Travel Costs

DK Eyewitness Prague

A travel guidebook for DK Eyewitness, August 2026

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...

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Prague

A travel guidebook for DK Eyewitness, August 2026

Prague has firmly established itself as one of Europe's most popular cities, where Art Nouveau masterpieces line medieval streets and the planet's best beer is sipped on Baroque squares...

Germany: Southern Rhineland

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

"In the words of French poet Victor Hugo, the Rhine offers the best of everything. "The Rhine is as swift as the Rhône, wide as the Loire, winding as the Seine, and royal as the Danube...”

Germany: Franconia & the German Danube

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

"The Franks — for whom this region is named — were not only tough warriors but also hard working tradespeople and burghers with a good political nose and a superb taste in wine..."

Germany: The Bavarian Alps

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

"Bursting up from the lowlands of southern Germany, the Bavarian Alps form both an awe-inspiring border with Austria and a stunning natural playground for outdoors enthusiasts..."

How to Spend a Weekend in Vlora, Albania

An article for National Geographic Traveller, August 2025

"Tucked away in a sheltered bay at the confluence of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Vlora is Albania’s third-largest city — and a rising star on the country's ever-expanding travel map..."

Escaping the Fringe crowds in Edinburgh

An article for British Comedy Guide, August 2025

"Why join the masses climbing Arthur's Seat, picnicking in the Meadows or roaming about the Royal Botanic Garden? Get real Fringe respite with these lesser-known Edinburgh escapes..."

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..."

Best of Bohemia: Five Day Trips from Prague

An article for National Geographic Traveller, April 2025

"Once at the heart of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg Empire, Central Bohemia's storied past is evidenced at each turn by picture-perfect castles, chateaux and cathedrals..."

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..."

Soak up the Spa Waters in Western Bohemia

An article for The Joy of Quiet Places: A Lonely Planet Book, August 2024

"An early morning stroll through the tiny, lovely spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne is an almost meditative experience, until a sip of musty spring water brings you to earth with a bump..."

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..."

The Best Free Things to Do in Prague

An article for Lonely Planet, July 2024

"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..."

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..."

The Albanian Riviera: Your next Med getaway

An article for National Geographic Traveller, July 2024

"Albania’s third largest city retains the feel of a hidden gem. Discover Vlora's gorgeous sandy beaches, fascinating classical history and sparkling new marina before everyone else does..."

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..."

Discover Moldova’s vibrant viticulture regions

An article for National Geographic Traveller, January 2024

"With a winemaking tradition stretching back over 7,000 years, the world’s highest density of vineyards and an array of wine experiences, Moldova is a dream destination for oenophiles..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Silverkris Guide to Malé, The Maldives

A destination guide for Silverkris (Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine), December 2017

"With over 130,000 people squeezed into two square miles, Malé is a bustling and fast-paced capital - the antithesis of the laid-back island resorts that draw most tourists to The Maldives..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

How London Became a Great Culinary Capital

An article for 36 Hours (The New York Times), January 2016

"Traditionally, London does not have a sterling reputation for food. Yet, over the last 30 years, the city has experienced a culinary revolution, and is now cited as the world's foodie capital..."

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..."

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)..."

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..."

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..."

Journey to Nowhere: Barefoot Luxury Travel

An article for The Johnnie Walker House Edit, July 2015

"Kicking off your shoes, stepping onto bone-white sand and feeling the wind caress your hair, all without the sniff of a smartphone email alert - welcome to the universe of barefoot luxury..."

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..."

Bohemian Bliss: Pampered in Prague

An article for Asia Spa Magazine, May 2015

"Prague is a spa paradise at the heart of Europe. So whether you fancy an elaborate hotel spa or an intimate wellness haven, step back from city sightseeing and prepare to be pampered..."

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..."

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..."

Like a Phoenix: Baku’s Flame Towers

An article for Private Air Magazine, October 2014

"The spirit of newness in Baku, Azerbaijan, is best seen in the capital’s landmark architectural achievement, the Flame Towers; three giant flame-shaped columns that loom over the city..."

Century Spires: Thriller in Manila

An article for Private Air Magazine, September 2014

"The eighth tower in the shimmering glass high-rise development that is 'Century City', this is the first building in the Philippines to be designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind..."

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..."

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..."

Discover Baku, Azerbaijan… in 48 Hours

An article for Life Refined Magazine, June 2014

"Baku is a fast-changing city. Since 2000, crumbling Soviet-era apartments have given way to shimmering steel skyscrapers and dented Ladas have been overtaken by gleaming BMWs..."

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..."

The Boutique Boom

An article for SO/HO Magazine, March 2014

"A good hotel stay is no longer only about high thread count linen and 24-hour room service; guests today are looking for stylish, independent properties that offer unique experiences..."

