In June 1863 an English lady set off by train on the trip of a lifetime: Thomas Cook’s first Conducted Tour of Switzerland. A century and a half later, travel writer Diccon Bewes, author of the bestselling Swiss Watching, decided to go where she went and see what she saw. Guided by her diary, he followed the same route to discover…
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Portugal, there is something always going on. From festivals celebrating specific foods, to historical re-enactments and cultural highlights, there is no reason not to celebrate when visiting such a rich and diverse part of the world.So here is, by no means complete, a comprehensive list of the festivals and events held…
For all its small size, Portugal is a country filled with contrast. Part foodie heaven, part surfers dream and part history buffs goldmine, Portugal truly has something for everyone.The northern end with its mountains and villages still preserves its strong rural and agricultural ties sits in stark contrast to the Algarve in the south, with its sun-soaked beaches leading into…
Travel can be amazing for our mental and psychological health; it can even be great for getting our step count up! Travel can provide us with endless possibilities and opportunities, it opens our minds to new cultures, different ways of living, we find ourselves in a constant state of learning and evolving. It can also be said that most of…
The city of fair Verona may be small, but it is filled with romance, culture and history… often listed as a day trip on itineraries, it is well worth spending a few days in this beautiful city to properly explore it. Halfway between Milan and Venice sits the historic city of Verona. First established by the ancient Romans back in 89BC,…
Winter is not always everyone’s first choice for travel… but it is the perfect time of year to visit Europe if you want to experience a white Christmas (I’m from Australia so this was a must-do), or if you love museums but hate the crowds. Milan in December ticks both boxes… dress in your winter best and find out why!…
Showing your gratitude can be a great way to spread positive feelings in the world around you. When you think about it, reaching your goals starts with a single positive thought. How do you feel when someone sincerely expresses their gratitude to you for something you did? Doesn’t it make you feel good about yourself? These positive feelings can lift…
Spritz has gained in popularity over the past few years, especially during the summer months. But what is it, and where did it come from? Spritz is a drink that began in Northern Italy in the Lombardy-Venetian region, and was invented around the 19th century by Hapsburg soldiers who found the local wines too strong. Spritz comes from the Austrian…