Travel advice, ideas & expert tips

Does Seaton Beach in Cornwall have white sand?

Seaton Beach in East Cornwall is a family favourite, but visitors expecting dazzling silica sand will be disappointed. Seaton Beach is an unusual beach in East Cornwall in that it is fairly wide, rather than a cliff-backed cove. This has some advantages, the main one…

Palazzo Bo, Padua: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Visiting Palazzo Bo in Padua? Check my 2026 guide for ticket prices, hours, and tips for exploring the historic University of Padua. When I first glimpsed Galileo's wooden lectern through the doorway of the Great Hall in Padua, it struck me that this wasn't just…

Hiking along the Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand's South Island.

Heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier: Complete guide to New Zealand’s ultimate ice adventure

Stepping onto a 7,000-year-old river of ice, crampons crunching into brilliant blue glacier surfaces, ranks among New Zealand's most thrilling experiences. Franz Josef Glacier heli-hikes combine helicopter flights over the Southern Alps with guided treks through ever-changing ice formations, crevasses, and caves. The glacier moves…

The view from Ubirr in Australia's Northern Territory.

9 great things to climb in Australia instead of Uluru

When the ban on climbing Uluru finally came into force in October 2019, visitors had no choice but to discover it's best to walk round the Northern Territory's great monolith anyway. But for those who have an unquenchable urge to climb things in Australia, the…

A lorikeet at Gorge Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Gorge Wildlife Park, Adelaide Hills: Ticket prices, opening hours & visitor guide (2026)

This Gorge Wildlife Park guide was updated in March 2026 to confirm opening hours and prices. Other guides may contain outdated information. What is Gorge Wildlife Park? Gorge Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary located in Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, approximately…

The Gap in Torndirrup National Park near Albany, Western Australia.

Torndirrup National Park, Western Australia: Guide with visitor tips

Discover the rugged beauty of Torndirrup National Park in Western Australia. Get visitor tips for The Gap, Natural Bridge, and coastal hikes here. What to expect in Torndirrup National Park Torndirrup National Park is a 3,906-hectare coastal park located 10 kilometres south of Albany in…

The famously disappointing Mannekin Pis in Brussels, Belgium.

Manneken Pis, Brussels: A guide for first-time visitors

Planning to see Manneken Pis in Brussels? My expert guide covers history, visitor tips, and where to find the famous peeing boy statue. What is Manneken Pis? Manneken Pis (pronounced "man-uh-ken piss" — Dutch for "Little Pissing Man") is a 55.5cm (21.9 inches) bronze fountain…

The 8 best attractions and experiences in Edinburgh

From Edinburgh Castle to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, this comprehensive guide reveals the must-see attractions and hidden gems in Scotland's historic capital. Edinburgh Castle: Scotland's crown jewel At the top of the processionary route through the Old Town known as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle sits…

Best Chicago neighbourhoods to visit: A visitor’s guide to the Windy City’s top districts

Discover Chicago's most vibrant neighbourhoods in this guide to the city's diverse districts. From historic Old Town Chicago to trendy West Loop restaurants, explore the unique character and attractions that make each area special for visitors and locals alike. Old Town: Victorian charm meets comedy…

The Cheynes IV whaling ship at Albany's Historic Whaling Station, Western Australia.

Discovering the dangers at Australia’s last whaling station

Australia's whaling industry ended in 1978, but the legacy of the country's most perilous occupation lives on at Albany's former Cheynes Beach Whaling Station. This historical whaling site tells the shocking story of flensers who risked life and limb in one of the world's most…