
Author Archive for Nick Van Gruisen


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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Oct 21, 2014 in Asia, Attractions, Cambodia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Going Out, Laos, Regions, Speciality Travel, Vietnam
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Sep 16, 2014 in Caribbean, Leisure Travel, Regions, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Speciality Travel
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Aug 21, 2014 in Africa, Australia, Caribbean, Leisure Travel, Massachusetts, Mozambique, North America, Oceania, Regions, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Speciality Travel, USA
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Jul 31, 2014 in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, North America, Peru, Regions, South 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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Jun 20, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Belgium, France, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Sweden, Western Europe
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on May 31, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Central America, Costa Rica, Featured, Middle East, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Peru, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel, Thailand
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Apr 10, 2014 in Attractions, Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, Going Out, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Regions
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
By Nick Van Gruisen on Mar 24, 2014 in Attractions, Going Out, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Worldwide
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