Festivals

Scotland’s Highlands & Islands: Toolkit

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, August 2025

"When venturing out of the big cities and into the more remote corners of the Highlands and islands, expect prices to rise significantly. Especially for essentials like petrol and groceries..."

Scotland’s Highlands & Islands: Plan A Trip

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, August 2025

"Now I go every year. Because that’s the thing about the Highlands and islands: they aren’t somewhere you visit just once. This is a region that seizes your soul and refuses to let go..."

England: Hadrian’s Wall and the Northeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2025

"England's Northeast has wide-open spaces, curiously charming fishing towns and villages, and ancient abbeys and castles that are all the more romantic for their often-ruinous state..."

England: Canterbury and the Southeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2025

"Surrey, Kent, and Sussex form the breadbasket of England, where bucolic farmland stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted only with great historic castles and beautiful stately homes..."

Great Britain: Sporting Britain

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2025

"During the 18th and 19th centuries, Britons codified major sports including tennis, cricket, golf, field hockey, billiards, bowls, netball, water polo, baseball, horse racing, squash and boxing..."

Great Britain: A Divided Kingdom?

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2025

"Two historical referendums, one on Scottish independence (result: remain) and another on Brexit (result: leave), have revealed deep divisions between Britain's three member nations..."

Great Britain: Meet the British

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2025

"For many Britons, their identity is specific to their country, their region or even their city. For me, it’s more general than that. The conclusion I've come to is this: I am British, not English..."

Scotland: Southern Scotland

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, June 2025

"Romantic history is found everywhere in southern Scotland’s lowlands - helping bring to life its wellspring of ruined abbeys, stately mansions, heathery hills and salmon-stocked rivers..."

Scotland: Glasgow

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, June 2025

"The best way to sum up Glasgow? Just look at the equestrian sculpture in front of the city's Gallery of Modern Art. It’s a statue of the Duke of Wellington with a traffic cone on his head..."

Scotland: Edinburgh

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, June 2025

"It all began with fire and rock. The rugged, rangy landscape of modern-day Edinburgh was formed by three great volcanoes, which rose together here around 350 million years ago..."

Kitzbühel: The Perfect Summer Escape

An article for National Geographic Traveller, May 2025

"From its medieval cobbled streets and cultural festivals to scenic hiking trails and crystalline lakes, the Alpine town of Kitzbühel offers unmissable experiences throughout summertime..."

Scotland: Orkney and Shetland Islands

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, September 2024

"Scandinavian heritage gives the 170 islets that make up Orkney and Shetland a history and an atmosphere different from that of any other Scottish region. They're bleak but beautiful..."

Scotland: Inverness and Around the Great Glen

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, September 2024

"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 Europe: Hungary

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2024

"Budapest, an old-world city with a throbbing urban pulse, is a must-stop on any trip to Central Europe, while Szentendre and Eger offer up majestic hilltop castles and cobblestone streets..."

Essential Europe: Czech Republic

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2024

"Even in tourist-heavy Prague, the sense of history - stretching back through centuries of wars, empires, and monuments to everyday life - remains unspoiled by the trappings of modernity..."

Essential Europe: Austria

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, August 2024

"The past lives on in Austria, where children laugh at marionette shows in the parks, couples linger for hours over pastries in elegant cafés, and white stallions dance to Mozart minuets..."

Budapest Guidebook: Side Trips From Budapest

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2024

"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 Guidebook: Belvaros (Inner Town)

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2024

"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..."

Budapest: Gellerthegy (Gellert Hill) and Taban

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2024

"Gellérthegy, the most beautiful natural formation along the Buda bank, takes its name from St. Gellért (Gerard) of Csanád, a Venetian bishop who was rolled off the hill in a cart by pagans..."

Budapest: Varkerulet (Castle District)

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, July 2024

"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..."

Austria: Innsbruck, Tyrol and Vorarlberg

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, May 2024

"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, May 2024

"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, May 2024

"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..."

