Guide To Bocas Del Toro & Beautiful Isla Bastimentos, Panama

Red frog beach bocas del toro

All I wanted was a beach that wasn’t littered with a million other British sun worshippers elbowing each other for a sun towel-sized patch of sand. And I found it in Bocas Del Toro. I first visited Bocas in 2011 as part of my Round the World trip. It was a couple of weeks of … Read more

Cruising Ancient Greece in The Peloponnese Peninsula

Theatre at delphi greece with mountains

The Peloponnese is a peninsula of myths and legends, ancient sights and civilisations that pre-date written history. It’s a land that covers over 21,000 square kilometres (8,000 sqm) and is located on the southwest tip of mainland Greece. Home to Olympia, Delphi, and the Corinth Canal, and a short distance from Athens, it’s a destination … Read more

The Ultimate Sailing Yoga Retreat in Greece

yoga teacher on ship downward dog

Into the ocean I go, to soothe my mind and find my soul. I saw this quote once in a store in Europe and couldn’t get it out of my head. Except, for me, it wasn’t swimming that made me feel this way; it was unfurling my yoga mat – into the postures I go… … Read more

20 Best Beatles Attractions in Liverpool (with Map)

street art showing the four beatles in colours

On 9 February 1961, four Liverpool lads – John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney – gave their debut performance at The Cavern Club in Liverpool. Over 60 years later, The Beatles remain as popular as ever. And nowhere is that more true than in the city of the band’s birthplace, Liverpool. As … Read more

30 Best Places To Visit on a British Isles Cruise

Wild atlantic way green cliffs and sea

It was late spring in the British Isles and after poring over the many cruise destinations offered by Swan Hellenic, I did the thing that surprised even me. I decided to explore my own country. Britain. By sea. Until now, my most common view over the British Isles has been by air as I leave. … Read more

Swan Hellenic – Where Culture & Luxury Combine

In 1931, at a time when Britain was still effervescing from the roaring twenties, a gentleman named W.F. Swan set up a small family run travel business called Swan Travel Bureau. Over the decades, and together with his son, Kenneth, they pioneered a new style of adventurous expedition cruising that remains at the heart of … Read more

20 Tasty Puglian Foods To Try in Italy

Plate of cured meats and cheese

If you’re searching for local food for your trip to Puglia, you’re already steps ahead of most of the millions of foreign visitors who arrive in Italy each year. Just recently, strolling down a side street in Florence I had a waiter holler at me across the street: “pizza, pasta, spaghetti”. It was as though … Read more

14 Best Things To Do In London’s South Bank

london bridge on south bank

Once upon a time, South London wasn’t a very desirable place. It was the part of London that was the home of asylums, prisons and taverns of ill repute. Little did our medieval ancestors know that with these ‘features’ they were laying the foundations for one of London’s most exciting tourist enclaves. Think of London’s attractions … Read more

25 Amazing Things To Do In Vietnam

Hoi An River Front

Vietnam is nothing short of magical. A southeast Asian country that is one long stretch of coastline, you can expect everything from huge cities to swathes of beaches, dramatic islands and hill tribe communities. For me, Vietnam holds a very special place in my heart. It was one of the first countries I visited solo, … Read more

15 Best Things To Do in Pisa, Italy

river arno

In 1372, work was completed on a tower in Pisa that would later come to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. That tower was the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Located in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy, Pisa is a popular stop on most Italian itineraries. But what else is there … Read more