Planet Whitley

Touring Chicago’s gangster heritage – from Prohibition to the Untouchables

A Chicago gangster tour can help piece together the city’s unwanted past – as can visits to the Valentine’s Day Massacre site and the Green Mill. The efforts to gloss over Chicago’s gangster past Dressed in his snazzy fedora and wide pin-stripes, Southside tells it…

Chicago, gangsters, Illinois, tours, USA

The view on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

How to see the best of New Zealand in three weeks: Suggested itinerary

This outline itinerary should help you plan a memorable three week road trip around the best activities and attractions in New Zealand. Days 1 to 5: Auckland and the Bay of Islands Increasingly buzzy entry city Auckland is best around its harbour – try crewing…

itinerary, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

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

A third visit to Chicago provides a valuable lesson to apply to the rest of the world. First time vs second time in Chicago The first time I visited Chicago, I was thoroughly bowled over. The skyline got me giddily excited, the vibe seemed right…

Chicago, Illinois, USA

The best value entrance pass for Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days, with discounts available for certain US residents. Overseas visitors should consider this pass over the America the Beautiful pass, which is $80 but only for US citizens.

Arizona, Grand Canyon, USA

The Vasarely Museum in Budapest, Hungary.

Why the Vasarely Museum is Budapest’s best art museum

The Vasarely Museum, located in the overlooked suburb of Obuda, showcases over 400 works by Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely. Unlike other Budapest art destinations, it offers a unique perspective on art through geometric patterns and colors. Tickets cost 2,400 forints, free with the Budapest Card.

art, Budapest, Hungary, museums

Cat in the Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome.

How Julius Caesar’s assassination site became a cat sanctuary

Among the ruins of the Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome, a colony of cats has made a happy home. Visiting Largo di Torre Argentina Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome is a very odd place. Roads fairly heavy traffic flank what should be another…

Italy, Rome, wildlife

Kayaking among icebergs on Tasman Lake, New Zealand.

Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake, New Zealand

A kayaking tour on Tasman Lake, near Aoraki/Mt Cook, reveals the dramatic retreat of the Tasman Glacier over 25 years. Participants navigate icebergs that are melting and witness stunning scenery. The tour emphasizes safety and offers a unique experience of ice and nature, culminating in whiskey on the rocks.

kayaking, Mt Cook, New Zealand, South Island, watersports

Swimming with a whale shark on the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

What it’s like to swim with whale sharks

Snorkelling with whale sharks off Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s most remarkable experiences. Here’s what it’s like. The first sighting of a whale shark It’s difficult to know what provides the bigger shock – the size or the clarity. We gracelessly…

Australia, fish, Ningaloo Reef, swimming, Western Australia

A statue of Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Understanding Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The Visitor Center at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, provides thought-provoking insight into Abraham Lincoln via his most famous speech. Gettysburg: The battle that no-one wanted The coachloads pulling up outside Gettysburg’s Visitor Center really shouldn’t be there. The Battle of Gettysburg – the biggest single bloodbath in…

battlegrounds, Pennsylvania, USA

The cheapest night to stay in London

Sunday is the cheapest night to stay in London. The cost of a four star hotel room can be less than half price when compared to a midweek stay. And here’s the proof… Bringing down the cost of visiting London A couple of days in…

accommodation, England, hotels, London, UK

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

Touring Chicago’s gangster heritage – from Prohibition to the Untouchables

How to see the best of New Zealand in three weeks: Suggested itinerary

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

The best value entrance pass for Grand Canyon National Park

Why the Vasarely Museum is Budapest’s best art museum

How Julius Caesar’s assassination site became a cat sanctuary

Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake, New Zealand

What it’s like to swim with whale sharks

Understanding Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The cheapest night to stay in London