Planet Whitley

Santiago Airport review

What to expect if flying from the Chilean capital. Dropping off rental cars at Santiago Airport? It’s hard not to groan when dropping off the rental car. I can’t just walk to the terminal – I have to take the free shuttle bus. This is…

airports, Chile, reviews, Santiago

The view from the Humphrey Peak Lookout on the US-180W in Arizona.

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is via the US-180W, not the I-40W via Williams. It might take a few minutes longer, but the San Francisco Peaks scenery makes up for it. Using Flagstaff as a gateway to the Grand Canyon The…

Arizona, driving, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, USA

Powell Point on the Hermit Road in Grand Canyon National Park.

How to drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon without taking the shuttle bus

What is Hermit Road? Hermit Road is a seven mile road that hugs the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It links several of the most popular viewpoints on the Grand Canyon, including Hopi Point, Mohave Point and Pima Point. Hermit Road runs from the…

accessible travel, Arizona, driving, Grand Canyon, USA

How to get the best seat in economy

Six strategies for flying as comfortably as possible in economy class. Flying in economy class isn’t a comfortable experience, even if you’re armed with travel pillows, compression socks and a power bank for your devices. But you can make it more comfortable, and avoid the…

air travel

Why I ended up enjoying Austalia’s most notoriously boring drive

Crossing the Nullarbor from Adelaide to Perth turns out to be rather enjoyable if you make the right stops. Getting to know the sea lions of Baird Bay It’s Beryl’s eyes that do it. If she asked for a pony, no-one would be able to…

Australia, driving, South Australia, Western Australia

Monte Alban Travel Guide: Shuttle vs. Bus Options

The ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Alban is awkward to visit by public transport. Expect a long walk if you take the R37 bus – or splash out on the shuttle bus or tour instead. What is Monte Alban? Many of the ‘ancient’ sites in…

Mexico, Oaxaca, public transport

Visit the Jewel House First at Tower of London

To beat the queues at the Tower of London, there’s one section you should go to straight away. What to see inside the Tower of London The Tower of London is one of the British capital’s best attractions - and it's great for families. Entry…

London, UK

The last of Rarotonga’s canoe carvers

In the Cook Islands, a few men are trying to keep an ancient culture alive. A ceremony in Rarotonga The country’s main ceremonial building looks rather like a cross between a school assembly hall and a small capacity basketball stadium, but we’re all invited in.…

Cook Islands, Pacific Islands, Rarotonga

Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?

The short answer No. Are you mad? The long answer The Grand Canyon and Sedona are almost undoubtedly the two most spectacular destinations in Arizona. It is also possible to do a day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. The short-of-time may be tempted…

Arizona, Grand Canyon, Sedona, tours, USA

Driving through Death Valley, California.

My number one tip for visitors to Las Vegas

Why the best thing to do in Las Vegas is get out for a day. The golden rule of Las Vegas I have had the fortune (or misfortune, depending on your perspective) to visit Las Vegas several times. I’ve been for work, I’ve been for…

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Planet Whitley

Türkiye vs Turkey: When do you start using a country’s new name?

Why Rome is a brilliant city for solo travellers

Why leaf-peeping is not just for old people

Some random observations about driving in the US

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

The day I decided to walk to France

Montreal is Canada’s best city: Here’s why…

Muri, Rarotonga: The perfect holiday town?

Why booking a family holiday is horrible – and how to improve it

The two things Rome’s piazzas sadly lack