Category: Travel Miscellany

Mauritius - much more than a honeymooner's paradise

Mauritius - much more than a honeymooner's paradise

By on Nov 22, 2013 in Africa, Attractions, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Mauritius, Regions, Travel Miscellany
The utterance of the word ‘Mauritius’ is often followed by visions of turquoise waters and powdery beaches. While Mauritius is perfect for a luxury holiday or honeymoon, it offers so much more to visitors. It’s colourful culture and friendly inhabitants ensure a memorable holiday. Here are some of my favourite things about the island: Sugarcane fields Endless
5 of South Africa's hidden gems

5 of South Africa's hidden gems

By on Nov 22, 2013 in Africa, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, South Africa, Travel Miscellany
South Africa is a beautiful country, enriched with history, culture and nature. It is a popular destination with travellers looking to experience something unique and unforgettable, like with a sunset safari or a hike up Table Mountain. There are also plenty of lesser known locations and activities in South Africa which the average traveller would be
7 of the best places in the world to drink wine

7 of the best places in the world to drink wine

By on Nov 21, 2013 in Argentina, California, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Italy, North America, Regions, South America, Spain, Travel Miscellany, USA, Western Europe
When travelling, it is always important to never forget to stop and smell the flowers. Or as I prefer – taste the wine! An incredible benefit of my job is that I am able to travel the world, experience different cultures, taste delicious foods, and savor some of the world’s finest wine. If you’re a
Where on earth is this?

Where on earth is this?

By on Nov 21, 2013 in Fun Stuff, Travel Miscellany
A little puzzler for you today!  The sign you see pictured is actually somewhere I’ve been – a couple of times as it happens. But where do you think it could be? Don’t be shy now… have a guess by posting in the comments below… (and no, don’t try sneaking a look at the source
7 ways to warm to the festive season early in London

7 ways to warm to the festive season early in London

By on Nov 20, 2013 in Europe, Events, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Christmas is coming, and the UK capital is a fantastic place to experience the broadest range of festive experiences. Thanks to its rich multicultural society, there are plenty of different traditions to take part in as part of this seasonal Christian festival. Here’s a guide to the top seven festive events going on around London
7 cafés with style in Palma de Mallorca

7 cafés with style in Palma de Mallorca

By on Nov 20, 2013 in Europe, Food and Drink, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
There are cafés galore in Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of the largest of the Balearic Islands. But which do you choose for your cup of Joe, when it’s time for a break from the city’s excellent shopping or sightseeing? For good barista-made coffee (and perhaps something tasty to go with it) in a-cut-above setting, these
Photograph of the week: Vietnamese wine cave

Photograph of the week: Vietnamese wine cave

By on Nov 20, 2013 in Asia, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Vietnam
The cave is an authentic hillside rock cavern at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay; a unique setting for a very intimate dinner, as the ambient lighting and the cosy atmosphere set the tone for any special occasion. Dishes served include Oriental style tuna carpaccio with local mango and lime granite and Harvey Valley lamb fillet,
Reflections on my trip to Helsinki, Finland

Reflections on my trip to Helsinki, Finland

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Finland, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Throughout my time in Helsinki, I’ve been on a mission with American Express to track down great customer service experiences and there has been no shortage of examples to call upon. I managed to pack a huge amount into my short time there, taking a ferry trip to (and a guided tour at) the UNESCO
The most dangerous road in the world

The most dangerous road in the world

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Bolivia, Regions, Road Travel, South America, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Videos
Is this the most dangerous road in the world? Situated in Bolivia, just to the north-east of La Paz, the North Yungas has featured on BBC’s Top Gear and previously been billed as the most dangerous road in the world. Take a look at this video and see if you agree! Since the 1990s, it
Feasting on bear in Finland

Feasting on bear in Finland

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Europe, Featured, Finland, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
In my continued hunt for great customer service on behalf of American Express, I wanted to try some traditional Finnish food during my stay in Helsinki and the Savotta restaurant, just a short walk from my hotel, was recommended to me. Located right on the Senate Square, this restaurant takes you back to the charm
Best luxury Tanzania safari sundowner spots

Best luxury Tanzania safari sundowner spots

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Food and Drink, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, Travel Miscellany
We all love a sundowner when on safari – a cold gin and tonic or glass of wine as the sunsets in a million colours before you, after a fantastically thrilling day game viewing, is absolute magic. It’s a time to sit, think, recount every detail of everything you saw. The sun sets in Africa
Hockey in Helsinki

Hockey in Helsinki

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Finland, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Videos, Western Europe
On my recent trip to Helsinki, I wanted to not only see some of the main tourist attractions, but also experience what Finnish people do and so, when someone suggested I take in an ice hockey match, that sounded like a great opportunity to do just that. Ice hockey – or simply hockey as they
Interview with Bennett Stevens, Director of Luminous Journeys

Interview with Bennett Stevens, Director of Luminous Journeys

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Asia, Bars, California, Food and Drink, Going Out, Interviews, Myanmar, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Thailand, Travel Miscellany, USA
Born and raised in California where his family ran a charter yacht business for more than 20 years, Bennett Stevens was stricken with an incurable case of wanderlust in 1996 and took to the road. He “serpentined” his way around the world and wound up in southeast Asia where he managed to survive as a
The southern hemisphere's number one Warbird airshow - Warbirds Over Wanaka

The southern hemisphere's number one Warbird airshow - Warbirds Over Wanaka

By on Nov 19, 2013 in Air Travel, Events, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow is one of Wanaka’s major biennial events. It is a truly spectacular airshow featuring military fighter aircraft from the last 100 years, as well as modern jets from the present. Held over Easter weekend in April, the town of Wanaka New Zealand is almost always at capacity during this popular event.
One of the world’s most difficult dog sledding races

One of the world’s most difficult dog sledding races

By on Nov 16, 2013 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Events, France, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Videos, Western Europe
Since the first event in 2005, the Grande Odyssée has been one of the world’s most difficult dog sledding races. The Grande Odyssée 2014 will take place over 11 days, including nine stages and covering a total distance of 750 kilometres, with 30,000 metres of vertical climb. The time trial will take place in Samoëns
Recipe of the week: Balboula (barley) couscous of 7 vegetables

Recipe of the week: Balboula (barley) couscous of 7 vegetables

By on Nov 15, 2013 in Africa, Food and Drink, Morocco, Regions, Travel Miscellany
Balboula is the original Berber version of couscous. Made from cracked barley, it is a delicious dish which is as good as it is hard to find on a restaurant menu. In a world where we are concerned with eating so many carbohydrates, and regular couscous is just like pasta in this regard, balboula offers