Bucket List Europe: Edinburgh

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, December 2023

"History plays out before your eyes along the Royal Mile, a succession of storied streets. It begins on Castlehill, where alleged witches were burned at the stake in the 16th century..."

Bucket List Europe: Slovakia

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, December 2023

"Bratislava’s most striking Secession-style building, the Church of St. Elizabeth is renowned for its gorgeous powder blue exterior, which extends all the way up to its 120-foot round tower..."

Bucket List Europe: Czech Republic

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, December 2023

"The Czech capital Prague is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, with a romantic riverside location enhanced by graceful bridges and a skyline punctuated by medieval church spires..."

Bucket List Europe: Central Europe Intro

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, December 2023

"Prepare to exchange - while the euro is used in Austria, Germany and Slovakia, you’ll need francs for Switzerland, crowns for Czech Republic, forints for Hungary and złoty for Poland..."

Essential Great Britain: Travel Smart Chapter

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, September 2023

"Britain and America are (in the phrase attributed to playwright George Bernard Shaw) “two countries separated by a common language”. Knowing some British idioms can be helpful..."

Essential Great Britain: Experience Chapter

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, September 2023

"Great Britain and the United Kingdom: what’s the difference? GB is the landmass comprising England, Scotland and Wales; the UK also includes Northern Ireland and some smaller isles..."

Great Britain: Sporting Britain

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2023

"During the 18th and 19th centuries, Britons codified major sports including tennis, cricket, golf, field hockey, billiards, bowls, netball, water polo, baseball, horse racing, squash and boxing..."

Great Britain: Divided Kingdom?

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2023

"Two historical referendums, one on Scottish independence (result: remain) and another on Brexit (result: leave), have revealed deep divisions between Britain's three member nations..."

Great Britain: Meet the British

A guidebook article for Lonely Planet, July 2023

"For many Britons, their identity is specific to their country, their region or even their city. For me, it’s more general than that. The conclusion I've come to is this: I am British, not English..."

Prague: Day Trips from Prague

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2023

"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: Zizkov and Karlin

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2023

"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: Vinohrady and Vrsovice

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2023

"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: Smichov and Vysehrad

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2023

"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: Prague Castle and Hradcany

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, June 2023

"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..."

England: Hadrian’s Wall and the Northeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, May 2023

"England's Northeast has wide-open spaces, curiously charming fishing towns and villages, and ancient abbeys and castles that are all the more romantic for their often-ruinous state..."

England: Canterbury and the Southeast

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, May 2023

"Surrey, Kent, and Sussex form the breadbasket of England, where bucolic farmland stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted only with great historic castles and beautiful stately homes..."

Essential England: Experience Chapter

A travel guidebook chapter for Fodor's Travel Guides, May 2023

"Whether you are rooting for Liverpool, Man City or Newcastle, attending a game or watching at a pub, a football (soccer) match is a great way to observe locals at their most passionate..."

Scotland: Northern Highlands & Islands

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, May 2023

"The most popular route through Scotland’s northern Highlands is the coast-hugging NC500, a 500-mile loop of spiky mountain peaks, dune-fringed beaches and brooding castle ruins..."

Scotland: Edinburgh

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, May 2023

"It all began with fire and rock. The rugged, rangy landscape of modern-day Edinburgh was formed by three great volcanoes, which rose together here around 350 million years ago..."

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..."

Scotland: Skye and the Outer Hebrides

A travel guidebook chapter for Lonely Planet, March 2022

"Skye's jaw-dropping landscapes and time-honoured castles are popular tourist draws, while those seeking solitude – and stunning sandy beaches – venture out to the Outer Hebrides..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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...."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Cutting It At The Edinburgh Fringe

An article for Scriptwriter Magazine, January 2008

“On the city's pretty Royal Mile, actors, singers, dancers, jugglers, stuntpeople, wrestlers and inexplicably semi-naked hypnotists all indiscriminately thrust their pamphlets at passers-by…”