauty: Scotland’s Secluded Islands

An article for Flight Time (Flybe in-flight magazine), March 2017

"Head beyond the Scottish Borders, bypass the capital, traverse the Highlands and cross the North Sea. Only then will you reach Scotland's outer limits - its remote, remarkable, islands..."

Wonders of the World: Epic Building Projects

An article for The Johnnie Walker House Edit, February 2017

"Since the dawn of time, mankind has been engaged in building immense structures. From a two-week skyscraper to a two-millennia wall, here are history's most epic building projects..."

Five Must-Dos in Dusseldorf, Germany

An article for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), November 2016

"Architecture fans will relish grand medieval masterpieces such as Schlossturm, Renaissance delights including Neanderkirche and contemporary icons like Frank Gehry’s Neuer Zollhof..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine: Five-Star Spain

An article for About Luxury Travel, February 2016

"The hotel began life as the Monastery of Santa Maria de Retuerta in 1146, and this medieval heritage is still in evidence throughout, from the refectory restaurant to the cloister garden..."

Spotlight On Plzen

An article for Jumeirah Magazine, June 2015

"There are 50 principal cultural events scheduled in 2015 that aim to make the most of Plzen's appealing architecture, from the beautiful Baroque square to the gigantic Gothic synagogue..."

Liechtenstein Travel Guide

A guide for World Travel Guide, April 2015

"A pocket-sized principality in the heart of Europe, Liechtenstein rarely tops anybody's bucket list of continental must-sees. Yet this tiny, landlocked nation offers more than you'd imagine..."

North Korea Travel Guide

A guide for World Travel Guide, January 2015

"Perhaps the world's most insular, provocative and challenging country, North Korea is not the archetype of an alluring holiday destination. Yet many tourists are visiting this socialist state..."

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..."

Night & Day: 24 Hours in Baku, Azerbaijan

An article for Destinations of the World News, June 2014

"Land at the airport and flag a taxi to Fairmont Baku. Located in one of the three Flame Towers - fire-shaped columns that rise high above the city - the hotel boasts the best views in Baku..."

Czech Republic Travel Guide

A guide for World Travel Guide, April 2014

"A historic jewel at the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic packs a big punch for such a tiny country; from majestic castles to medieval towns, elegant spa resorts to scenic parklands..."

The Purple Passport: A Guide to the High Life

An article for Private Air Magazine, January 2014

"Founded in 2010 by two intrepid New Yorkers, TPP provides bright and smart online guides – and occasional e-books – to the crème de la crème of decadent global city destinations..."

Chef Collaborations and Exchanges

An article for SO/HO Magazine, December 2013

"It is a regular evening. You turn up at your regular restaurant and are shown to your regular table. Then you are handed your menu, which bears zero resemblance to the regular one..."

Life & Soul: Assessing Zurich’s ‘Visitability’

An article for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), December 2013

"This Swiss city is frequently caricatured as squeaky clean and somewhat clinical, populated with pin-striped bankers and greyfaced financiers. But Zurich has so much to offer visitors..."

EXPRESS GUIDE TO VENICE

A guide for The Express and Monarch Airlines, September 2013

“Known as The Floating City, Venice lies on the shore of the Adriatic and is divided between 118 islands, all separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is a city with water in its blood..."

BUDAPEST CASTLE DISTRICT WALK

Extracts of an audio guided tour for Cities Talking, June 2013

"Welcome to the beautiful city of Budapest. Or, more specifically, Buda, as you now stand on the west bank of the river Danube. Look east, over the fine Chain Bridge, and there's Pest…”

PRIVATE AIR AT THE BADA FAIR

An article for Private Air Magazine, May 2013

“The award was given to a rare Queen Anne gilt gesso dressing table, shown by Mackinnon Fine Furniture and described by the judges as 'an object of spectacular fragility and rarity'..."

London Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, May 2012 - May 2013

"The story of London is a tale of two cities. One narrative is an urban landscape littered with long-established landmarks, time-honored art and culture and a stubborn hint of Britishness..."

Morocco sans Marrakech

An article for Overland Magazine, May 2013

"Despite a recent influx of tourists, there remain many attraction-filled Moroccan destinations tucked off-the-beaten-path. During a 10-day trip, I discovered five of the best hidden gems..."

At the Crossroads

An article for Voyeur (Virgin Airlines in-flight magazine), April 2013

“Slouching off the effects of jet-lag on a riverside bench, I watch as a group of elderly women, draped in flowing, bright white gowns, perform a languid dance with crimson fans held aloft..."

Patagonia North to South Tour Itinerary

A 16-day tour itinerary for Viventura, February 2013

"Watch the playful penguins of the Seno Otway and see sheets of ice from the Perito Moreno glacier crash into the water. This unique destination offers stimulating scenery at every turn..."

Enjoy Sierra Leone… We’ll Make Sure You Do

Complete web copy for Enjoy Sierra Leone, February 2013

"From the lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls of the country's interior, to the startling white beaches that line its unspoilt coastline, Sierra Leone is a nation of effortless natural beauty..."

