The Szechenyi Baths in Budapest, Hungary.

First time visitor’s guide to Pest, Hungary

Pest is the more exciting half of Budapest, with unique attractions including the House of Terror and Szechenyi Baths. What’s Pest all about? The city splits like the name - Budapest is really two settlements riven by the River Danube. Buda is the one with…
The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, Greece.

Athens accommodation recommendations (updated for 2026)

From the classic Grande Bretagne to the purpose-built beds of the Nubian Hostel, Athens has interesting accommodation options for all budgets. Best Athens accommodation for backpackers: Nubian Hostel Hostel beds are often hideous, noisy, rattling metal things that groan in the night as someone attempts…
One of Portland's many, many food trucks.

Is Portland, Oregon, really full of hipsters?

Spend a few days in Portland, and you soon realise the craft brewing, coffee roasting and urban winemaking are about passion rather than a desire to be hip. Portland’s hipster reputation In the couple of decades, Portland has burst from basically not having a reputation…