Category: Western Europe
Vegan delights in Paris and London
By Paul Eyers on Oct 12, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Being based in Southeast Asia we get limited opportunities to visit Europe, but instead spend our time lusting after the vegan food and vegan friendly luxury hotels that we read about online. So when given the chance of a whistle stop tour of Paris and London during which time we would get to live out 
5 places to visit in Andalucía
Andalucía has so much to offer. There is delicious food, splendid sunshine for much of the year and many cultural delights to enjoy. The scenery is also dynamic. This part of Spain is home to beautiful mountain ranges, as well as long stretches of coastline. Some of the beaches are untouched while others are occupied
10 things you need to know when visiting Italy
Italy is a country of great beauty, great culture and most importantly, great gelato! Seeing a place with fresh, naïve eyes is often a brilliant way to soak up your surroundings and experience the wonderment that you may have left behind in your childhood years. However, it is wise not to go into it completely
Meaningful trips inspired by the Rugby World Cup
By Christopher Hill on Oct 09, 2019 in Africa, Argentina, Australia, Europe, Fiji, Italy, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, South Africa, South America, Western Europe
We are well into the Rugby World Cup, hosted for the first time in an Asian nation – Japan. This year’s event is set to be the most openly contested ever – so hard to pick the winner, with at least 6 countries laying plausible claim to the title. Japan’s historic win over one of the 
Luxury travel news this week
By Paul Johnson on Oct 06, 2019 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Europe, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, United Arab Emirates, Western Europe
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive these new weekly alerts in your web browser, please click on the red bell icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page and click ‘subscribe’ (works on desktop only – for other ways to 
5 reasons why it’s time to visit the Azores
By Matt Holmes on Oct 05, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Portugal, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Just a few years ago, the Azores started appearing in a handful of publications and articles with titles like, “remote islands that no one knows about” and “Europe’s Best Kept Secret.” Many people, especially North Americans could not point out this archipelago on a map. But for those in the know, the thought of a 
An 'Oh La La' weekend escape to Paris
By Carmen Caballero on Oct 01, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
There are never enough trips to Paris, the city of love, light, fashion, croissants and Champagne toasts. New luxury hotels, events, trends and, of course, classics, like an Oh la la ‘petit déjeuner’ overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Few cities can symbolize many cities, in just one, a luxury trip to the capital of France is always 
Mountain biking in the Lake District: Gamblesmire loop
By Paul Johnson on Sep 30, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Starting just outside the Lake District National Park in the centre of the market town of Kendal, this mountain bike ride enjoys a mixture of mostly quiet roads and a variety of off-road terrain. We tackled the route on the robust Ridgeback MX4, an entry level mountain bike fitted with Shimano gearing and capable of 
7 reasons to visit Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK
By Michael Edwards on Sep 30, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Often called “The Jewel of the North”, Harrogate attracts visitors for its urban charms, stunning gardens and its position as a Gateway to the Dales. It is close to Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as the UNESCO world heritage site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Within easy travelling 
8 fun things for families to do when visiting Gstaad
By Paul Johnson on Sep 30, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe
We all know that Alpine resorts can be a huge draw for visitors during the winter months, attracting skiers and snowboarders, but did you know that in Switzerland – unlike in France where the tendency is to choose the mountains in Winter and the coast in Summer – the Alps continue to lure tourists? The 
Luxury travel news of the week
By Paul Johnson on Sep 29, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Events, France, Going Out, Hotels, Italy, Monaco, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive these new weekly alerts in your web browser, please click on the red bell icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page and click ‘subscribe’ (works on desktop only – for other ways to 
Short stay: The Alpina Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland
By Paul Johnson on Sep 27, 2019 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
On completion of its construction in 2012, The Alpina Gstaad was the first five star hotel to be opened in Gstaad for over a century. Set in five acres in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel blends traditional Swiss architecture with contemporary flair – both inside and out. This 56-room luxury hotel is co-owned by Jean 
7 fun things for families to do when visiting Lausanne
By Paul Johnson on Sep 26, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
With its rich and diverse tourism offering, its privileged position within the heart of Europe and its incredible location on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital of Lausanne is not just a famous sporting city but also a cultural one that springs to life during the Summer months. The Summer is also 
5 unique, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences
By Linas Ceikus on Sep 26, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Alaska, Asia, Europe, Florida, Hawaii, Nepal, North America, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, Western Europe
It’s true; the plains of Africa, and the rainforests of Asia and South America, offer some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on the planet. However, along with traditional safari wildlife encounters, there’s a whole host of unbelievable destinations and wildlife encounters you might never have thought about. From Alaskan grizzlies to the birds of 
Short stay: Lausanne Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland
By Paul Johnson on Sep 25, 2019 in Accommodation, Bars, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Built over a century ago, in 1915, the historic 140-room Lausanne Palace is a 5-star hotel in the Olympic city of Lausanne. A member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Leading Hotels of the World, this Belle Epoque hotel faces out towards the city at the front and enjoys Alpine vistas across Lake Geneva (which goes 
