While visiting family in Hampshire, I decided to make a weekend of it and accept an invitation to make our base the newly rebranded voco® Winchester Hotel & Spa. Previously part of the Holiday Inn group of hotels, we were lucky enough to be among the first to have the voco® experience as the wraps came off a £2m refurbishment. The contemporary hotel, which was first built in 2010, is located on the edge of the beautiful South Downs … [Read more...]
Where in the World Am I Now?
Driving from Mumbai to Nashik we passed road construction chaos. If I had to guess I would say completion on this project will be sometime between 550 and 750 years from now. It had the appearance of having been worked on for decades with little progress to show for the effort. What appeared to be total chaos for kilometers included piles of rotting garbage, lengthy sections of broken pavement, stones everywhere, partially paved sections covered … [Read more...]
What to eat in Trapani (and where)
If you find yourself exploring Trapani and are on the lookout for authentic spots to savor local dishes, you've found the perfect guide! Here, you’ll discover hidden gems that will make you fall in love with Trapani’s culinary traditions. You’ll learn which dishes are absolutely unmissable and where to taste the culinary treasures this remarkable cuisine has to offer. Before arriving in Trapani, I made sure to get advice from a local expert on … [Read more...]
Beyond the Vines: Paso Robles’ Playground of Lights, Bites, and Delights
Paso Robles, you know it: that quaint, semi-rustic town you stop at for a bite and a glass of wine on your drives between LA and San Francisco. Well, in between drives, Paso Robles has grown up, and in the best of ways. These days, Paso is more of a first (though less expensive) cousin of Napa’s St. Helena—you’ll definitely want a second glass of wine. And you’ll want to stay a spell. The town retains its California Western feel, but now … [Read more...]
Indonesia on a Budget: Money-Saving Travel Tips
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, traveling can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to explore Indonesia without breaking the bank. This article provides useful tips on how to save money while enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer. 1. Plan Your Trip During Off-Peak Seasons One of the best ways to save money is to travel … [Read more...]
Lazy Days in One of the World’s Least Visited Countries
Time moves no slower here than in Los Angeles or any other major city on the planet. It’s just what you decide to do with your time that determines how fast you perceive time. This is Majuro Atoll in the little visited and very remote Marshall Islands. Here are a few observations and notes from our time in the country: - The Marshall Islands became a country in 1986. - U.S. dollars are the accepted currency - It takes over an hour … [Read more...]
Cameron Highlands: 3 days itinerary
The Cameron highlands are a breathtaking area high up in the mountains in Malaysia. The region is renowned for the tea plantations, ancient forest and stunning views. We have been traveling the world for a while now, and the Cameron highlands still have a place in our top 10 destinations. We have spent 3 days in the Cameron highlands and fell absolutely in love with the place. There is lots to do and see. The Cameron highlands are a … [Read more...]
Darwin, California – October 2024
Fairly isolated, this small town has a population of somewhere between 30 and 35 full time residents (including those who live in some trailers on the outskirts of the downtown area). Today the town is a mix of various artists, characters and those who value their privacy. Straddling being a living town and a ghost town, remarkably it still exists. The residents change over the years but the town doesn't seem to grow much. Named after Darwin … [Read more...]
Discovering the beauty of the Argentario in Tuscany: what to see and do
The Monte Argentario peninsula, located in the southern part of Tuscany, is one of Italy’s most stunning yet often overlooked destinations. Surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, this rugged and mountainous region offers a delightful combination of crystal-clear waters, scenic landscapes, charming harbors, and historical sites. In this article, we’ll explore the key attractions of Argentario, what to see, where to go, and how you can make the most of … [Read more...]
Swedish Wine on the Rise: Triumphs at European Competition
Swedish vineyards are impressing with top-quality wines. This was confirmed at the recently held The Swedish Wine Tasting event, where international wine experts sampled some of Europe's finest wines, with a Swedish wine receiving the highest rating. For those eager to explore Sweden's growing wine production firsthand, here are seven vineyards worth visiting. While Sweden hasn't historically been known for winemaking, the country's varied … [Read more...]