Hiking & Trekking

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..."

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..."

By Foot: Hiking the Rheinsteig, Germany

An article for Unforgettable Journeys Europe: A DK Eyewitness Book, March 2023
"Explore some of Germany’s most appealing landscapes on this epic hike. The north-to-south trail leads through forest-blanketed hills, sun-soaked vineyards and chocolate-box villages..."

Montenegro’s Islands

An article for Go Here Instead: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2022
"From lushly forested islets fringed by gorgeous sweeps of sand to a human-made mound of rock topped with a 17th century church, each Montenegrin island offers something different..."

The Walls of Ston, Croatia

An article for Go Here Instead: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2022
"Tying up the northeastern edge of Croatia’s Peljesac peninsula like an unbreakable bow, the stunning Walls of Ston ('Europe’s Great Wall') is the world's second-longest defensive barrier..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Europe by Foot: Carpathian Mountains

An article for Unforgettable Journeys: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2020
"Emerald forests, medieval castles and wildflower-dusted mountains - explore the continent’s last great wilderness on a four-day hike through Romania’s incredible Carpathian Mountains..."

Europe by Water: Island Hopping in Croatia

An article for Unforgettable Journeys: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2020
"Scattered all around Croatia’s sun-drenched coastline are more than 1,000 idyllic islands and islets. Take to the water on this laid-back voyage to explore five of the prettiest by sail boat..."

Europe by Foot: Julian Alps Peak Walk

An article for Unforgettable Journeys: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2020
"This alpine amble through Slovenia's spectacular Triglav National Park guarantees sweeping mountain scenery, ancient fir-tree forests, glistening glacial pools and enchanting waterfalls..."

Europe by Foot: Tatra Mountains

An article for Unforgettable Journeys: A DK Eyewitness Book, October 2020
"Skirting the mountainous border between Poland and Slovakia, this circular hike to and from Kuznice takes in the park's most spectacular scenery, from its craggy cliffs to its thick forests..."

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..."

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.."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Adler Mountain Lodge: All-In Dolomites Luxury

An article for Private Air Magazine, January 2016
"The incredible beauty, drama and otherworldliness of the Dolomites make it one of the most spectacular and rewarding natural landscapes in the world. And it isn’t overrun with tourists..."

Six Uniquely Scottish Experiences

A blog post for VisitScotland, September 2015
"From scuba diving among German warships to hiking between curious Highland Cows, from gigantic viaducts to deep vaults, here are six of my favourite uniquely Scottish experiences..."

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..."

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..."

Experiencing Exclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

An article for Private Air Magazine, July 2013
"I hear a rustling overhead. Tentatively, I look up into the shadowy tree canopy overhanging the cliff edge, to discover a wrinkled pink face staring right back at me, A Capuchin monkey..."

The Flight to Everest Base Camp

An article for National Geographic Traveller, May 2013
“I heard the plane before I saw it. Sitting mutely in a pallid departure lounge, the dirty put-put-put of the engine trickled its way into my subconscious. It's a peeling, patched-up biplane…”

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..."

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..."

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..."

Off Everest’s Beaten Path

An article for Shoestring Magazine, February 2012
"I feel like throwing up. My head is spinning, my stomach churning, my joints throbbing. I suck in a lungful of icy air but there isn't enough oxygen. Yet still I ignore the thought to turn back…”

The Search for Ischia’s Seaside Spa

An article for The Telegraph (Travel Supplement), February 2012
""Have you got the eels?” I ask, teeth chattering, as my girlfriend steps off the yacht and onto the jetty. She nods. “And the mullet? And the calamari?” She holds the bag of seafood aloft..."