“How do you get to Urbino?” It was a good question that came from a good friend when I declared I was off to explore a new part of Italy (new to me, I’m pretty sure Urbino has been on the Italian map for quite some time). I can plan a trip to Rome with my eyes closed (turn of phrase… Read more →
I love eating. On a good day, I can manage six meals – and I’m not talking about six small meals, either. In fact, if I could drop everything and eat professionally, I happily would…I’d perhaps need to work on my cutlery ability because, despite more than 30 years of practice with knives, forks and spoons, I have the eating… Read more →
Looking for one of the best secret places in Italy? Meet Urbino… Italy is one of those countries that keeps pulling me back. So much so that I’m starting to lose track of the number of times I’ve visited. My love affair with this elongated part of Europe started over a decade ago with a trip to Tuscany and I’ve… Read more →
If you’re not sure which Hawaiian Island to visit, in this article I’ll help you decide. Having spent three months flitting between the islands, I crammed in as many sights and activities as I could and although I have my personal favourite (more on that below), each island offers different experiences depending on the kind of trip you’re planning. Understanding… Read more →
I knew within seconds of arriving at the airport that I’d missed my flight, which was funny because I turned up two hours before I was due to fly. Nevertheless, as I searched the departure-board looking for my flight from Milan to Manchester it rapidly dawned on me – I may have been ahead of time but that’s little use… Read more →
I spent four years at university with a wonderful Irish lad (hello, Barry) and during that time was introduced to traditional Irish food as eaten by an Irishman. So, I was very excited to find myself planning an unexpected trip to Ireland at the end of this month..and it made me think of my favourite Irish dishes. Here they are…… Read more →
On 20th September 2010 I set off on an around the world trip that I thought would last a year. As my career break came to an end, I knew that I couldn’t go back – not because I’d done anything illegal (that I’d been caught for), but because wanderlust has taken root so deep that continuing seemed the only… Read more →
If you read my recent post 101 Ways Travel Changed Me, you’ll know that this month marks the third anniversary since I set off on an around the world trip that would change my life, career and home forever. And what a trip it was. However, every adventure has room for improvement, so, with the benefit of hindsight, here are… Read more →
A couple of weekends ago I spent a day in London catching up with my old college room-mate, co-conspirator and long-term best friend. Of course, we see each other when we can but between her adorable children and my flighty nature, getting a full 24-hours together free of laptops and nappies is near impossible. So, we booked a date months… Read more →
Beyond stupid in Naples yet strangely safe It was 3 a.m. and I was wandering the streets of Naples, lost, alone, under the influence of alcohol and with little choice but to check my location on my iPhone. I was breaking every rule on my travel safety list and a few besides. I was stupid beyond belief and yet I… Read more →
