Author Archive for Nick Van Gruisen

4 of the best things to do on a first-time trip to Brazil

4 of the best things to do on a first-time trip to Brazil

It is one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. Even the name can send the rhythm of the samba coursing through the veins. Discover the beautiful beaches and quaint cobblestoned streets of Buzios. Journey to the heart of the Amazon rainforest and boat down its life-giving river. Live the Carioca (a Rio native
Nepal: a new perspective

Nepal: a new perspective

No bigger than England with a small slice of Wales, Nepal is home to eight of the highest peaks in the world. Looking out across Nepal Himalaya, it is hard to believe that anything could stand so high in the sky and still have its feet on the ground. But you needn’t don crampons and
An introduction to Indochina

An introduction to Indochina

Here you’ll find everything you’ll need to know before taking a trip to the cultural and culinary heart of south-east Asia. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Have a cup of Vietnamese coffee in Ho Chi Minh city whilst getting a new wardrobe from a tailor or discover Cambodia’s modern history in Phnom
6 of the Grenadines you won't want to miss

6 of the Grenadines you won't want to miss

Over 6,000 islets make up the Grenadines’ island chain in the Caribbean, with each one just as beautiful as the next. All of the islands come surrounded by a halo of white beaches and waters covering the full spectrum of colours from blue to green and beyond. Once on the ground though, the contrast between
Lesser-known luxury island escapes

Lesser-known luxury island escapes

Ask people to draw up a bucket list of islands they would most like to visit and Zanzibar, Barbados,, Tahiti and Sri Lanka are the likeliest candidates to top the polls. Here, we look at a quartet of smaller, lesser know islands that offer an intriguing alternative to the A list and might well be
A first-timer's guide to Latin America

A first-timer's guide to Latin America

With the World Cup in Brazil, all eyes have been on Latin America. Here is our guide for those planning their first tailor-made holiday to this incredible continent for the first time. We’d like to experience as many highlights as possible, but don’t want to spend half the time travelling. Where would you recommend we
4 of the 'coolest' cities to explore in Europe this Summer

4 of the 'coolest' cities to explore in Europe this Summer

Many of Europe’s cities can be far too hot for comfort during the height of Summer, especially if you are planning to take a long shopping list of must-see sights and attractions. But for those who would still like a distinctly urban experience, perhaps with children in tow during the school holidays, we would recommend
6 of the best adventure destinations

6 of the best adventure destinations

Adventure holidays no longer have to be the exclusive domain of the intrepid, young, single traveller, ready to rough it in the world’s most remote places. Many couples and families like a bit of an adrenaline rush too. Here are just some ideas for those who would like to inject a spot of action into
6 of the best Central American journeys

6 of the best Central American journeys

For those considering Central America for the first time, we offer a handy guide to six of the best Central American journeys. Discover the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica, snow-white beaches of Belize, old colonial towns of Guatemala and much more. Guatemala A breathtakingly beautiful country that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations
Ultimate worlds

Ultimate worlds

We know, size isn’t everything. But while not trying to make it onto the pages of the Guinness Book of records, we thought you might be interested to read about some of the truly ‘ultimate’ experiences around the world. Our collection of superlatives includes: The highest destination Kilimanjaro, which stands at nearly 6,000 metres, id