The Malá Strana Walk – Audio

An audio walking tour for Prague Tourism, February 2013

"It may be translated as the ‘Lesser Town’ in English, but Malá Strana is one Prague’s premier attractions. Initially established as a town in 1257, it flourished during the reign of Charles I..."

The Malá Strana Walk – Text

A walking tour for Prague Tourism, February 2013

"It may be translated as the ‘Lesser Town’ in English, but Malá Strana is one Prague’s premier attractions. Initially established as a town in 1257, it flourished during the reign of Charles I..."

Peru-Bolivia-Chile Tour Itinerary

A 13-day tour itinerary for Viventura, January 2013

"Spanning Peru, Bolivia and Chile, the Altiplano region features some of the most spectacular scenery in South America: thermal geysers, high mountains, and the largest salt flat on earth..."

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…”

Rome City Vacation Guide

A city guide for Expedia, December 2012

"It was once considered the centre of the universe, when all roads lead there. Now the Italian capital is a living museum of three million with all the smart trimmings of a cosmopolitan hub..."

THE DUOMO IN FLORENCE, ITALY

An audio walking tour for Tourizz, December 2012

“A design by Arnolfo di Cambio was approved in 1294. It included three wide naves and one large octagonal dome, which was to built, in his words, ‘higher and wider than any before’…”

Prague City Vacation Guide

A city guide for Expedia, November 2012

"A popular city escape in the heart of Europe, charming Prague has more than 1,000 years of history written into its stunning fairytale church spires, ancient castles and beautiful bridges..."

Heart of Seoul: Five Grand Palaces in Two Days

An article for Serendib (Sri Lankan Airways in-flight magazine), November 2012

“It's 10 in the morning when the drumbeat starts. A heavy thud-thud-thud of anticipation. The Changing of the Guard is a rare celebration of the past in a capital obsessed with the future…”

Glasgow Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2012

"Scotland's second city Glasgow is often considered Edinburgh’s little brother. That simply means it stays out later, has far hipper taste in music and still has its best years ahead of it..."

Vienna Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, July 2012

"Vienna is a city shaped by its imperial past. You’ll find its ancient streets home to magnificent state palaces, grand baroque architecture, fine museum squares and ornate opera houses..."

Zurich Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, July 2012

"Zurich is a city in transition. Once considered a boring financial hub populated by buttoned-down bankers, the city is now reinventing itself as a vibrant, trendy and modern metropolis..."

Frankfurt Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, July 2012

"It may be only the fifth-largest city in Germany, but Frankfur is the country’s business capital, continental Europe’s largest financial center and one of the world’s busiest transport hubs..."

Salzburg Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, June 2012

"The illustrious birthplace of Mozart, the inspirational drawing board for “Silent Night”, and the mountain stomping ground of Julie Andrews’ Maria, Salzburg's a city with music in its blood..."

Stockholm Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, June 2012

"A collection of 14 serene islands, the city is blessed with a wealth of green spaces, inspiring panoramas of the Baltic Sea and probably the freshest air of any major metropolis on earth..."

Warsaw Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, June 2012

"It might not have all the quaint historical culture of Krakow or the distinctive Baltic beauty of Gdansk, but Warsaw is the ever-changing, endlessly fascinating face of 21st century Poland..."

Prague Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, June 2012

"Known affectionately as “The City of a Thousand Spires,” the Czech Republic capital boasts some of the grandest churches in Europe, along with the world’s largest atheist population..."

Amman: A Modern Arab City

An article for Serendib (Sri Lankan Airways in-flight magazine), May 2012

“Amman is a capital with many memorable millennia behind it and more to come; where time-worn temples and mosques jostle for space with high skyscrapers and picket-fenced villas..."

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..."

Edinburgh Overview and Q&As

A guide for Forbes Travel Guide, May 2012

"Described by the famous Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid as "a mad god's dream,” Edinburgh is a multifarious mishmash of a metropolis. It has a history reaching back to the Bronze Age..."

Welcome to Edinburgh

A guide for GuidePal, December 2011

"Wrapped in a blanket of high hilltops, it is home to Michelin-star restaurants and world-class theatres alongside thriving nightlife and hectic urban chaos, all set against a calm sea view..."

Florence: A Cultural Heavyweight

A guide for GuidePal, September 2011

"While visitors have been rediscovering its glorious history since the 19th century, the city has now moved on from the days of the Medici to forge a new and thoroughly modern identity..."

Prague: A Truly Bohemian City

A guide for GuidePal, August 2011

"The Czech capital has a majestic assortment of cobbled lanes, high church spires, medieval bridges and meandering rivers. They're all watched over by a magnificent, fairytale castle..."

Weird Beards and other Bohemian Oddities

An article for StalkingElk Magazine, April 2011

“In the heartlands of Bohemia, Christian institutions offer much more than just war-mongering scripture, cheap magic tricks and kiddy-fiddling clergymen. They offer bizarre trinkets too..."

The Greatest (and Most Secret) Show on Earth?

An article for Reader's Digest, August 2010

“North Korea is acquiring a reputation for something altogether different from its newsworthy nuclear programme and alleged torpedo attacks. And it involves schoolchildren in leotards..."