Travel advice, ideas & expert tips

How to get inside Madrid’s Royal Palace when tickets have sold out

If you want to visit Madrid’s Royal Palace, expect same-day tickets to be sold out. You may be able to get in on a tour, however. If tickets for Madrid’s Royal Palace have sold out, you can probably get in on a tour. To skip…

One of many witches in Salem, Massachusetts.

A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts

Planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts? From witch trials to maritime history, here is my essential guide for first-time visitors to Witch City. What makes Salem unique? In 1692, Salem went very dark indeed. The strange behaviour of a few children descended into a blizzard…

Why you shouldn’t trust ChatGPT for travel information – yet

Thinking of using AI to plan your trip? Here is why you shouldn't trust ChatGPT for travel information yet and how to avoid common hallucinations. The unforgivable sin? A lot of travel writers are going to hate me for this. Indeed, I kinda hate me…

Which Oslo museums and attractions are open on Mondays?

Don't get caught out! Discover which Oslo museums and attractions stay open on Mondays so you can plan your perfect itinerary in the Norwegian capital. As any visitor who has spent much time in Europe will know, Monday is an awful day to explore a…

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. This review was updated in February 2026. El Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla Coated in Andalucian red and yellow,…

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 November 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…

White sand beach on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

11 great things that travellers can do for free

Managing a budget on holiday is much easier if you take advantage of the freebies – and most destinations have them. Luther Vandross may have been hopelessly wrong when he stated that the best things in life are free, but there are certainly plenty of…