Destinations Archives

Templo I from the top of Templo II at Tikal, Guatemala.

Tikal, Guatemala: The ancient Mayan city you’ve seen in Star Wars

The jungle-covered ancient Mayan city of Tikal has appeared in a Bond film and Star Wars. Climbing the temples is an awe-inspiring experience. The howler monkeys of the Guatemalan jungle The roars cry out over the thick Central American jungle. It’s all very Jurassic Park.…

The Guggenheim on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

A first time visitor’s guide to Manhattan’s Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is New York City at its most wealthily sedate – but there are some excellent museums and mansions to explore. What makes the Upper East Side unique? Those hunting for hip, energetic New York City are unlikely to find it in…

Is the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo worth visiting?

The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, celebrates the work of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Don’t expect too many laughs on the way round. This guide was updated in February 2026 to reflect current prices. Mixed reviews of the Nobel Peace Center Oslo is a…

6 reasons Queenstown should be on your New Zealand travel itinerary

Why visit Queenstown? From bungee jumping to lake cruises, here are six reasons to include New Zealand’s adventure capital on your travel itinerary. It’s stunning In terms of good looks, there are few more impressive towns on the planet. Queenstown sits on the edge of…

Phoenix Zoo in Arizona: Complete guide to one of America’s largest privately owned zoos

Visit one of America’s largest non-profit zoos. My complete Phoenix Zoo guide, updated in February 2026, covers must-see animals, trail maps, and essential visitor tips. Walking through authentic recreations of the Sonoran Desert whilst Mexican grey wolves prowl behind glass metres away, watching Sumatran tigers…

The Strokkur geyser in the Haukadalur Valley, Iceland.

Strokkur: The secret highlight of Iceland’s Golden Circle tours

Geysir, Thingvellir and the Gullfoss waterfall are advertised as the three highlights of a Golden Circle tour in Iceland. But the natural wonder to look out for is Strokkur. The main attractions on Iceland’s Golden Circle Iceland’s Golden Circle is a world class example of…

A first-timer’s guide to Niagara Falls, Canada

With cruises, observation decks, rapid-side walking trails and helicopter flights, there’s a massive amount to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. What makes Niagara Falls unique? Without the backstory, it’d be easy enough to just dismiss Niagara Falls as a waterfall. But it…

The Alofaaga Blowholes on Savaii, Samoa.

Blowholes, lava tubes & village life on Savaii, Samoa

The Pe’a Pe’a Cave, Alofaaga Blowholes and the Tafua Peninsula’s crater are among the natural highlights of Savaii. But it’s the traditional culture that makes Samoa’s second island so memorable. Savaii’s curfew The bulky silhouette stands solemnly by the roadside. He’s there to make sure…

Alcazaba of Almería: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Explore the stunning Alcazaba of Almería. My 2026 visitor guide includes ticket prices, opening hours, and history for this Spanish fortress. This guide was checked and updated in January 2026. The first time I climbed the zigzagging ramp towards the Alcazaba of Almería's entrance, slightly…

Icebergs on the Jökulsárlón lagoon, Iceland.

Seeing icebergs up close in a RIB on Iceland’s Jökulsárlón

Taking a rigid inflatable boat cruise on Iceland’s Jökulsárlón allows you to get up close to icebergs and the glacier wall. Flotation suits on Jökulsárlón Nobody is ever going to look dignified in a flotation suit. But better to look undignified than to fall into…