Travel advice, ideas & expert tips

Leo and Cleo, the room service robots at Hotel EMC2 in Chicago.

Hotel EMC2, Chicago: Robot room service, science-inspired rooms, restaurant & visitor tips

At Hotel EMC2 in Chicago, science meets hospitality in unusual ways. From laboratory-themed décor to robot room service delivered by Cleo and Leo, the hotel blends technology with playful design. Meeting the robots at Hotel EMC2 The lift stops unexpectedly on the 9th floor. Someone…

Wadi Shuwayhah, Hatta: Canyon views, desert scenery & the Hajar Mountains

Hidden among the rugged Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shuwayhah reveals a surprising canyon landscape of palms, pools and sheer rock walls – a dramatic contrast to the desert scenery surrounding Dubai. A simple game in a dramatic landscape Masood studies the ground carefully, searching for a…

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: Getting to love the beach town vibe

A laid-back surf town on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is the kind of place where hammocks, seafood restaurants and sunset swims easily fill a few slow, restorative days. Arriving in San Juan del Sur “Who wants beer? It’s OK if I ask…

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat: Australian gold rush history brought to life

Visitor tips for Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Victoria. Discover how the Blood on the Southern Cross show, gold mining experiences, and recreated 1850s goldrush streets bring a pivotal chapter of Australian history to life. To skip the explanation, and just book tickets, head here. Blood…

One of the pink lakes in Murray Sunset National Park, Victoria, Australia.

Murray Sunset and Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks: Exploring Victoria’s Mallee and riverland wetlands

Pink salt lakes, bounding red kangaroos and vast dry landscapes define the Mallee of north-west Victoria. But beyond the surface lies a complex story of irrigation, environmental water and fragile wetlands. The Mallee: Australia’s overlooked transition zone By the side of a salt lake, tinged…

Cruising around Las Isletas, Lake Nicaragua.

The lure of Las Isletas: Lake Nicaragua cruise review

“So how much is it to buy an island?” the lady from Vancouver asks. In most places, this sort of question would be met by a response containing horrific numbers. “About $140,000. That’s with the house on it,” comes the boatman’s reply. “Jeez! I’ll buy…

The Cube Houses in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Rotterdam architecture guide: modern skyline, cube houses and market hall highlights

Rotterdam is a city that looks forward rather than back, with bold architecture replacing what was lost in wartime bombing. This guide explores its most striking buildings, waterfront developments and creative urban spaces. Arrival at Rotterdam Centraal and first impressions of the city Stepping out…

Three Dutch cities worth visiting beyond Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Spread your wings beyond the biggest two cities in the Netherlands, and there are some pleasant surprises in store. Utrecht This bike-mad city has a homogenously pretty medieval heart. The 112m Domtoren tower is worth the 465-step climb, both for the views and the somewhat…

Art nouveau details in Riga's architecture.

Riga’s art nouveau architecture: Eisenstein, national romanticism and the Quiet Centre

Lions on rooftops, dragons around doorways and entire façades dripping with theatrical flair — Riga’s art nouveau district is one of Europe’s most extraordinary architectural showcases. Mikhail Eisenstein and Alberta iela 4 Mikhail Eisenstein, it is fair to say, didn’t believe in keeping it simple.…

Pittock Mansion, Portland: Visitor guide with ticket prices, hours and must-know tips

Pittock Mansion is a historic French Renaissance-style house museum located in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips. To skip entry queues, book your Pittock Mansion tickets in advance.…