February 2025 - Page 2 of 12

Braving the Singapore Flyer with food poisoning

If there’s one thing you do not want to do after being sick all night with food poisoning, it is go on a massive observation wheel. Falling ill after the open air buffet My wife took one look at me and knew she was on…

big wheels, Singapore

A perfect day in Edinburgh: 24 hour travel guide

An ideal 24 hours in Edinburgh includes climbing Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile without the crowds and a ghost tour at Real Mary King’s Close. Why Edinburgh is worth visiting Edinburgh’s a rare character - both instantly loveable and fascinatingly complex. Age has bestowed distinguished…

Edinburgh, itinerary, Scotland, UK

Some random observations about driving in the US

Americans drive differently, you know. The following random thoughts were ones that sprung to mind as I drove from Boston to Chicago. They’re not entirely based on this trip – a lot of these things I’ve noticed on other big US drives as well. Not…

driving, USA

Touring Chicago’s gangster heritage – from Prohibition to the Untouchables

A Chicago gangster tour can help piece together the city’s unwanted past – as can visits to the Valentine’s Day Massacre site and the Green Mill. The efforts to gloss over Chicago’s gangster past Dressed in his snazzy fedora and wide pin-stripes, Southside tells it…

Chicago, gangsters, Illinois, tours, USA

The view on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

How to see the best of New Zealand in three weeks: Suggested itinerary

This outline itinerary should help you plan a memorable three week road trip around the best activities and attractions in New Zealand. Days 1 to 5: Auckland and the Bay of Islands Increasingly buzzy entry city Auckland is best around its harbour – try crewing…

itinerary, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

Revisiting Chicago – and why the third visit to a city is often the best

A third visit to Chicago provides a valuable lesson to apply to the rest of the world. First time vs second time in Chicago The first time I visited Chicago, I was thoroughly bowled over. The skyline got me giddily excited, the vibe seemed right…

Chicago, Illinois, USA

The best value entrance pass for Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days, with discounts available for certain US residents. Overseas visitors should consider this pass over the America the Beautiful pass, which is $80 but only for US citizens.

Arizona, Grand Canyon, USA

The Vasarely Museum in Budapest, Hungary.

Why the Vasarely Museum is Budapest’s best art museum

The Vasarely Museum, located in the overlooked suburb of Obuda, showcases over 400 works by Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely. Unlike other Budapest art destinations, it offers a unique perspective on art through geometric patterns and colors. Tickets cost 2,400 forints, free with the Budapest Card.

art, Budapest, Hungary, museums

Cat in the Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome.

How Julius Caesar’s assassination site became a cat sanctuary

Among the ruins of the Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome, a colony of cats has made a happy home. Visiting Largo di Torre Argentina Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome is a very odd place. Roads fairly heavy traffic flank what should be another…

Italy, Rome, wildlife

Kayaking among icebergs on Tasman Lake, New Zealand.

Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake, New Zealand

A kayaking tour on Tasman Lake, near Aoraki/Mt Cook, reveals the dramatic retreat of the Tasman Glacier over 25 years. Participants navigate icebergs that are melting and witness stunning scenery. The tour emphasizes safety and offers a unique experience of ice and nature, culminating in whiskey on the rocks.

kayaking, Mt Cook, New Zealand, South Island, watersports