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..."

The Quest for Quieter Cabins

An article for Private Air Magazine, March 2014

"Private jets have long been adorned with luxurious features, from king-sized beds to crystal chandeliers. Yet for all these fancy features, one consistent irritant is sky-high noise levels..."

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..."

St Moritz: Switzerland’s Winter Wonderland

An article for Private Air Magazine, November 2013

"It all began with a wager. In September 1864, the St Moritz hotelier Johannes Badrutt bet four guests that if they returned to the town in winter, they'd enjoy it even more than in summer..."

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..."

Fine Design at The Augustine in Prague

An article for Private Air Magazine, September 2013

"The moment the door swings open, guests are reassured they are in for a treat. Beyond the threshold lies a luxurious living room, with an iron staircase spiraling up through the ceiling..."

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..."

Eccleston Square Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, August 2013

"Eccleston Square Hotel is a nirvana for contemporary tech lovers. Each room boasts a 3D TV, luxury massage bed, personal iPad, remote-controlled curtains and smart glass panels..."

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..."

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..."

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…”

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..."

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?..."

St. Ermin’s Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, April 2013

"From the outside, St. Ermin’s is a classic British hotel - all red bricks and green courtyards. But step inside to discover white sinuous rococo plasterwork that curves throughout the lobby..."

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..."

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..."

The Dorchester Hotel, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2013

"This luxurious London landmark is probably best known for its traditional English residential facade festooned with wrought-iron balconies. And yet it's the interior that really impresses..."

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..."

The Goring, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, February 2013

"Still run by the family who built it, The Goring provides the height of luxury. The intimate hotel has just 69 rooms and suites, yet each is individually designed to ensure ultimate elegance..."

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..."

BORDEAUX TO TOULOUSE CYCLE TOUR

A self-guided cycling tour guide for Cyclomundo, January 2013

“There is no greater way to get to the heart of southern France than to cycle through its heart. Begin in the wine-growing town of Bordeaux and end in the cultural metropolis of Toulouse..."

The Savoy, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, January 2013

"Often called “London’s most famous hotel,” The Savoy was opened in 1889 as the first truly high-end hotel in the country. And it's been at the very forefront of decadence ever since..."

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

A hotel guide for Forbes Travel Guide, January 2013

"Situated at the heart of Knightsbridge, this one-time Gentleman’s Club now comprises 198 of the finest rooms and suites in the capital, along with two swish restaurants and a lavish spa..."

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..."

GENEVA TO LYON CYCLE TOUR

A self-guided cycling tour guide for Cyclomundo, January 2013

"Lush green vineyards nestled into rolling hills; secretive Alpine forests lining the banks of crystal clear lakes; and traditional French villages with the scent of local cheese and wine..."

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…”

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’…”

HOLY GHOST HOSPITAL CHURCH IN FUSSEN, GERMANY

An audio walking tour for Tourizz, December 2012

“Then, once you get beyond the beautiful facade, things only get more impressive. You see, the interior of this little Spitalkirche is one of most intricately-decorated in all of Germany…”

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..."

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…”

Magical Morocco (Women Only Worldwide)

A tour itinerary for Indus Travel, August 2012

"Inhale the exotic spices at the souks, explore the captivating landscape of the desert, gaze in amazement at the snake charmers of Marrakech, and dine at Rick’s Café in Casablanca..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

Killing Time in Europe’s Best Cemeteries

An article for StalkingElk Magazine, November 2011

“An inexorable fixture in every childhood - whether burying your gran, losing your virginity or dabbling in the occult - cemeteries are also great for killing time prior to your own demise..."

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..."

Ischia’s Wild Winter Warmers

An article for Shoestring Magazine, February 2011

“It was one of those bitterly cold December days in southern Italy, when the chill wraps itself around your bones and draws you into winter, and I was freezing to the seat of my scooter..."

Transnistria: Europe’s Last Kid on the Bloc

An article for Shoestring Magazine, October 2010

“As the 1990s rolled in, and the world watched Poland and co. march forwards to a bright new dawn, no-one seemed to notice that one corner of the Eastern Bloc had been left behind…”

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..."

UK & IRELAND – SOUTH WEST ENGLAND SPREAD

Brochure copy for Welcome Cottages, January 2010

“Ah, the Great British coast: sea breeze, cream teas and knobbly knees. And nowhere else in Britain does seaside fun quite like South West England, whether Cornwall, Devon or Dorset..."

UK & IRELAND – INTRODUCTORY SPREAD

Brochure copy for Welcome Cottages, January 2010

“From the sunsplashed beaches of Cornwall, to the rolling green hills of County Cork, to the giddy peaks of the Scottish Highlands, there’s a little something in Britain to suit everyone..."