Europe

Is Santorini Worth It?

Published on 13 June, 2017

Place a glossy travel mag in my hands and I’m as happy as the proverbial pig in sh!t. Page after page, I love pouring over pictures of cerulean seas and cloudless skies. But here’s the thing – those pictures of those destinations are no more real than the images of celebs in Vogue. Airbrushed and enhanced to not within a mile… Read more →

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Is Santorini worth it? Is Santorini, Greece all blue buildings with stunning beaches and sunsets? The answer in pictures and an alternative to Santorini.... Read more →

Where to Go in Sardinia – Self-Drive Itinerary

Published on 4 January, 2017

Want to know where to go in Sardinia? Read on… I’d always thought Sardinia would be a beach-based trip for me – after all, isn’t that why most people fly into what is Italy’s largest island? However, there’s not much you can do to talk me into sitting on a beach in November (even in Italy), so I ended up… Read more →

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Want to know where to go in Sardinia? This self-drive itinerary has places, restaurants, hotels, distances and a map to help you plan your trip to Sardinia.... Read more →

Cheat’s Guide to Sparkling Wine

Published on 28 December, 2016

I’m the kind of person who will find any excuse possible to sup on something bubbly – “What? My second cousin, third removed just found out she doesn’t need a root canal? That requires a celebration.” POP. Whether you’re a woman (or man) after my own heart or whether you prefer save the popping of corks for special occasions, like birthdays,… Read more →

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Looking for a guide to sparkling wine? Want to know your Champagne from your Cava, Crémant and Prosecco? Here's a 5-minute cheat's guide with an infographic... Read more →

Sardinian Food – Where and What to Eat in Sardinia

Published on 5 December, 2016

Francesco Cetti once said, “There is not in Italy what there is in Sardinia, nor in Sardinia what there is in Italy.” The 18th century zoologist was probably talking about the wildlife. Probably. But he could equally have been talking about Sardinian food. I’m fast loosing count of the number of times I’ve been to Italy, but my sojourn to Sardinia was… Read more →

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Want to know what Sardinian food to eat? Here's a list and images of what to eat for each course including restaurant recommendations throughout the island.... Read more →

How To Order Coffee in Italy

Published on 26 July, 2016

Even if you’re decked head to toe in Gucci and are sauntering around Venice, Florence or Rome with all the panache of an Italian superstar, there’s still a very simple way to tell whether you’re a local or not: how you order coffee. Believe it or not, there is a huge (and unhelpfully unspoken!) protocol for how to order coffee… Read more →

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How to order coffee in Italy isn't as easy as you might think. Here's a guide to what coffee to order, when to order, how to order, how to pay and tipping.... Read more →

3 Days in Florence: The Itinerary I Give My Friends

Published on 19 July, 2016

Giuseppe Verdi once said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” I feel that way about Florence; which might explain why I have visited this arresting Italian city so many times I’m losing count. And, with that, what I’m equally losing count of is the number of times I’ve scribbled out an itinerary for 3 days in… Read more →

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Spending 3 days in Florence? Here's the itinerary I give my friends and gets you to the top sights at the right time of day. Includes where to eat and sleep... Read more →

Where to eat and drink in Brussels on a Weekend Trip

Published on 26 May, 2016

I love an indulgent foodie (and drinkie) weekend break and with my 40th birthday presenting the perfect excuse (and my messed up knee preventing me from jetting off to Hawaii), I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate than Brussels where chocolate, fries, mayonnaise, waffles and Belgium beer were all on the menu. As you’ll see from the pictures… Read more →

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Want to know where to eat and drink in Brussels on a weekend trip? From waffles to frites to Belgian beer and chocolate, this is the only guide you'll need.... Read more →

Alternative Amsterdam: 7 Secret Spots in Amsterdam Noord

Published on 14 October, 2015

“It’s ugly, isn’t it?” I looked at my guide, Bas, and he nodded, a big smile on his face. He wasn’t offended, because I guess he knew what was my next comment was going to be. “Ugly, but cool. Very, very cool.” Bas nodded again; his smile hadn’t waiver. We were talking about Amsterdam Noord, an area of Amsterdam that’s situated… Read more →

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If you're looking to explore alternative Amsterdam then get yourself to Amsterdam Noord: creatives, craft brews and all the cool kids. Here's 7 secret spots... Read more →

Traveling in Europe with Kids – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Published on 5 October, 2015

When I want to take a trip, I book a ticket, pack a bag (a small one at that) and go. And then I look at my friends with children and watch in awe at the planning, packing, cajoling, refereeing and excitement containing that goes on when they, likewise, take a trip. And that’s not to mention the bags –… Read more →

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Ever wondered what it's like traveling through Europe with Kids? On a 4.5 month adventure with just carry on here's the truth with the good, bad and ugly.... Read more →

The Ginstitute: Making Your Own Gin in London

Published on 1 September, 2015

The Ginstitute has been on my radar (gindar?) for a while. In fact, all the way back in 2013 I listed it as one of the things I wanted to try in London. It took me a few years to get around to it (these things can’t be rushed) but with a friend’s big birthday coming up – the kind… Read more →

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Thinking of booking the Ginstitute, a gin blending experience in London? Read this honest review about the day including venue, booking & value for money.... Read more →