David Whitley, Author at Planet Whitley

Discovering Laos, from Luang Prabang to Pakse

From the monasteries of Luang Prabang to the treks and Mekong River islands of Champasak Province, Laos proves to be frequently, alluringly unusual. Waiting for the monks of Luang Prabang As the sky begins to sieve through enough light for the mole-like eyes of the…

Asia, Laos, Southeast Asia

Avoid Long Queues at Alton Towers: Rainy Day Secrets

The secret to avoiding the crowds at Alton Towers during peak season is to look closely at the weather forecast. The worst time to visit Alton Towers Everyone knows the worst time to visit Alton Towers – or, indeed, any theme park. The school holidays,…

money saving, theme parks, UK

Why Te Anau is the Best Base for Milford Sound

Milford Sound – or Piopiotahi, to give it the Maori name – is arguably New Zealand’s most prized attraction. The steep-walled fjord, lined with waterfalls, is a natural wonder on the west coast of the South Island. It’s also pretty remote, and most people use…

New Zealand, South Island, tours

Which hotels are on the Las Vegas Monorail?

Hotels with Las Vegas Monorail stations include the MGM Grand, Sahara and Linq. With monorail tickets costing from $5.50, you can save money on taxis going to shows. Where does the Las Vegas Monorail go? The Las Vegas Monorail is, for many visitors, the best…

Las Vegas, Nevada, public transport, USA

In praise of the decent restaurant within a short walk of your hotel

Repeat after me: Not every meal needs to be an adventure. Before I write this exhausted. I have spent four days on my feet, walking back and forth across Rome, and having my ankles repeatedly brutalised by its savage, merciless cobblestones. It is my last…

Italy, restaurants, Rome

Michelangelo's frescoes from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Why I hated the Sistine Chapel

I went to see one of the greatest pieces of art ever created, and it was awful. The Conclave Fantasy If I was a cardinal, I would drag the Conclave to elect a new Pope out as long as possible. It would be a shameless…

art, Italy, Rome