Last weekend I spent a night in a prison cell. Fortunately, I walked free the following day without any (criminal) record of my stay. How? I booked a night at Clink78 hostel in London. Clink78: History If you’re not familiar with Clink78, it is a hostel near Kings Cross train station in London … Read more
I’m not much of a planner these days but last weekend has been marked in my diary for months – a much-needed catch up with my old college room-mate, co-conspirator and long-term friend. Of course, we see each other when we can but between her adorable children (note to the eldest: you should be a … Read more
It’s an easy mistake to make, assuming that sleeping in all female dorms is a better idea than sharing with smelly boys when you travel, but after years of sharing rooms with both sexes, I’m firmly of the view that mixed-dorms are the much better option. Here’s why all female dorms are an all round … Read more
Fresh from my third encounter with bedbugs in as many days (three out of my last five beds had the critters – a bad ratio by any standards), it seemed an appropriate time to share my tips on dealing with bed bugs when you travel. Some facts about bed bugs Most people have heard of … Read more
After spending a month in the land of the rising sun, I’ve stayed in a fair range of places ranging from hostels to homes to hotels to temples. In this post I share where to stay in Japan on a budget (and in some cases where not to stay). Types of accommodation in Japan Hostels: There … Read more
‘Homeless in Hawaii’ was my Facebook status more than once during my extended stay on the islands at the end of last year. Whether your travel plans have failed or, like me, you’ve failed to make any plans at all, there are times when you might find yourself in a place with no hotels or rooms … Read more
Infinity pools, butlers serving afternoon tea complete with those little finger sandwiches I do love so much (crust cut off, of course). That is how I like to travel, with sites like Small Luxury Hotels winning hands down over any budget accommodation website out there. However, there is a reality I can’t escape – I like … Read more
I’ve recently been playing around with Hotel Tonight. It’s a whizzy little app that allows you to book rooms…as the name suggests…that night. Forget Laterooms and the like, this is real last minute deal stuff and although it’s currently only available for the big cities, it certainly has the potential to expand. This app appeals … Read more
Far too long ago I promised a list of my recommended hostels in Southeast Asia. In order of my route, not preference, here are my recommended hostels in Southeast Asia: Singapore: Beary Best Although it’s definitely aimed at girls (the place is filled with teddy bears), even the boys can’t knock the cleanliness and homely feel of this … Read more
Whenever I meet travelers en route to South or Central America, I’m always quick to pass on my list of recommended hostels in Latin America, not least because I know what it’s like to turn up at a place and wonder if Hell might have any vacancies as a better alternative. A hostel, the … Read more