Destinations Archives

Guide to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for first time visitors

Two of the world’s great universities – Harvard and MIT – shape the character and appeal of Cambridge, Massachusetts. What makes Cambridge, Massachusetts, unique? To all intents and purposes a suburb of Boston, just on the north side of the Charles River, Cambridge is technically…

The North Sea beach at Spurn, East Yorkshire.

Five things I learned on the way to Spurn Point – Yorkshire’s Land’s End

Smart seagulls, erosion-preventing oysters and diseased seals are amongst the discoveries on the Spurn Safari. Two weeks ago, I visited Spurn – the ridiculous narrow peninsula that curves around the northern side of the Humber Estuary in East Yorkshire. It’s an odd place, not on…

View of Perth, Western Australia, from Kings Park.

6 reasons to add Perth to your Australian holiday

Perth in Western Australia is isolated from the rest of the country. But its beaches, islands, parks and wildlife are among the reasons to visit. How many days do you need in Perth, and when should you visit? Most travellers spend 3-5 days exploring Perth…

One of many witches in Salem, Massachusetts.

A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 have given way to a city obsessed with Halloween. What makes Salem unique? In 1692, Salem went very dark indeed. The strange behaviour of a few children descended into a blizzard of accusations of witchcraft. Neighbours turned on each…

Understanding the culture of bullfighting in Seville’s bullring

A tour of Seville’s Maestranza arena, and a visit to the bullfighting museum inside, puts a savage sport in context. El Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla Coated in Andalucian red and yellow, the Seville bullring is the city’s finest…

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. Mixed reviews of the Nobel Peace Center Oslo is a city with a lot of unusual, niche museums. Personally, I’m a…

Six reasons to include Queenstown on your New Zealand travel itinerary

Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island may be small, but it packs an oversized punch. Here are six reasons why it should be on your New Zealand travel itinerary It’s stunning In terms of good looks, there are few more impressive towns on the planet.…

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

Walking through authentic recreations of the Sonoran Desert whilst Mexican grey wolves prowl behind glass metres away, watching Sumatran tigers stalk through tropical forests, then hand-feeding gentle giraffes creates wildlife encounters few American cities can match. The Phoenix Zoo spreads across 125 acres within Papago…